Five Children and It

Cyril, who has been reading The Last of the Mohicans, idly wishes that there were “Red Indians in England […] just about the right size for us to fight” (179). At the gravel pit, the Sand-fairy tells them that their wish has been granted. None of the children can recall making a wish until Jane turns up Cyril’s book. Afraid that the Lamb will be scalped, Anthea quickly forms a plan, “just like a born general” (182). She breaks her mother’s water jug, breaks into the missionary box for money, and gives Martha the money to buy a new one, convincing the nursemaid to take the Lamb with her. Anthea then bursts into tears of relief, horrifying Jane, who tries to comfort her.

Soon enough, the children see a painted face with feathers in its hair from out a window. Anthea announces that they should dress up like Indigenous people themselves, and they do, using feathers and blankets, black fabric for wigs, and red paint. Then, they rush out to confront the attackers, who are all the same size as Cyril.