"Curses on her!" she muttered, "she is too strong for me. Do thou help me," she added, appealing to Fancy.
"I cannot," he replied; "I have done all I dare to help you. You must accomplish the rest yourself."
"But, my sweet imp, recollect—"
"I recollect I have a master," interrupted the familiar.
"And a mistress, too," cried the hag; "and she will chastise thee if thou art disobedient. I command thee to carry off this girl."
"I have already told you I dare not, and I now say I will not," replied Fancy.
"Will not!" shrieked the hag. "Thou shalt smart for this. I will bury thee in the heart of this mountain, and make thee labour within it like a gnome. I will set thee to count the sands on the river's bed, and the leaves on the forest trees. Thou shalt know neither rest nor respite."
"Ho! ho! ho!" laughed Fancy, mockingly.
"Dost deride me?" cried the hag. "I will do it, thou saucy jackanapes. For the last time, wilt obey me?"
"No," replied Fancy, "and for this reason—your term is out. It expired at midnight."