Everybody greeted the Soft-Voiced Cow in a kindly manner.
“I saw you running across the field,” said the Soft-Voiced Cow, “and you looked as if you were running away from something.”
“We were,” Gran’ma said. “We were running away from Old Jingles the Magician, who wants to change us into animals.”
“Dear me suz!” exclaimed the Soft-Voiced Cow. “Is he that wicked?”
“Yes indeed he is,” Janey said, and she told of their experiences, and of that of the Princess.
“If he follows you, he may find me when he comes this way,” said the Soft-Voiced Cow. “So if you do not mind my company, I will go with you to the City of Nite. I should not care to meet so wicked a Magician.”
“We should be greatly pleased to have your company,” they told the Soft-Voiced Cow.
When they had rested, Gran’pa said they better begin travel on; so the Soft-Voiced Cow took Gran’ma and the Princess and Janey on her back and the little party started on their way.
The Old Woman caught the Soft-Voiced Cow’s tail and began dragging her back. (Page [83])