after another as fast as Hortense could toss them into his mouth and at
the thirteenth he became no larger than a little baby alligator. Malay
Kris likewise ate his bravely and became small accordingly.

"Luckily, I'll be even sharper than before," said he.

Owl glared upon these proceedings with contempt.

"This is all foolishness," said he.

"But you'll come, won't you?" Hortense asked anxiously. "You can help
us a great deal because you can see in the dark. Besides," she added,
"we want your advice."

"Much heed you'll take of it," Owl grumbled. He was pleased,
nevertheless, and swelled out his feathers complacently.

"Then let us start at once," said Hortense, leading the way.

She and Andy had decided that the tunnel way was best, for they could
not easily climb the mountain and to ride on Tom and Jerry was to
invite capture by the Little People, whom they must avoid.

They hurried as fast as they could and met no one. Their only
difficulty was in getting Alligator through the cave under the brook,
for he liked the feel of the water dripping on his hide. However, now
that he was small he was easier to manage than before, and Coal and
Ember dragged him away despite his protests.

When at last they came out from the tunnel, the blue moon was shining
as before upon the roof of the Cat's house. The house itself was dark,
but for a flicker of firelight on a windowpane.

"Look in and see if any one is there," Hortense whispered to Owl.

Obediently he flew and peered in at the window, returning to say that
all he could see was the clock. So Hortense ventured in, finding the
house empty as Owl had said, save for Grandfather's Clock.

"They're all out, tick tock," said the Clock. "But it is dangerous to
remain, for Grater is very angry and desperate to-night."

Hortense looked in the glass case for her charm but could not find it.

"You had best get it back somehow," said the Clock. "It gives Jeremiah
and Grater power."

"But how can I?" said Hortense anxiously.

"Who can say?" said the Clock. "But in time anything may happen."

"Do you know what will happen?" Hortense asked exasperatedly. "If you
are Time, everything will happen in you, and so you must know what
everything is and will be."

"I know, but I do not say," the Clock replied. "That is how I keep my
reputation for wisdom."

Hortense hurried back to the others, and they proceeded beyond the
house and through the woods until they neared the