human
What is to become of Chick and of me? We cannot stay with you always.
gpt
I hardly know, answered the Beaver Fairy.
human
Is there any place you especially desire to visit?
gpt
No special place is known to me,
human
It doesn't matter where we go, so long as we keep going,
gpt
You have been very kind to us, continued John,
human
It shall be as you wish, promised the King.
gpt
But I must think of a way for you to leave my palace in perfect safety. Chick is in no great danger, but should Black Ooboo or the terrible Arab chance to capture you, they would cut your gingerbread to bits in no time, and you would be ruined. For this reason it will be best for you to leave this island as quickly as possible.
human
I believe I know a way to save you, John Dough. But I must have your permission to cut you into nine pieces.
gpt
What good will I be when cut into pieces?
human
Do not fear, said the beaver.
gpt
I promise to again restore you to your present form. The Mifkets have placed spies all about our dam, and if you attempted to walk away from here they would soon discover you. Therefore I will cut you into nine pieces, wrap each piece in a bit of cloth, and send the parcels by my beavers along different paths to the top of the hill where Para Bruin lives. There the bear and Chick can put you together again, for the child will have no trouble in reaching the bear's cage. After the nine parts are in place I will give you a magic cordial to drink; it will render your body as solid and substantial as it is now.
human
But how can we escape from the island, once we have reached Para Bruin's cave?
gpt
The Flamingo people owe me many favors, answered the King.
human
You do not weigh much, so I will ask one of the flamingoes to fly with you to some other country. It will take two of the birds to carry Chick; but, if the child is not afraid, the journey will be perfectly safe.
gpt
I'm not afraid, said Chick.
human
Anything suits me.
gpt
I think your plan is an excellent one, declared John,