The Magic Finger

In the morning, the Greggs have all been transformed into tiny people with bird wings. Mrs. Gregg panics and blames witches, while the boys are delighted with the ability to fly. They all go out to fly in the sunshine and then watch as the four ducks from the night before appear. The ducks are now much larger, with human hands. They act like people and take over the Greggs’ house.

The Greggs, sullen about these changes, decide they have to build a nest. They work together and complete the task, but spend the night worrying about predators and enduring a brutal storm. They also find that they cannot get back inside their own house. Through the window, they see the ducks inside cooking and learning to handle guns. When the girl calls to check on the Greggs, one of the ducks answers the phone and quacks at her, and she begins to worry.

The following morning, the Greggs wake up to find the ducks standing below their tree with guns in their hands. The ducks threaten to shoot them because the Greggs killed 16 of their own. Mr. Gregg tries to excuse the behavior at first but soon becomes terrified and promises never to hunt again.