Horton Hatches the Egg Lines 10-31 Summary

An Offer He Can't Refuse

  • Before Mayzie can say "Craigslist," along comes Horton the Elephant, passing right by her tree.
  • Laying on the charm, Mayzie asks Horton to take over the hatching process while she takes a "rest" (12).
  • This idea doesn't quite gel with Horton. His objections are that (a) he doesn't have wings, and (b) the egg is tiny and he's enormous. Fair assessment, we'd say.
  • Mayzie resorts to flattery, claiming that Horton's kindness and gentleness qualifies him for the job.
  • Horton doesn't fall for it.
  • To sweeten the deal, Mayzie promises to be back before he even knows she's gone.
  • Finally, Horton agrees, telling her, "You want a vacation. Go fly off and take it./ I'll sit on your egg and I'll try not to break it./ I'll stay and be faithful. I mean what I say." (28-31)
  • Almost instantly, Mayzie flies off. 
  • Well that was easy peasy.