CHAPTER IV THE SEARCH IN THE CUPBOARD Now, presently, a very strange thing happened. The Twins, Lulu and Zuzu, stood at the edge of the table grieving very much that the Banjo was broken. Each put out a hand, Lulu touching the neck of the instrument, where, in her opinion, the music was, and Zuzu the round part or head, where he thought that the music was situated. To their great surprise, as they did this the Banjo again began to play, the two parts joining themselves together as good as new. So long as they held it in this way, it played the most beautiful and 13wonderful music. Stranger still, after it had finished playing, it began also to talk. 13 "I am the Enchanted Banjo of the King of Gee-Whiz," it said in a small, distinct, and quite unmistakable voice. "I only take myself apart to rest myself; but if you put me together again, of course I feel obliged to play for you, as that is only common politeness on my part." "Is that indeed the truth, sir?" asked the Widow Pickle of the little dark man. "It is," said he; "and I myself am the Court Musician, as I have said. It is my duty to furnish music for the King every day at half-past two in the afternoon, and I find a self-playing instrument a great convenience. Now, I am sorry to disturb you, but, by the way, it is nearly time for us to be returning." "Excuse me, my children," remarked the Enchanted Banjo, "but you are holding my neck very tight." At this, Lulu and Zuzu released their hold, and with a sigh of relief the Banjo again lay in two pieces on the table. "Now, children, see what you have done!" exclaimed the Widow Pickle. "The Banjo is broken again." "Never mind," said the Private Secretary, "it will always play when the two hold it together. Besides, 14it can not resist the Royal Hereditary Colors, madam, for these are very powerful in our Island." 14 "In truth," said the Widow Pickle, "I am of a mind myself to go to this wonderful place of which you talk. I would like to seek my fortune and that of my Twins. Have you credibly informed me that Twins with malazite-and corazine-colored hair would have a good chance in that country?" "I have told you the truth," said the little dark man; "but I
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