The Goblin Man

Pumpkin seized a handful of glowworms and put them in his head.

As they went marching on, Pumpkin sang and danced in the lead, and Onions and Carrots echoed his hearty songs. Presently great black cats with shining yellow eyes stepped from behind the trees, and each cat was soon joined by its mistress, who was no other than a real witch in tall peaked hat and carrying a broomstick. The Cabbages, who were a friendly lot, introduced Antone and Babette to these witches, and the witches seemed pleased to meet the children. They do not seem to be wicked witches, do they, Antone?" whispered Babette.

Oh my dear replied a witch who overheard we are not a bit wicked on Halloween you know. Any other night, I would probably do you a mischief. It is my nature, you know." She reached in her bag and handed Babette a peppermint. Babette who was very fond of peppermint, ate it up with all haste. You should do that, my dear reproved the witch. It is seldom witches give peppermints, and when they do the peppermints should be treasured. Here is another to keep for your pocket, and then you will never be without a peppermint when you want one." And she handed Babette another. Babette curtailed so prettily that the witch was charmed and took her to ride on her broomstick.