Later, when Snickchoo read it, the contract seemed simple -- almost too simple. He saw just two lines stating the conditions -- and some ink droplets below them. All Snickchoo must do, at month's end, was to bring enough licorice laces to match exactly the length extended when the Candy Miser placed end to end the number of the Miser's licorice laces which Snickchoo had gobbled that fateful morning.

That seemed fair enough. (But why should the Candy Miser be fair?)

So poor Snickchoo put aside the inkstand he was carving and walked around The Hollow, asking himself this question.

After several hours, Snickchoo found himself before the Hall of Candy-Eaters Anonymous and saw, in the lobby, his great carving of The Red Proffered Tongue of Desire. The sight made him realize that, of all the Gelves in The Hollow, only he had held out again The Urge -- until now. The thought came to Snickchoo that this would explain the Candy Miser's motive.

All the Gelves of The Hollow were either in debt or had been in debt to the Candy Miser -- except Snickchoo! So, surely, the Candy Miser would consider it a great triumph to make Snickchoo a permanent debtor. Surely that was the reason for letting him off easily this first time. To allay his suspicions. To await for the next time and "close the trap".

Snickchoo laughed and rubbed his hands. For he'd see that "the next time" never came!

He'd already retired the snails on a generous pension. And he'd carved himself a permanent calendar to replace the snails-on-thorns. Snickchoo resolved he'd never forget the date again and be unprepared.

Now he had only to pay his debt to be done with it. So Snickchoo hurried home.

(Ready for Chapter 4?)