Gran’pa had just swung his cane at the Magician’s head again hoping to finish him with one more blow, but the Magician stepped to one side and struck Gran’pa on the head, sending him to his knees. Gran’pa, however much the blow hurt, never uttered a groan, and as he struggled dizzily to his feet he tried to ward off the blows that old Jingles showered upon him.
Part of the blows Gran’pa received on his left arm, the others slid harmlessly off his cane.
Gran’pa backed away from the Magician and his face was worried, for the blow upon his head had made Gran’pa weak in the knees.
But although he dodged and gave ground Gran’pa waited for an opening and at last, as the Magician missed a swing at Gran’pa’s head, Gran’pa drew his cane back over his shoulder and brought it down with all his might upon old Jingles’ crown.
The blow was of such force it would have broken the Magician’s head if the cane had not split in two, and as it was the wicked man staggered from the blow.
Gran’pa, with but the handle of his cane in his hand, jumped forward to strike again, but he missed his footing and went rolling down the stone steps.
When Gran’pa fell in front of the Magician, the Princess, Janey and Mrs. Tiptoe started running.
“Run for your lives!” cried the Princess. “He will change all of us into animals! Run!”
Catching his long nose in her hands she gave it a tweak. (page [145])