The moment he succeeded, he saw to his astonishment that what he had sung in ignorance, to annoy the queen, was actually true: she had six horrible toes.

Overjoyed at his success, and seeing by the huge bump in the sheepskins where the other foot was, he proceeded to lift them gently, for, if he could only succeed in carrying away the other shoe as well, he would be no more afraid of the goblins than of so many flies.

But as he pulled at the second shoe the queen gave a growl and sat up in bed.

The same instant the king awoke also and sat up beside her.
'Run, Irene!' cried Curdie, for though he was not now in the least afraid for himself, he was for the princess.
Irene looked once round, saw the fearful creatures awake, and like the wise princess she was, dashed the torch on the ground and extinguished it, crying out: 'Here, Curdie, take my hand.' He darted to her side, forgetting neither the queen's shoe nor his pickaxe, and caught hold of her hand, as she sped fearlessly where her thread guided her.

They heard the queen give a great bellow; but they had a good start, for it would be some time before they could get torches lighted to pursue them.