“I promise,” said Isabelle.
“Then be very careful,” cried the parrot, “for you are almost there. Walk until you come to a dense woods, take the narrow path and you will find the enchanted castle.”
“Thank you,” returned Isabelle, and she started off in the direction of the woods. She found the narrow path, and after walking a long way she came to the old woman’s castle.
At first she hid behind some bushes and looked around, but after a while she decided to walk boldly up to the castle. She had gone but a few steps when somebody touched her on the shoulder, and turning around she found herself face to face with the wicked old woman of the pointed hat and crooked staff.
“How do you do, Isabelle?” said the old woman in a cracked voice; “and how do you like your new playmate? Ha! ha! ha!” and she laughed aloud and struck the ground with her crooked staff.
Isabelle greeted the old woman politely and said, “I have heard that you are a very powerful fairy, is it true?”
“Indeed it is,” said the old woman very much pleased. “I can do wonderful things.”
Isabelle greeted the old woman politely and said, “I have heard that you are a very powerful fairy; is it true?”—Page 140. Little Miss Dorothy.
“So I have heard,” replied Isabelle, “that you can even turn people into different shapes and animals, but I don’t believe it.”