This attitude practically disarmed the witch and she began to regard the Skeezer in a more friendly way.

She knitted for some time, seemingly in deep thought, and then she arose and walked to a big cupboard that stood against the wall of the room.

When the cupboard door was opened Ervic could see a lot of drawers inside, and into one of these drawers--the second from the bottom--Reera thrust a hairy hand.
Until now Ervic could see over the bent form of the ape, but suddenly the form, with its back to him, seemed to straighten up and blot out the cupboard of drawers.

The ape had changed to the form of a woman, dressed in the pretty Gillikin costume, and when she turned around he saw that it was a young woman, whose face was quite attractive.
"Do you like me better this way ?" Reera inquired with a smile.
"You look better," he said calmly, "but I'm not sure I like you any better." She laughed, saying: "During the heat of the day I like to be an ape, for an ape doesn't wear any clothes to speak of.

But if one has gentlemen callers it is proper to dress up." Ervic noticed her right hand was closed, as if she held something in it.