For a long time there was silence from the darkness in the corner of the room. Sacco called out Understump's name to make sure he was still there. When he answered, his voice came from a crack in the floorboards, beneath their feet. "I could bring you treasures instead. Diamonds and pearls and gold from the royal treasuries of the world. Wealth beyond your dreams!"
     Gregorio was a little surprised by the offer. "I thought you said we could have anything."
     Suddenly, all the lamps and candles lighting the room were blown out, though there was no wind, and the family was left in complete darkness. Without warning, the Cabinetmaker felt Understump land lightly on his shoulder. "You've asked for the one thing I can't give you."
     "I don't understand," Atalaya whispered into the darkness. "It's what my husband wants from you. We would all like to see you. It seems like such a little thing to me. And, besides, you promised."
     Understump sat for a moment on Gregorio's shoulder and thought. "Hiding is what I do. It's who I am. I cannot willingly allow myself to be seen. I simply can't," the fairy explained. "However, I will give each of you a chance to catch me. If any of you do catch me, you'll all get to see what I truly look like. Make your plans, set your traps, and then tell me what I must do. I'll do what you say, but I'll warn you, I don't get caught easily."
     "That seems fair enough," agreed the Cabinetmaker.
     "One more thing," Understump added. "By asking me to come out of hiding, you are asking a lot from me. Any person who tries to catch me and fails, will never again have my help around the house."