and the Bletherwitch
175
Before any reply could be given a voice in the air screamed out:—“Beware of the Nargalnannacus!” At which the Zankiwank trembled and the whole place seemed to rock to and fro.
“What is the Nargalnannacus?”
“It’s a noun!”
“How do you mean?”
“A noun is the name of a person, place or thing, I believe?”
“It was yesterday.”
“It is to-day. And that is what the Nargalnannacus is. He, She, or It is a person, place or thing, and it travels about, and that is all I know of it. Nobody has ever seen a Nargalnannacus, and nobody ever will, not a real, proper, authen——”
“Authenticated,” assisted Maude.
“Thank you—authenticated one. Directly they do they turn yellow and green, and are seen no more.”
“What are we to do then?” anxiously enquired Willie.
“The best that offers. We have been expect-