That which is inside is the same all the time.' 'But then how can all the shapes speak the truth ?' 'It would want thousands more to speak the truth, Curdie; and then they could not.

But there is a point I must not let you mistake about.

It is one thing the shape I choose to put on, and quite another the shape that foolish talk and nursery tale may please to put upon me.

Also, it is one thing what you or your father may think about me, and quite another what a foolish or bad man may see in me.

For instance, if a thief were to come in here just now, he would think he saw the demon of the mine, all in green flames, come to protect her treasure, and would run like a hunted wild goat.