And the Sammy--I mean, something told us it would work, though it's only half a one; but it won't work unless we can say the name that's on it.

But, of course, if you've got another name that can lick ours, our charm will be no go; so we want you to give us your word of honour as a gentleman--though I'm sure, now I've seen you, that it's not necessary; but still I've promised to ask you, so we must.

Will you please give us your honourable word not to say any name stronger than the name on our charm ?' The gentleman had put on his spectacles again and was looking at Cyril through them.

He now said: 'Bless me!' more than once, adding, 'Who told you all this ?' 'I can't tell you,' said Cyril.

'I'm very sorry, but I can't.' Some faint memory of a far-off childhood must have come to the learned gentleman just then, for he smiled.