Let's wait here, as father said.' 'We can't do anything else,' said Anthea bitterly.
'Look here,' said Robert, 'I'm NOT frightened--no, I'm not.

The Phoenix has never been a skunk yet, and I'm certain it'll see us through somehow.

I believe in the Phoenix!' 'The Phoenix thanks you, O Robert,' said a golden voice at his feet, and there was the Phoenix itself, on the Wishing Carpet.
'Quick!' it said.

'Stand on those portions of the carpet which are truly antique and authentic--and--' A sudden jet of flame stopped its words.

Alas! the Phoenix had unconsciously warmed to its subject, and in the unintentional heat of the moment had set fire to the paraffin with which that morning the children had anointed the carpet.