The Indian in the Cupboard

Omri says he does not want Patrick to use his cupboard to make another tiny person. He believes that it is somehow wrong and that something bad will happen. Patrick says, “I’ve got to—!” (76) and reaches for the pile of toys, but Omri grabs him. They tussle, and the fire spit gets squished under Omri’s shoe. Angry, Little Bear calls Omri a “stupid boy.” Omri apologizes, but the chief grabs the ax and starts swinging at Omri’s leg. Omri evades Little Bear, who begins hacking away at a chair leg. Omri threatens to put Little Bear back in the cupboard; Little Bear drops the ax and turns away from them.

Omri promises to bring back something delicious. He goes downstairs and gets a spoonful of stew before realizing he left Patrick alone with his cupboard. He rushes upstairs, stew flying off the spoon, and finds his friend unlocking the cupboard door. Inside is a live cowboy and his horse; Patrick grabs them and they tumble about on his hand in a panic. The cowboy calms the horse and looks around until he sees the boys’ faces looming above him.