When Smaly and Redy were sure that all was safe, they crept forward to the edge of the rock. Their two little heads appeared side by side before the astonished eyes of the three young girls, and since their beaks had disappeared for good and all, the two little people were certain they would make a good impression. And, indeed, the three young girls saw at once that these were the heads of human beings, real human beings, not creatures made of sugar and cake.
When they heard these two human beings speak, the young girls were seized with intense emotion. Smaly and Redy whispered:
"We've come to save you."
Kisika, Laptitza, and Fritilla held up their arms towards them, while the tears ran down their cheeks for joy. They all began to speak at once; but Smaly and Redy each placed a finger on their lips with a mysterious air, to command silence.
"We are going to take you away with us," whispered Redy.
"Silence," said Smaly, standing on the point of his toes to appear taller. And he continued, "No one must speak until Kisika, Laptitza, and Fritilla have each made a little stairway by which they can climb up to where we are."
"What a splendid idea," cried Redy.
Smaly took no notice of her; but said, with an air of great importance, "Let the young girls begin at once to make the stairways."
