So the retreat was effected in good order and without serious hurt to any one, while from the rear came the clash of arms and the shouts of Kris and Grater in fierce conflict. Kris, having eaten the thirteen cookies and reduced his size, found Grater a far more formidable foe than before. But though small, Kris was as fast as lightning and darted here and there, evading Grater's blows and putting in quick stabs. Although Grater came more and more to resemble a sieve, he still stood his ground with his back to the door, and until he was forced aside, escape was impossible. Lowboy then displayed a courage and intelligence which his fondness for poor jokes led nobody to expect. Throwing himself at Grater's knees and holding them tight, he threw their enemy to the ground with a crash. Malay Kris quickly disarmed and bound him and the way was clear. Jeremiah, seeing that the battle was won, turned tail and fled, Owl hooting derisively after him. Every one sat down to get his breath. Except for a few scratches no one suffered any mishap. "We've finished them this time," Malay Kris said complacently. "We must put this fellow where he can do no more harm." Grater glared at them. "I'll get even with you!" he promised. "You'll be old and rusted to pieces by the time you escape," Kris retorted and wedged him tight against the door so that it could not be opened nor could Grater stir a hand or foot. "You'll have a nice rest here," said Malay Kris. "It is quiet and nobody will disturb you." Thus they left Grater, grinding his teeth in rage, and made their way into the cellar. While they were eating their bits of cooky to make them large again, Hortense said, "How can we prevent Jeremiah from setting Grater free?" "We must block the way on this side, too," said Andy, immediately rolling a barrel before the sliding door in the air chute of the furnace. Upon this he piled a heavy box. "If Jeremiah can move those, he is a smart cat," said Andy. "Jeremiah is a smart cat," Hortense said, "but it's the best we can do." In the kitchen they parted company, and as soon as Hortense was in bed she fell fast asleep and did not wake until the sun was high the next day. After breakfast Fergus came to pry open the drawers in the lowboy that had refused to budge the day before. "There's nothing the matter with them," said Fergus as they slid open at a touch. "They are just as usual." "Why, so they are," said Grandmother and opened the upper drawer. "What in the world is this?" The drawer was filled tight full of strawberries packed in neat boxes--and on top lay thirteen cookies! Grandmother looked on these with astonishment. "Wild strawberries!" said she tasting one. "And at this time of the year, too. They are delicious." Grandfather and Fergus looked astonished, and Fergus scratched his head. "Well," said Grandfather, "let's look at the highboy in Hortense's room. There's no telling what we'll find there."