Instantly, as Mr.Schofield finished his little prediction, the most shocking uproar ever heard in that house burst forth in the kitchen.

Distinctly Irish shrieks unlimited came from that quarter--together with the clashing of hurled metal and tin, the appealing sound of breaking china, and the hysterical barking of a dog.
The library door flew open, and Mrs.Cullen appeared as a mingled streak crossing the room from one door to the other.

She was followed by a boy with a coal-black nose and between his feet, as he entered, there appeared a big long, black, horrible snake, with frantic legs springing from what appeared to be its head; and it further fulfilled Mrs.
Cullen's description by making a fizzin' noise.

Accompanying the snake, and still faithfully endeavouring to guide it with the detached handle of a rake, was a small black demon with a gassly white forehead and gasslier white hair.

Duke evidently still feeling his bath, was doing all in his power to aid the demon in making the snake step lively.