Entering the forest, the Dog was obliged to walk, as the path grew rough and steep, and the underbrush on either side was thick and tangled. At last they came to the mouth of a cave.
“This is the home of the Witch,” said Cho-Cho. “We will hide here in the bushes.”
Presently they heard a harsh laugh and the ugly Witch came forth from the shadow of the cave. She paused a moment, dazzled by the sunlight, and Cho-Cho could see clearly the deep scars on her bare ankles, made by chains that had once bound her, and her left arm hung in a sling.
Drawing from his pocket a bright crystal ball, he flashed it directly in the Witch’s eyes.
She stood spellbound for several minutes holding one hand to her head, then her body slowly relaxed and she slipped down upon the pathway.
Cho-Cho stepped forth from his hiding place among the bushes, and stood beside the Witch.
She lay quite still as though asleep. “Lie there for two and twenty hours,” Cho-Cho said, “and when you awaken your sight shall be so dimmed that never again shall you see clearly—never again shall you molest the Green Vegetables.”
Then they went forward into the cave to find the little Vegetable Man. He lay upon the ground, bound hand and foot, trembling with fear.
“Courage, little Man,” said Cho-Cho, “we are your friends and have come to take you home,” and cutting his bonds, they led him forth from the cave.
“Who are you, Friends?” said the little Man.