actually true: she had six horrible toes. Overjoyed at his success, and
seeing by the huge bump in the sheep skins where the other foot was,
he
proceeded to lift them gently, for, if he could only succeed in carrying
away the other shoe as well, he would be no more afraid of the goblins
than of so many flies. But as he pulled at the second shoe, the queen
gave a growl and sat up in bed. The same instant the king awoke also,
and sat up beside her.
"Run, Irene!" cried Curdie, for though he was not now in the least
afraid for himself, he was for the princess.
Irene looked once round, saw the fearful creatures awake, and like the
wise princess she was, dashed the torch on the ground and
extinguished
it, crying out--
"Here, Curdie, take my hand."
He darted to her side, forgetting neither the queen's shoe nor his
pickaxe, and caught hold of her hand, as she sped fearlessly where her
thread guided her. They heard the queen give a great bellow; but they
had a good start, for it would be some time before they could get
Madhuri Noah
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