But the egg was much hotter than any one would have believed it could possibly get in such a short time, and Robert had to drop it with a cry of 'Bother!' It fell on the top bar of the grate, and bounced right into the glowing red-hot heart of the fire.
'The tongs!' cried Anthea.

But, alas, no one could remember where they were.

Every one had forgotten that the tongs had last been used to fish up the doll's teapot from the bottom of the water-butt, where the Lamb had dropped it.

So the nursery tongs were resting between the water-butt and the dustbin, and cook refused to lend the kitchen ones.
'Never mind,' said Robert, 'we'll get it out with the poker and the shovel.' 'Oh, stop,' cried Anthea.

'Look at it! Look! look! look! I do believe something IS going to happen!' For the egg was now red-hot, and inside it something was moving.