"Will you not understand?" screamed the Thin
Woman.

"I will not," said the Philosopher. "Semi-tropical
apes have been rumoured to kidnap children, and are re-
ported to use them very tenderly indeed, sharing their
coconuts, yams, plantains, and other equatorial provender
with the largest generosity, and conveying their delicate
captives from tree to tree (often at great distances from
each other and from the ground) with the most guarded
solicitude and benevolence."

"I am going to bed," said the Thin Woman, "your
stirabout is on the hob."

"Are there lumps in it, my dear?" said the Philoso-
pher.

"I hope there are," replied the Thin Woman, and she
leaped into bed.

That night the Philosopher was afflicted with the most
extraordinary attack of rheumatism he had ever known,
nor did he get any ease until the grey morning wearied his
lady into a reluctant slumber.

CHAPTER VI

THE Thin Woman of Inis Magrath slept very late that
morning, but when she did awaken her impatience was so