Nell read on into the Primer, learning about how Purple made a compass by 
magnetizing the needle, thrusting it through the cork, and floating it in the 
bowl of water. She read about their three-day journey through the land of King 
Magpie, and of all the tricks it contained—animals that stole their 
food, quicksand, sudden rainstorms, appetizing but poisonous berries, snares, 
and pitfalls set to catch uninvited guests. Nell knew that if she wanted, she 
could go back and ask questions about these things later and spend many hours 
reading about this part of the adventure. But the important part seemed to be 
the discussions with Peter that ended each day's journey.