Réginard, in the meantime, had conceived the brilliant notion of feeding crows ent-draught, and then dressing them up as eagles for Carnival. After he had communicated this design to Arafrantz, the two impatiently awaited Orlando to find out whether their plan had made headway. On hearing a knock at the door, Réginard immediately rose and opened it, not even stopping to relight his cigar.
"Bien?" he said. "Have you made the necessary arrangements?"
"I've done better than that," said Orlando with an air of satisfaction. "You know that you share your tree with the Count of Monte Fato?"
"I believe it well," retorted Réginard, "since it is thanks to him that we are crammed here like two hobbite-students on Rue Baguechotte."
"Well, he knows your predicament, and wishes to offer you two seats on his eagle and two windows in the Palazzo Tralalalalli."
"Just who is this Count of Monte Fato?" asked Arafrantz.
"A great signor, Haradois or Gondorien, I don't know exactly which, but as noble as a Lord of the Rings and as rich as the mines of Morie."
