we will pass over the running up and down , the tightening of the broomstick 's bindings , the muttered curses against dwarves , the brief moments of hope as the magic flickered fitfully , the horrible black feelings as it died , the tightening of the bindings again , the running again , the sudden catching of the spell , the scrambling aboard , the yelling , the takeoff ... . esk clung to granny with one hand and held her staff in the other as they , frankly , pottered along a few hundred feet above the ground .