“I will find him,” said Cho-Cho, “for I have in my pocket a Magic Magnet, and when I hold it in my right hand, it will draw me toward anyone whom I wish to seek. Have courage, I will bring back your little Boy.”
As he spoke, Cho-Cho drew out the Magic Magnet and held it in his right hand. Slowly the Magnet turned toward the sunny road, and Cho-Cho walked on.
The path was very rough and full of sharp stones, and ended at last in front of an enormous rock. In this rock was an iron door, so stout and heavy that it could not be opened, unless one had the key, and Cho-Cho had no key.
As Cho-Cho rested for a bit, feeling rather discouraged, he heard a voice, and there sat a Red Brown Squirrel.
“What is wrong, Friend?” said the Squirrel.
“A little Boy is lost,” said Cho-Cho, “and I know that he is behind this wall, but I cannot open the door.”
“I can help you,” said the Squirrel. Stooping, he picked up a small stone, and began to rub it between his paws. As he rubbed, the stone turned to iron, and quickly into a key that fitted the lock on the huge door.
“I thank you,” said Cho-Cho. “What is your name?”
“I am Friendship,” said the Squirrel, “and I will go with you on your journey.”
Through the great door they went, and on again up the mountain, coming at last to the top, and there on the ground lay the little Boy. His clothes were soiled, and torn in many places, for the Witch had dragged him up the mountainside by one small arm, and the rough stones and briars had caught his garments as she hurried him onward. He was asleep where the Witch had thrown him. Cho-Cho’s heart filled with pity when he saw the little figure lying there. Bending over, Cho-Cho gently touched the tear-stained face and the little Boy awoke.