Free The Exploits of Moominpappa (Moominpappa's Memoirs) by Tove Jansson Page A

laws.
    Sometimes Edward the Booble waded to our shores and bawled at us as he was wont to do. I invented one philosophical truth after the other. The Joxter did nothing special, but said he felt fine. The ghost had taken to knitting socks and scarfs. The click and rattle was good for his nerves, he said.
    But one special day - a lonely day when I longed to go away round the world with the Hattifatteners - something happened.
    Hodgkins called a meeting of the council. He had put on his captain's cap and a solemn expression. We understood that something important had taken place and waited in silence for him to speak.
    'My old crew,' Hodgkins began in a funny voice. 'This is a great day. The Oshun Oxtra is now an Amphibian.'
    'Really,' said the Mymble's daughter.
    'Excuse me, a what?' asked the Muddler.
    'The houseboat is rebuilt. Into an Amphibian,' Hodgkins explained. 'An Amphibian's a submarine. On wheels. With wings.'
    'Triumph!' I cried. 'Hodgkins, you're famous now!' 'Well,' he said. 'Perhaps not famous. But satisfied.'
    The trial flight took place the same afternoon. The former Oshun Oxtra was placed on a platform in front of the Autocrat's throne and covered with a red canvas.
    'A black one's much more festive, I think,' said the Island Ghost clicking away at his knitting. 'Or even a thin veil, ashen pale as midnight fog. The shade of horror, you know.'
    'What a prattler he is,' said the Mymble who had brought all her children to the event. 'Hullo, dearest daughter! Come and look at your latest brothers and sisters!'
    'Mother dear,' said the Mymble's daughter, 'have you made new ones again! Please tell them that their sister is a Colonial Princess on her way to a trip around the moon in an Amphibian.'
    The Mymble kiddies bobbed, nodded, and stared.
    Hodgkins disappeared behind the canvas to inspect his invention for the last time. 'Ought to test the exhaust,' he

    said. 'Something's the matter with the pipe. Joxter! Go aboard, will you, and switch on the big fan!'
    After a while the big fan was heard to start.
    Almost at once a lump of oatmeal porridge came flying out from the exhaust pipe and hit Hodgkins in the eye.
    'Strange sight!' he said in some surprise.
    The Mymble kiddies shouted ecstatically.
    'Our breakfast porridge,' Hodgkins said reproachfully to the Muddler.
    'Excuse me,' the Muddler replied. 'There was a little left over, but I'm definitely sure I put it in the teapot Not in the exhaust pipe.'
    'What's wrong?' asked the Autocrat. 'May We begin Our opening speech, or are you too busy to listen?'
    'It's just my little My, I hear,' explained the Mymble delightedly. 'Such a little personality already! Porridge in an exhaust pipe! What an idea!'
    'Don't take it too seriously, madam,' Hodgkins said, a little stiffly.
    'May We begin or may We not?' asked the King.
    'Please, Your Majesty, go ahead,' I said.
    The fog horn gave a long blast, the Hemulic Voluntary Brass Band stood at attention, and Daddy Jones climbed to his throne amid general cheering. When all was silent again he spoke:
    'Dear foggy-headed subjects! The occasion calls for a few solemn words. Take a good look at Hodgkins. Our Royal Surprise Inventor! His latest and greatest invention is to be unveiled shortly and starting on its pioneer voyage over land, through the ocean deep, and in the air. Please keep this bold enterprise somewhere at the back of your fuzzy minds when you are hopping around and generally passing the time of day. We are still expecting great things of you, dearest muddle-heads. Try to spread a little honour and glory over Our kingdom in the future, and if you can't do that, then at least give the hero of the day the best of your cheers!'
    The people cheered enthusiastically. The Hemulens started on Daddy Jones's favourite waltz, and amid a shower of roses and Japanese pearls Hodgkins went up to the platform and pulled the silk rope.
    The canvas fell to the ground.
    It was a great moment.
    The Hemulic Band changed over to the