“Hurrah！” said a ver y shrill and small voice f rom somewhere at the Doctor’s feet. “Let them come！ All I ask is that the King will put me and my people in the front.”
“What on earth？” said Doctor Cornelius. “Has your Majesty got grasshoppers.or mosquitoes.in your army？” Then after stooping down and peering carefully through his spectacles， he broke into a laugh.
“By the Lion，” he swore， “it‘s a mouse. Signior Mouse， I desire your better acquaintance. I am honoured by meeting so valiant a beast.”
“My friendship you shall have， learned Man，” piped Reepicheep. “And any Dwarf.or Giant.in the army who does not give you good language shall have my sword to reckon with.”
“Is there time for this foolery？” asked Nikabrik. “Whatare our plans？ Battle or flight？”
“Battle if need be，” said Trumpkin. “But we are hardly ready for it yet， and this is no very defensible place.”
“I don’t like the idea of running away，” said Caspian. “Hear him！ Hear him！” said the Bulgy Bears. “Whateverwe do， don‘t let’s have any running. Especially not beforesupper； and not too soon after it neither.”
