He stood still for a few moments, overwhelmed by this thought, and apparently endeavoring to realize the full extent and enormous size and immense proportions, together with the infinite extent of ear, appertaining to the ass to which he had transformed himself; but finally he shook his head despondingly, as though he gave it up altogether. Then he hurried after Mrs. Willoughby.
Mrs. Willoughby rushed into Minnie's room, and clasped her sister in her arms with frantic tears and kisses.
"Oh, my precious darling!" she exclaimed.
"Oh dear!" said Minnie, "isn't this really too bad? I was so tired, you know, and I was just beginning to go to sleep, when those horrid men began firing their guns. I really do think that every body is banded together to tease me. I do wish they'd all go away and let me have a little peace. I am so tired and sleepy!"
While Minnie was saying this her sister was embracing her and kissing her and crying over her.
"Oh, come, Minnie, come!" she cried; "make haste. We must fly!"
"Where to?" said Minnie, wonderingly.
"Any where—any where out of this awful place: into the woods."
"Why, I don't see the use of going into the woods. It's all wet, you know. Can't we get a carriage?"
"Oh no, no; we must not wait. They'll all be back soon and kill us."