Pearl drew a step nearer, moving the carriage up and down
rapidly to appease the wrath of the czar, who was expressing
his disapproval in a very lumpy cry.

"I'm just 'tendin', you know, about him bein' the czar,"
she said confidentially. "You see, I mind him every day,
and that's the way I play. Maudie Ducker said one day I
never had no time to play cos we wuz so pore, and that
started me. It's a lovely game."

The doctor nodded. He knew something of "'tendin' games"
too.

"I have to taste everything he eats, for fear of Paris
green," Pearl went on, speaking now in the loud official
tone of the body-guard. "I have to stand between him and
the howlin' mob thirstin' for his gore."

"He seems to howl more than the mob," the doctor said
smiling.

"He's afraid we're plottin'," Pearl whispered. "Can't
trust no one. He ain't howlin'. That's his natcheral
voice when he's talkin' Rooshan. He don't know one English
word, only 'Goo!' But he'll say that every time. See now.
How is a precious luvvy-duvvy? See the pitty man, pull
um baby toofin!"

At which the czar, secure in his toothlessness, rippled