Once More With Footnotes

jam."
     
                  It was a large pot. It seemed to be filled with solidified purple lava. "Nice ... color," said Nanny. "Anyone tasted it? "
     
                  " We couldn't get the spoon out," said Gammer. "Oh, I'm sure — "
     
                  "We only got it in with a hammer."
     
                  "What's she planning, Mrs. Ogg? She's got a weak and vengeful nature," said Letice. "You're her friend," she added , her tone suggesting that this was as much an accusation as a statement.
     
                  "I don't know what she's thinking, Mrs. Earwig."
     
                  "I thought she was staying away."
     
                  "She said she was going to take an interest and encourage the young 'uns.
     
                  "She is planning something," said Letice, darkly. "Those cakes are a plot to undermine my authority."
     
                  "No, that's how she always cooks," said Nanny. "She just hasn't got the knack." Your authority, eh?
     
                  "She's nearly finished the flags," Gammer reported. "Now she's goin g to try to make herself useful again."
     
                  "Well ... I suppose we could ask her to do the Lucky Dip."
     
                  Nanny looked blank. "You mean where kids fish around in a big tub full of bran to see what they can pull out?"
     
                  "Yes."
     
                  "You're going to let Granny Wea therwax do that? "
     
                  " Yes."
     
                  "Only she's got a funny sense of humour, if you know what I mean. "
     
                  " Good morning to you all!"
     
                  It was Granny Weatherwax's voice. Nanny Ogg had known it for most of her life. But it had that strange edge to it again. It sounded n ice.
     
                  "We was wondering if you could supervise the bran tub, Miss Weatherwax."
     
                  Nanny flinched. But Granny merely said, "Happy to, Mrs. Earwig. I can't wait to see the expressions on their little faces as they pull out the goodies."
     
                  Nor can I, Nanny th ought.
     
                  When the others had scurried off she sidled up to her friend.
     
                  "Why're you doing this?" she said.
     
                  "I really don't know what you mean, Gytha."
     
                  "I seen you face down terrible creatures, Esme. I once seen you catch a unicorn, for goodness' sake. What're you plannin'? "
     
                  " I still don't know what you mean, Gytha."
     
                  "Are you angry 'cos they won't let you enter, and now you're plannin' horrible revenge?"
     
                  For a moment they both looked at the field. It was beginning to fill up. People were bowling for pigs and fighting on the greasy pole. The Lancre Volunteer Band was trying to play a medley of popular tunes, and it was only a pity that each musician was playing a different one. Small children were fighting. It was going to be a scorcher of a day, pro b ably the last one of the year.
     
                  Their eyes were drawn to the roped-off square in the centre of the field.
     
                  "Are you going to enter the Trials, Gytha?" said Granny. "You never answered my question! "
     
                  " What question was that?"
     
                  Nanny decided not to hammer on a locked door. "Yes, I am going to have a go, as it happens," she said.
     
                  "I certainly hope you win, then. I'd cheer you on, only that wouldn't be fair to the others. I shall merge into the background and be as quiet as a little mouse."
     
                  Nanny tried gu ile. Her face spread into a wide pink grin, and she nudged her friend.
     
                  "Right, right," she said. "Only ... you can tell me, right? I wouldn't like to miss it when it happens. So if you could just give me a little signal when you're going to do it, eh?"
     
                  "What's it you're referring to, Gytha?"
     
                  "Esme Weatherwax, sometimes I could really give you a bloody good slap!"
     
                  "Oh dear."
     
                  Nanny