Page 25 - The Grotesque Children's Book

“What are you doing!!” it seethed.
Amelia startled, pulling back her hands. “I'm rescuing you.”
“Rescuing me? From what?”
“Wasn't that you who was crying just now?”
“I'm not afraid to admit it,” said the Salamander, with a sniff.
“Well,” said Amelia, “I'm setting you free.”
“I am already free.”
“You're stuck in a bird bath because a priest put you there.”
“I'm stuck in a bird bath because the priest didn't set me on fire.”
“Well, of course he didn't set you on fire. Why would he? Now, I need to
get back to my father, so come here. Don't be afraid; I won't hurt you. I'll just
set you on the ground where --”
“You’re as cruel as the priest.”
“What? No. Look, I heard you crying. If you don’t want my help, that’s
fine. But I won’t stand here and allow you to call me cruel.”
“Then you’ll set me on fire?”
“No, of course I won’t set you on fire.”
“Then you are just as cruel. You’re like all the rest of them. I’m glad
you’re freezing to death. Serves all of you right. Good night: and I hope I never
see you again.”
“Same to you!”

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