Billy didn't know how long he had been sleeping when he was awakened by a loud galloping.
Spinach.
"Who in the world can be riding through the forest so fast and furiously at this time of the night?" he exclaimed to himself. "I hope it's no one after me. I want to go to sleep."
"Thunder—col-lop—col-lop—col-lop," came the hoof beats nearer and nearer, "clop—clop, clop—clap—clap," and the gallop had changed into a trot. Nearer and yet nearer came the sound.
"It's coming here sure enough. I must get up and meet him, whoever he is," but when Billy tried to move he found himself bound hand and foot.
"Well, this is a fine how-de-do," he said, after vain attempts to release himself.
"How-de-do," said a little voice in his ear.
"Who are you?" asked Billy, in surprise.