Upstairs, in Mammy-ana's quiet little retreat, the final and
distressing _dénouement_ took place. Squarky-woo crouched in a
corner awaiting his destiny. For some time Mammy-ana eyed him in
stern silence. Then she flicked her tail and Squarky-woo shivered.
"Come here," she said.
He made no motion.
"Come here," she squeaked, "you--you--wee, slickit, cowering,
timorous beastie!"
Horrified at her language, Squarky-woo turned to escape, but it was
too late. With one bound Mammy-ana was upon him, and catching hold
of his ear with her teeth, she lifted up his tail, and beat him with
her own.