The hammer rang once. A spark jumped off the anvil and did not go out. It waited. They followed.

Down the path. Into the Hollow.
The old bench had a new leg.
On it, a tiny hammer.
Three big leaves lay on the grass.

"My turn to hide!" said Tí.
Flitter shut her eyes.
Tí hid the Moonstone under the middle … leaf.

Shh. Under a leaf.

Tí wanted to tell. He was bursting!
"Flitter, it's under the—"
"Keep the secret," said Flitter.
Tí put his hand over his … mouth.

Where did Tí hide it?

Shh. Under a leaf.

Flitter lifted the first leaf.
A big brown bear! Ursa!
"Nobody gets past me," said Ursa.
"Bigger sends smaller home."

Shh. Under a leaf.
Bigger sends smaller home.

Flitter lifted the last leaf.
A tiny mouse! Puck!
"Bears are ticklish," said Puck.
Tickle, tickle, home you go!
Ursa laughed and laughed, all the way … home.

Shh. Under a leaf.
Bigger sends smaller home.
Tickle, tickle, home you go!

One leaf left. The middle one.
Tí lifted it himself.
The Moonstone! Shining … bright.
"I kept it!" said Tí. "All the way!"

The spark dimmed to a warm dot and settled back on the anvil. The Green was just the Green again.

Back on the Green

Lan made a birthday card for Mum.
"Shh," said Tí. "Under the pillow."
He did not tell. Not even once.