and Andy perceived that they must meet Jeremiah's
attack, for Highboy and Lowboy were of no use in a fight. Here it was
that Owl proved himself most unexpectedly useful. While Andy and
Hortense backed slowly through the tunnel facing Jeremiah's claws, Owl
tweaked his tail and pulled bits of fur from his back. Jeremiah's claws
were useless against such a foe who flew away whenever Jeremiah turned
on him.

So the retreat was effected in good order and without serious hurt to
any one, while from the rear came the clash of arms and the shouts of
Kris and Grater in fierce conflict. Kris, having eaten the thirteen
cookies and reduced his size, found Grater a far more formidable foe
than before. But though small, Kris was as fast as lightning and darted
here and there, evading Grater's blows and putting in quick stabs.
Although Grater came more and more to resemble a sieve, he still stood
his ground with his back to the door, and until he was forced aside,
escape was impossible.

Lowboy then displayed a courage and intelligence which his fondness for
poor jokes led nobody to expect. Throwing himself at Grater's knees and
holding them tight, he threw their enemy to the ground with a crash.
Malay Kris quickly disarmed and bound him and the way was clear.

Jeremiah, seeing that the battle was won, turned tail and fled, Owl
hooting derisively after him. Every one sat down to get his breath.
Except for a few scratches no one suffered any mishap.

"We've finished them this time," Malay Kris said complacently. "We must
put this fellow where he can do no more harm."

Grater glared at them.

"I'll get even with you!" he promised.

"You'll be old and rusted to pieces by the time you escape," Kris
retorted and wedged him tight against the door so that it could not be
opened nor could Grater stir a hand or foot.

"You'll have a nice rest here," said Malay Kris. "It is quiet and
nobody will disturb you."

Thus they left Grater, grinding his teeth in rage, and made their way
into the cellar.

While they were eating their bits of cooky to make them large again,
Hortense said,

"How can we prevent Jeremiah from setting Grater free?"

"We must block the way on this side, too," said Andy, immediately
rolling a barrel before the sliding door in the air chute of the
furnace. Upon this he piled a heavy box.

"If Jeremiah can move those, he is a smart cat," said Andy.

"Jeremiah is a smart cat," Hortense said, "but it's the best w