If she would only let us have the boat! But I warn you she may refuse.

She is like the witch in 'Hansel and Gretel.' Do you remember--" But at the first mention of the boat, the doctor had sprung to action and was now standing ready laden with the basket and the rug.

With the air of a man who has never heard of "Hansel and Gretel" he slipped a most businesslike revolver into a pocket of his coat.

"For the dog, if necessary," he said.

"We must have that boat! Is it far ?" "Quite a walk.