"United States," he repeated, "and what are those—who united them?"
"Perhaps a history would give you the clearest information," I suggested.
"I think it might, if I had the time," he replied soberly, as he drew from his pocket what I supposed to be a watch; but it was too small to be clearly distinguishable. He pressed it in his hand, and I heard a sound or voice clearly enunciating: "Thirty-four degrees after the eighteenth." Before I could say a word he resumed, "It is too late to-night; perhaps you will save my time by telling me the substance of it?"
"Flattered, I'm sure." I felt as if I was again in school; but after a moment's reflection I cleared my throat and began:
"The Kingdom of England—"
"The what?" he asked, with a puzzled look.
"The Kingdom of England—where the English live—"
"What are the English?"
"Oh, come," said I, laughing, "you are talking English! We are both talking English!"
"Well, well," he said; "I was thinking a while ago how it could be that you were able to speak good Forolarian"; and he burst out laughing. Then suddenly ceasing he went on, "But if we begin on the mysteries we shall never get to the invited states. Pray go on."
"These English, you see, colonized a portion of America—"
"A portion of America—that is the name of a place?"
"Oh, what is the use!" I broke off angrily. "If I define every word I use, I shall never reach a conclusion. If you would like to pursue the subject further, my library is at your service."
"Thank you," he replied, with dignity; "perhaps I could glean some information from that source." I made no reply.
Presently, seeing that he wandered about the table in rather an aimless way, I asked, "Can I be of service?"
