"I am not afraid, Mr. Elf," said Laura. "You and I have met before, and what nice honey you gave me! I am sure Kathie would like some, and are you too busy to help me find my staff?"
"Lost it again, have you? Oh, you're a nice one! I am busy pruning witch-hazels, and your knife has been very useful."
"So much the more reason why you should find my staff again for me. Please, Mr. Elf, do be as kind as you were before."
"Let me see you dance again."
Laura took Kathie's hand and whirled her away in a waltz till they were both breathless, while Kathie whispered, "What shall we do to get away from this strange little creature?"
"He will find my staff if we are good-natured," replied Laura, in a whisper, "and we never could get back to the Motherkin without it."
"THE HERB ELF CAME UP BEHIND KATHIE AND GAVE A TWITCH TO ONE OF HER BROWN BRAIDS."
Suddenly the Herb Elf came up behind Kathie, and, jumping up vigorously, gave a twitch to one of her brown braids.
"They don't come off, then?" he said, as Kathie winced.