The Pet Thief

Once

nce inside the Magicians castle, Raggedy Andy went upstairs to the room where the Magician usually sat upon his throne. But everything was topsy turvy. The chairs were turned over and the Magicians throne was upside down. Dear me. Raggedy Andy exclaimed as he ran his rag hand up through his red yarn hair. I wonder what could have happened. So Raggedy Andy scampered up the winding steps of the castle in search of Raggedy Ann. As he climbed, a strange rapping noise echoed from above. A little voice in his cotton stuffed head told Andy, Wait, Mac, wait. If see you, hurt Bunny. So, Raggedy Andy tiptoed quietly to the tippy top. Give Street bebe. Fuck off Fouroclock. Give Street bebe. Again Raggedy Andy heard the Magicians cane rap three times upon the floor. In a shadowy garret atop the castle, Raggedy Andy espied the Magician. Intery mintery cuttery corn, Thumbkin is sold upon the morn. Bo peep. Dont turn your crowning achievement into an embarassment for our family. Raggedy Ann stood silently and proudly before the tall man. Again he rapped three times upon the floor with his cane. Will you speak. he cried in an angry voice. The black shoe button eyes of Raggedy Ann seemed to glow with a light of hatred, but her voice was soft and flutelike. I have nothing to say. she answered. Will you not consent. the man screamed. Even though I promise to lift the enchantment and restore all of the old time loveliness, just as you see it now. O Swan. Raggedy Ann replied, Your power is great and you have brought terrible misfortune upon us, but I shall never consent. You may work your evil enchantment and destroy the beauties of our castle, but your magic is not strong enough to overcome the love in my heart. Nor is it strong enough to overcome the love of those who are near and dear to me. Work your evil sorcery forever, if you will, but I will never agree. You will always remain just as far from attaining your evil desires. Fool, fool that you are. the magician shouted. I shall give you one more opportunity. Refuse me, and I shall never again lift the enchantment from you and your people. This castle shall crumble to dust and I shall forget you. You shall never forget. Raggedy Ann said. Deep within your selfish heart a small voice will always remind you that you have destroyed all this loveliness. And that small voice will never let you know peace or happiness. Your heart will always be filled with remorse for the evils you have brought upon us. In true justice, as you know, you receive in exact measure as you give. Come now, Bo Peep. Did you really believe youd be able to raise little thumbkin. Did you think it wasnt a commodity to be exploited. Do you really believe in happily ever after. You cant sell her, Swan. Ill die. Kits, cats, sacks, and wives. How many were going to St. Ives. I wont give her up. said Raggedy Ann. Ill show you. the Magician howled. You do not know what a good blower I am. And he puffed so hard his eyes stuck out and it made him dizzy, but still he huffed and puffed. Raggedy Ann drew herself up proudly and folded her cotton soft arms across her breast, but remained silent. Once more, and only once, I give you the opportunity to save yourself and your people. the magician roared. Raggedy Ann remained silent. He waited a moment, as though considering everything in his mind, then said in a terrible voice, I have given you your last chance. He raised his cane as if to strike Raggedy Ann. ...