“Well, because nearly all the black rats went over to Kullaberg last night,” said the stork, “since they had counted on all the rest of the animals also hurrying there.  But you see that the gray rats have stayed at home; and now they are mustering to storm the castle to-night, when it will be defended by only a few old creatures who are too feeble to go over to Kullaberg.  They’ll probably accomplish their purpose.  But I have lived here in harmony with the black rats for so many years, that it does not please me to live in a place inhabited by their enemies.”

Akka understood now that the stork had become so enraged over the gray rats’ mode of action, that he had sought her out as an excuse to complain about them.  But after the manner of storks, he certainly had done nothing to avert the disaster.  “Have you sent word to the black rats, Herr Ermenrich?” she asked.  “No,” replied the stork, “that wouldn’t be of any use.  Before they can get back, the castle will be taken.”  “You mustn’t be so sure of that, Herr Ermenrich,” said Akka.  “I know an old wild goose, I do, who will gladly prevent outrages of this kind.”

When Akka said this, the stork raised his head and stared at her.  And it was not surprising, for Akka had neither claws nor bill that were fit for fighting; and, in the bargain, she was a day bird, and as soon as it grew dark she fell helplessly asleep, while the rats did their fighting at night.

But Akka had evidently made up her mind to help the black rats.  She called Iksi from Vassijaure, and ordered him to take the wild geese over to Vonib Lake; and when the geese made excuses, she said authoritatively:  “I believe it will be best for us all that you obey me.  I must fly over to the big stone house, and if you follow me, the people on the place will be sure to see us, and shoot us down.  The only one that I want to take with me on this trip is Thumbietot.  He can be of great service to me because he has good eyes, and can keep awake at night.”

The boy was in his most contrary mood that day.  And when he heard what Akka said, he raised himself to his full height and stepped forward, his hands behind him and his nose in the air, and he intended to say that he, most assuredly, did not wish to take a hand in the fight with gray rats.  She might look around for assistance elsewhere.

But the instant the boy was seen, the stork began to move.  He had stood before, as storks generally stand, with head bent downward and the bill pressed against the neck.  But now a gurgle was heard deep down in his windpipe; as though he would have laughed.  Quick as a flash, he lowered the bill, grabbed the boy, and tossed him a couple of metres in the air.  This feat he performed seven times, while the boy shrieked and the geese shouted:  “What are you trying to do, Herr Ermenrich?  That’s not a frog.  That’s a human being, Herr Ermenrich.”