At last, the work was finished.
The youngsters stood once more before Mrs Thistlewick.
Peter’s ears had returned to normal.
Michael could speak properly again.
And Billy had lost all interest in playing tricks.
“Now,” said Mrs Thistlewick, “what have we learnt this evening?”
“Not to be rude to elderly ladies,” replied Susan.
“Not to make a mess of people’s houses,” added Margaret.
“Not to tell fibs,” said Peter.
“And not to laugh at people with donkey’s ears,” said Billy.
Mrs Thistlewick chuckled.
“An excellent beginning.”
She put down her slipper and opened a tin of homemade ginger biscuits.
“One each,” she said. “And don’t gobble them.”
The youngsters accepted the biscuits gratefully.
Peter looked towards the great leather-bound book.
“Mrs Thistlewick?”
“Yes, Peter?”
“Are you really a witch?”
The old lady looked at him for a very long time.
Then she smiled.
“Well, what do you think?”
Peter considered the seven black cats, the green flashes, his donkey’s ears and Michael’s unfortunate croaking.
“I think you probably are, madam.”
“A very sensible conclusion.”
“Are you a wicked witch?”
Mrs Thistlewick laughed.
“Good gracious, no! Although I admit I can be rather cross when somebody scatters flour all over my doorstep.”
She leaned forward.
“Now listen carefully, all of you. There is nothing particularly clever about frightening people, damaging their property or making fun of those who are different. A little Halloween fun is one thing. Being deliberately unkind is quite another.”
The youngsters nodded solemnly.
“And another thing,” she added, picking up her old slipper. “Don’t imagine that because someone is elderly, they are helpless.”
“No, madam,” replied five voices.
“Excellent.”
She opened the front door.
“Off you go, then. Straight home, every one of you.”
The children hurried outside.
But just as Peter reached the gate, Mrs Thistlewick called after him.
“Oh, Peter!”
He turned.
“Yes, madam?”
“Next Halloween, if you would like some proper treats, you may knock politely on my door.”
Peter grinned.
“Thank you, Mrs Thistlewick!”
“And Peter?”
“Yes?”
“Leave the flour at home.”
