They quietly crept close to the Cat's house, and Owl, who had joined them, peeped in at the window.
"All quiet," said he.
The four entered.
"Highboy and Lowboy are in the cooky jar," said the Clock, not waiting to be asked. "Make haste!"
It was not easy to free them. The jar was far taller than Andy and Hortense, and as smooth and slippery as ice. Andy and Malay Kris finally made a rope by tying together table covers and sheets and, throwing the end of this over the edge of the jar, at last succeeded in pulling Highboy and Lowboy to the top. From this they dropped safely to the floor.
"Now we must hurry," said Hortense, and away they went.
But they were not in time, for barely had they reached the gate when they were seen by Jeremiah and Grater. Thereupon ensued a fierce battle. Jeremiah seemed as big as a lion. He lashed his bushy tail, arched his back, and spat; his great eyes glowed, and his claws were long and sharp as knives. Andy and Hortense were glad for their breastplates, for these the Cat's sharp claws could not pierce.
Highboy and Lowboy, however, had no armor.
"Oh, my nice coat of varnish!" Highboy moaned as Jeremiah's claws reached him.
"I shall no longer be a polished person," said Lowboy.