Page 64 - Folio Only

him, “My heart isn't made of stone. Because, you see, it's made of gold, which
a metal, not a stone. And I actually feel a little sorry for you. However, I am a
demon, so don't image I will let you and your family out your father's bargain
just like that. So I'll tell you what,” said Diavolo d'Oro, “I'll give you one
chance -- one! -- to guess how it is that I turn things to gold. And when you
fail, I'll turn you into gold, then have you melted down and re-poured into a
nice gold birdbath for my garden. You'll make a wonderful birdbath.”

“And if I succeed --”

“You won't.”

“If I succeed, you'll change back my brothers and sisters and let them go
free.”

The demon sighed. “Yes.”

“Let's shake hands on it.” A pause. “Oh.”

“Why does everybody -- ? I can shake your hand with my hoof, you
know. Just because I don't have arms doesn't mean I can't shake on a
promise. Harrumph!” He held out a cloven hoof and Citia shook it.

“Now lead me to my brothers and sisters!” she said.

“Demanding little girl, aren't you?”

“Someone has to stand up to demons like you. Hoarding the secret of
transmutation! Shame on you. Knowledge must not be confined to a secret
room where none but a privileged few could know Her.”

“If I lead you to the Transmutation Room, will you stop your
speechifying?”

“I will.”

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