"What about Bold Lion tricks and pranks?"
"My dear fellow, we have just engaged in tricks and pranks at Pussycat Palace, and, for the moment at least, have no more in mind."
"That is a clear statement. Who was your escort?"
"A certain Fader."
"Good evening to you all."
The Oomps departed. Uther looked after them.
"Now, what in thunder were they after, with their talk of pranks? Kiper, did you do something insane? Remember, this is Yipton, and Titus Pompo takes a dim view of mischief."
"Don't blame me; I've done nothing!"
The Bold Lions sat for another hour, then went up to their rooms. Almost immediately there was a great howl from Aries' cubicle.
The Bold Lions and other tourists looked out into the hall.
Aries burst from his room, his heavy round face congested with rage.
"They've stolen my cloak!"
"Aries, control yourself!" said Jardine.
"Talk sensibly! Who has stolen your cloak?"
"Thieves! The Yipton burglars! My best cloak: it's gone!"
"Are you sure? Did you look everywhere?"
"Of course! Even under the bed! It's gone!"
"It's a serious matter for sure," said one of the tourists.
"In the morning you must make a stern complaint. As for now, let us all go to sleep."
"In the morning it will be too late!" declared Aries in a passion.
"It's quite late right now," said the tourist.
"You can roar all night long and still not recover your cloak."
"Good advice," said Shugan.
"We'll see to it in the morning."
Kirdy said: "It won't do any good. The cloak is gone; why make a fuss?"
"Sensible talk," said the tourist.
"Goodnight, all. I hope there will be no more hysterical outcries."
"It's a skulking ding-dong outrage!" declared Aries through clenched teeth.
"I'm almost afraid to undress for fear someone will take my pants and shoes."
Uther said shortly: "Sleep with your clothes on, then. As for me, I'm tired and I'm for bed."
"Lucky you!" sniffed Aries.
"No one has stolen your cloak."
"I shall sleep all the sounder on that account. Goodnight."
Kirdy gave a few last words of advice: "Don't let a simple stolen cloak spoil the excursion for you. Goodnight."
Aries retreated into his room, and the others did likewise.
In the morning Glawen told Kirdy: "The Faraz leaves two hours before noon. We should be aboard as soon as possible;
once on the ship, they can't touch us. And it would be best if the Bold Lions departed all at the same time."
"Good idea," said Kirdy.
"I'll pass the word."
Kirdy made the rounds of his fellows and found almost all of them disposed to depart Yipton. Only Kiper and Cloyd protested, but without vehemence, and in the end decided to go aboard the Faros with the others.
