And down below on the path stood the raven, on one leg of course, his queer black head very much on one side, as he surveyed the little group above him.
"Silly young people," he seemed to be saying to himself; but Houpet was not to be put down so.

With a shrill, clear crow he descended from his perch, stepped close up to Dudu, looked him in the face, and then quietly marched off, followed by his two companions.

The children watched this little scene with the greatest interest.
"They _do_ look as if they were talking to each other," said Hugh.

"I wonder what it's about." "Perhaps it's about the party," said Jeanne; "the party you said you'd give to the peacocks on the wall, and all the pets." "Perhaps," said Hugh.

"I am sure there must be beautiful big rooms in that castle with the lots of steps up to it, where the peacocks stand.
Don't you think it would be nice to get inside that castle and see what it's like ?" "Oh, wouldn't it!" said Jeanne, clapping her hands.