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As he did so； all his limbs began to crack and stretch； he felt
his head rising above his shoulders； he glanced down at his nose；
and saw it grow smaller and smaller； his chest and back grew
flat； and his legs grew long。
The goose looked on in amazement。 'Oh； how big and how beautiful
you are！' she cried。 'Thank heaven； you are quite changed。'
Jem folded his hands in thanks； as his heart swelled with
gratitude。 But his joy did not make him forget all he owed to
his friend Mimi。
'I owe you my life and my release；' he said； 'for without you I
should never have regained my natural shape； and； indeed； would
soon have been beheaded。 I will now take you back to your
father； who will certainly know how to disenchant you。'
The goose accepted his offer with joy； and they managed to slip
out of the palace unnoticed by anyone。
They got through the journey without accident； and the wizard
soon released his daughter； and loaded Jem with thanks and
valuable presents。 He lost no time in hastening back to his
native town； and his parents were very ready to recognise the
handsome； well…made young man as their long…lost son。 With the
money given him by the wizard he opened a shop； which prospered
well； and he lived long and happily。
I must not forget to mention that much disturbance was caused in
the palace by Jem's sudden disappearance； for when the grand duke
sent orders next day to behead the dwarf； if he had not found the
necessary herbs； the dwarf was not to be found。 The prince
hinted that the duke had allowed his cook to escape； and had
therefore broken his word。 The matter ended in a great war
between the two princes； which was known in history as the 'Herb
War。' After many battles and much loss of life； a peace was at
last concluded； and this peace became known as the 'Pasty Peace；'
because at the banquet given in its honour the prince's cook
dished up the Queen of Pastiesthe Suzeraineand the grand
duke declared it to be quite excellent。