human
Where's the Princess?
gpt
Aren't you a good way from your mountain?
human
Yes, I don't often stray so far, was the reply,
gpt
She's sick to-day,
human
That's bad, declared the bear, shaking his head sadly.
gpt
She seems to be failing every day. Poor little Princess!
human
How are you getting on with the Mifkets?
gpt
They made me a prisoner this morning, and abused me shamefully, said the gingerbread man.
human
See here!
gpt
What has become of your fingers?
human
A black Mifket named Ooboo bit them off and ate them,
gpt
That's curious, said the bear, rubbing his nose thoughtfully with one paw.
human
Do you know, the Mifkets had an exciting time an hour ago? I watched them from my mountain, and saw everything. Black Ooboo had a fight with the King and knocked him off his rock. That's really surprising, for Ooboo has always before been a coward, and afraid of the King. But now he has declared he'll be king himself, and offers to fight any one who opposes him. Isn't that funny? I don't know where Black Ooboo got so much courage and strength all of a sudden, I'm sure.
gpt
I know, said John.
human
He got it from my fingers, which he ate. My dough is mixed with the Great Elixir, you know, which is nothing less than concentrated energy and strength and vitality and knowledge. The fingers have made Ooboo the most powerful Mifket in the island, so it is no wonder he has become king.
gpt
If that is the case, John Dough, you must feed some of yourself to the Princess to make her strong again.
human
That's what Chick says; but I don't like to do it,
gpt
You will do it, though, said the bear;