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Griselda rushed into the kitchen. “Petunia, you must find out what's going on.”
“Way ahead of you,” said Mrs. Pitt, wiping her hands on her apron. “The Earth King has returned. All living creatures have been summoned. They have waited a long time for his return and its their duty to defend him.”
“The bowl told you all that?” asked Griselda.
“No. One of the gnomes told me. I held the buggar here until he spilled the beans,” said Mrs. Pitt. “Quite strong for such a little fellow.”
“What should we do? We have to help the boys,” said Griselda.
“Can't. You won't get within ten feet before you find yourself back here,” said Mrs. Pitt.
“What do you mean?” asked Griselda. “What about the boys? Hodgenock and Knoxby?”
“Hodgenock and Knoxby are creatures of the earth. The boys may be human
