Coutchie-Coulou gave him her hand while he helped her out of the nest, and together they crept over the hay until they came to the barn floor. They made for the door at once, holding each other tightly by the hand, and soon came to the threshold, which appeared very high to them.
«We must jump,» said Humpty.
«I’m afraid!» cried Coutchie-Coulou. «And I declare! there’s my mother’s voice clucking, and she’s coming this way.»
«Then hurry!» said Humpty. «And do not tremble so or you will get yourself all mixed up; it doesn’t improve eggs to shake them. We will jump, but take care not to bump against me or you may break my shell. Now, – one, – two, – three!»
They held each other’s hand and jumped, alighting safely in the roadway. Then, fearing their mothers would see them, Humpty ran as fast as he could go until he and Coutchie were concealed beneath a rose-bush in the garden.
«I’m afraid we’re bad eggs,» gasped Coutchie, who was somewhat out of breath.
«Oh, not at all,» replied Humpty; «we were laid only this morning, so we are quite fresh. But now, since we are in the world, we must start out in search of adventure. Here is a roadway beside us which will lead us somewhere or other; so come along, Coutchie-Coulou, and do not be afraid.»
The brown egg meekly gave him her hand, and together they trotted along the roadway until they came to a high stone wall, which had sharp spikes upon its top. It seemed to extend for a great distance, and the eggs stopped and looked at it curiously.
«I’d like to see what is behind that wall,» said Humpty, «but I don’t think we shall be able to climb over it.»
«No, indeed,» answered the brown egg, «but just before us I see a little hole in the wall, near the ground; perhaps we can crawl through that.»
They ran to the hole and found it was just large enough to admit them. So they squeezed through very carefully, in order not to break themselves, and soon came to the other side.
They were now in a most beautiful garden, with trees and bright-hued flowers in abundance and pretty fountains that shot their merry sprays far into the air. In the center of the garden was a great palace, with bright golden turrets and domes, and many windows that glistened in the sunshine like the sparkle of diamonds.
Richly dressed courtiers and charming ladies strolled through the walks, and before the palace door were a dozen prancing horses, gaily caparisoned, awaiting their riders.