Part III: Chapter 16, The Lake of Lilies Summary and Analysis

The magpies do not appreciate their confinement. As they learn to imitate speech and sounds, The Magenpies become relentless pranksters. They call the chickens in for food at odd times, and often when Spiro is driving away, one or other magpie would screech Spiro's name until he makes an abrupt turn and speeds back to the villa. The only animal the magpies don't bother is Roger. The Magenpies seem to have developed camaraderie with Roger and often call him to their cage for conversation.

One day, an animal arrives to the villa that repulses most of the family. For once, it is not an animal found by Gerald, but rather an effort at helping friends by Mrs. Durrell. Apparently, friends of Mrs. Durrell's own a pair of Dandy Dinmonts...