In the troubled state of her mind she had failed to destroy or even remove them.
Nevertheless, she could not immediately leave her post, through fear of awakening suspicion; she must wait until the dance should begin and the goblins become quiescent.

Then?
What then?
The feathers lay buried in the earthen floor of the inner room.

Their removal must be accomplished with great care, in such a manner as to leave no signs of the earth having been recently disturbed.[7] There was no choice; they must be removed at all hazards.

There would be ample time if she could only afterward obliterate all traces of her work.
Luckily the kitchen was very dark, and the hearth covered with ashes.
Water was there also, but she dare not use it lest the moistened spot betray her.

Her mind was made up, however, and the attempt would be made as soon as the dance was renewed.
Singing and drumming are heard once more; the dancers fall into line; and when the chorus was shouting the second verse,-- "Na-ya, Ha-te Oyo-y[=a]-u[=a], U[=a]-tir-anyi Tya-au-era-nyi,"-- and the jokers had dispersed, Say slowly retreated within the room, cowered down by the hearth, a sharp stone-splinter in her hand and her eyes fixed upon the door, watching lest anybody should appear.