A whirr, whirr, and there in the middle of the glade was the witch.
"Well, George!" she said, with a smile. "You look surprised to see me. You did invite me, you know, so I'm not a rude old witch, whatever you may think. The giant's coming too. He stopped to tell the storks a story, but he'll arrive in time for supper."
Supper? So there was going to be a supper!
The dragon was the next guest to appear. He and the weathercock came—not arm in arm, but—well, you know what one means by arm in arm when dragons are walking. They were both very pleased to see George, and the dragon was full of jokes and fun.
Last of all came Tom Tiddler, helping old Father Time along, and then Alexander with his two friends the cats.
"Are we all here?" asked the witch. "We can't wait for the giant. He's always late. Let's begin!"
They seated themselves in a circle round George, and all looked at him as if they were expecting something.
"Now then, George!" said the witch. "We are waiting to hear all about your fortune."
Everybody clapped their hands—not the dragon, the weathercock, and those without hands—and cried: "Bravo! Bravo!"
George felt very shy. "It's a long story," he began.