Spring, and I'll put you in the middle of it, for an ornament. I wonder I
haven't thought of that before; you've been a bother to me for years."

At this terrible speech Tip felt the beads of perspiration starting all
over his body. but he sat still and shivered and looked anxiously at the
kettle.

"Perhaps it won't work," he mutttered, in a voice that sounded weak and
discouraged.

"Oh, I think it will," answered Mombi, cheerfully. "I seldom make a
mistake."

Again there was a period of silence a silence so long and gloomy that when
Mombi finally lifted the kettle from the fire it was close to midnight.



27 Full page line-art drawing.

"I DON'T WANT TO BE A MARBLE STATUE."



28

"You cannot drink it until it has become quite cold," announced the old
witch for in spite of the law she had acknowledged practising witchcraft.
"We must both go to bed now, and at daybreak I will call you and at once
complete your transformation into a marble statue."