3
　　Gussy and Kiki
　　There really wasn’t very much time that evening to get to know Gustavus Barmilevo. As theywere all going off again the next day there was packing to do, and all kinds of arguments arose asto what was or was not to be taken.
　　Gustavus was bewildered by the noise of so many people talking at once. He sat staring at themall, nursing his bandaged finger. Kiki absolutely fascinated him. He watched her continually, butwould not allow her near him.
　　As soon as she came near, he flapped his hands at her as if she was a hen. ‘Go off!’ he cried.
　　‘Clear away!’
　　‘He’s as muddled¹ as Kiki sometimes gets,’ said Jack², with a grin. ‘Kiki can’t make him out.
　　Now, where did I put that book? Aunt Allie, did I pack that big book?’
　　‘You did,’ said Aunt Allie. ‘And I have unpacked³ it. For the third time, Jack, you are NOT goingto take a score of books about birds. Two is more than enough, so make your choice.’
　　‘You’re so hardhearted,’ groaned⁴ Jack. ‘Well, I suppose you will allow me to take my fieldglasses? In fact, if they don’t go, I shan’t go either.’
　　‘You can carry those round your neck,’ said Mrs Cunningham. ‘Do try and remember that therewill be seven of us in the car and all the luggage, too. We really must take the least luggagepossible. Kiki, bring that string back. KIKI! Jack, if you don’t stop Kiki running off withabsolutely everything I put down for a moment, I shall go mad.’
　　‘Where is the cage?’ suddenly demanded Gustavus, in a commanding voice. ‘Put him in thecage.’
　　‘She’s a her, not a him,’ said Jack, ‘and stop talking about cages. No ordering about, please!’
　　Gustavus apparently⁵ did not follow this, but he resented Jack’s firm voice. He sat up stiffly.
　　‘This bird iss – iss – wicket!’ he said. ‘Not good. Wicket. I will not haf him wizzout a cage.’
　　‘Now, Jack, now!’ said Mrs Cunningham warningly, as she saw Jack’s furious face. ‘He’s notused to Kiki yet. Or to our ways. Give him a chance to settle down. Don’t take any notice of him.

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