Next he brought a cage to the table. It was an ugly thing, made out of rusty iron, and big enough to fit a large cat. There was a little door at the front, which the duke opened by lifting a latch that seemed too heavy for a door of that size.
He went back to another cupboard.
Roald frowned at the cage. “What’s that for?”
“That’s for holding the demon, young man,” the duke said, his back to them.
The servant Hans came in and quickly collected the plates and trays. Johanna noticed how he stayed well clear of the objects his master had put on the table.
Nellie met Johanna’s eyes and frowned. “What’s that for?” she mouthed.
Johanna shrugged.
Loesie glared at the duke’s back, her face a mask of distrust.
The duke came back to the table, tap, tap, tap, and put a carafe next to the cup.
