Fortunately, Crunch was now in a good mood. "Little man help we; how pay we fee?" the ogre inquired of Dor.

       Abashed, Dor demurred. "We were glad to help," he said. "We have to get home now."

       Crunch considered. This took some time; he was big but not smart. He addressed Grundy: "Golem tell true: what can me do?"

       "Oh, Dor doesn't really need any help," Grundy said. "He's a Magician."

       Crunch swelled up ominously. "Me get mad, when truth not had."

       Daunted, Grundy responded quickly. "Well, the boys around Castle Roogna do tease Dor a little. He's not as big and strong as the big boys, but he has more magic, so they sort of-"

       Crunch cut him off with an impatient gesture. The ogre picked Dor up gently in one huge hand-fortunately not by the scruff of the neck-and carried him north along the path. Such was the ogre's stride, they were very soon at the edge of the Castle Roogna orchard. He set Dor down and stood silently while boy and golem proceeded forward.

       "Thanks for the lift," Dor said weakly. He was certainly glad this monster was a vegetarian.

       Crunch did not respond. Frozen in his hunched-over posture, he most resembled the massive stump of a burned-out gnarlbole tree.

       Awkwardly, Dor went on toward his home, passing near the umbrella tree. As luck would have it, the two bullies were still there. Both jumped up when they saw Dor, and eager for sport, ran out to bar his way. "The little snooper's back!" Horsejaw cried. "What's he doing on a path meant for people?"

       "I wouldn't," Grundy said warningly…For answer, a little snake landed on his head. A sonic boom went off behind Dor. The boys laughed.