The terror and the consternation of my poor hostess was pitiable. She gathered her children together as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and remained stupefied with despair.
As for myself, having escaped the danger of being crushed alive, my only thought now was to escape my tormentor in the best way I could. The earthquake was at an end, so I strode on in the direction I had followed on the previous day, taking advantage of the momentary absence of the dwarf, who had entered the hut for some purpose or other, and imagined for a moment that I should not be overtaken. Alas! vain hope; hardly had I proceeded for ten minutes, when I heard steps behind me, and lo! there was the hideous elf running after me on all fours, his physical conformation rendering this mode of progression the easiest. I started, and my blood ran cold.
"What do you want?" I asked, angrily, still striding on.
But it was useless. Raising himself on his short legs, he beckoned to me, and I immediately felt myself spellbound.
"Follow me," he signed with a gesture.
"I do not want a guide," I replied. "I am neither in search of crystals, fossils, nor of shining stones; no, nor even of gold."
"Never mind," he seemed to say; "come all the same; I will show you what the earthquake has done."
"I am much obliged to you; but I have seen enough of the earthquake, and I repeat I do not want a guide."
"I do not want your money; I will follow you for friendship," he appeared to say.
"Not even for friendship," I said; "I prefer to walk alone."