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Title: The Brownies and Prince Florimel
Brownieland, Fairyland, and Demonland
Author: Palmer Cox
Release Date: August 14, 2012 [EBook #40502]
Language: English
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[Illustration: Presented to ... By ...]
THE BROWNIES AND PRINCE FLORIMEL
THE BROWNIES
AND PRINCE FLORIMEL
OR
Brownieland, Fairyland, and Demonland
BY
PALMER COX
Author of The Brownies: Their Book; Another Brownie Book;
The Brownies Around the World; The Brownies at Home;
The Brownies Through the Union; The Brownies
Abroad; The Brownies in the Philippines;
The Brownies' Latest Adventures; The
Brownies' Many More Nights; The
Brownie Clown in Brownie
Town; The Brownie Primer,
etc., etc., etc.
[Illustration]
NEW YORK
THE CENTURY CO.
Copyright, 1918, by
THE CENTURY CO.
_Published, September, 1918_
PRINTED IN THE U. S. A.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
[Illustration]
THE FLIGHT OF PRINCE FLORIMEL 3
[Illustration]
TITANIA COMES TO REIGN OVER THE FAIRIES 14
[Illustration]
FLORIMEL REACHES THE ENCHANTED COUNTRY 25
[Illustration]
THE HUMAN OCTOPUS STARTS ON A MISSION 37
[Illustration]
FLORIMEL MEETS THE BROWNIES 49
[Illustration]
THE HUMAN OCTOPUS SNOOPS AROUND 58
[Illustration]
FLORIMEL IS ADOPTED BY KING STANISLAUS 68
[Illustration]
QUEEN TITANIA'S GREAT PERIL 80
[Illustration]
THE COMPACT WITH VULCAN 92
[Illustration]
THE STRANGE WEDDING-GUESTS 103
[Illustration]
THE BROWNIES BUILD A RAFT 119
[Illustration]
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE THRONE-ROOM 133
[Illustration]
NEPTUNE STILLS THE WAVES 145
[Illustration]
WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED 157
[Illustration]
THE GERMAN BAND 166
[Illustration]
THE EARTHQUAKE AND VOLCANO 177
[Illustration]
THE BROWNIES FIGHT THE FLAMES 189
[Illustration]
THE FLIGHT TO THE MINES 201
[Illustration]
THE MISSION OF THE DOVE 212
[Illustration]
DISASTER TO DRAGONFEL 223
[Illustration]
AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER 233
BOOKS BY PALMER COX:
PUBLISHED BY THE CENTURY CO.
[Illustration]
THE BROWNIES: THEIR BOOK
Quarto, 150 pages. Price, in boards, $1.50
[Illustration]
ANOTHER BROWNIE BOOK
Quarto, 150 pages. Price, in boards, $1.50
[Illustration]
THE BROWNIES AT HOME
Quarto, 150 pages. Price, in boards, $1.50
[Illustration]
THE BROWNIES AROUND THE WORLD
Quarto, 150 pages. Price, in boards, $1.50
[Illustration]
THE BROWNIES THROUGH THE UNION
Quarto, 150 pages. Price, in boards, $1.50
[Illustration]
THE BROWNIES ABROAD
Quarto, 150 pages. Price, in boards, $1.50
[Illustration]
THE BROWNIES IN THE PHILIPPINES
Quarto, 150 pages. Price, in boards, $1.50
[Illustration]
THE BROWNIES LATEST ADVENTURES
Quarto, 150 pages. Price, in boards, $1.50
[Illustration]
THE BROWNIES MANY MORE NIGHTS
Quarto, 150 pages. Price, in boards, $1.50
[Illustration]
THE BROWNIE CLOWN OF BROWNIETOWN
Oblong, 103 pages. Price, in boards, $1.00
[Illustration]
THE BROWNIE PRIMER
12 mo, 108 pages. Price, in cloth, $ .40 net.
THE BROWNIES AND PRINCE FLORIMEL
CHAPTER I
THE FLIGHT OF PRINCE FLORIMEL
[Illustration]
All that is here set down happened in a wonderful country where
wonderful things are always happening.
In a certain kingdom there was a young prince named Florimel.
His father, the king, had lately passed away, but, though Florimel was
his only son, and of age, he had not succeeded to the throne that by
right of birth was his.
The reason was that his father had a brother, a very cruel, crafty duke,
high in the councils of the state, who had designs upon the throne
himself. In a covetous frame of mind he had once taken a photograph of
the crown and ermine robe, and the intelligent palace parrot had made a
remark thereat:
"'Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown,'" croaked the bird.
It was a wise quotation, and yet it was not wise to make it, for right
after that something happened to the unlucky parrot.
The duke with his evil influence swayed the opinions of the royal
cabinet which made the laws. In his wicked old heart he wished Florimel
out of the way.
[Illustration]
If Florimel had been like other princes one reads about his people no
doubt would have insisted upon his occupying the throne. But the throne
was of ordinary size, so that he never could have occupied it. Like
other princes he was all that was fair and handsome, but he was very
small indeed. He was no larger than the average-sized boy of twelve, and
the people who should have proved his loyal subjects were well-grown men
and women. In their talks among themselves they showed a shame that
anyone so small should rule them.
[Illustration]
"Why, he's no bigger than a Brownie!" was a remark they very often made.
"It would look foolish to have such a mite for a king." For they were
well informed about the Brownies, and knew how they perched on fences,
or hid adroitly whenever danger threatened.
But they were guided by appearances, as too often people wrongly are,
and they failed to realize that sometimes the best goods are done up in
the smallest packages, and that even a mite may be mighty.
The fact that Florimel was so small had been a great grief to his late
parents who had never been able to understand it. He had been a fine,
healthy baby who had won the hearty approval of his doctors and nurses.
His mother always had an uneasy fear that the godmother who assisted at
his christening might have been concerned in his diminutive size, but
the king invariably poo-poohed at her suspicions. This godmother was an
ex-fairy, but advancing age had interfered with her work of magic. Her
joints had become stiff and cramped, and she had contracted rheumatism
from sleeping in damp, dewy flowers. She did not get around in the
lively fashion she used to.
"Nonsense!" said the king. "Would she have bestowed on him the gift of
second sight and at the same time taken away his size? Depend upon it,
my dear, her intentions were perfectly straightforward and honorable."
"But it may have been this second sight has interfered with his growth,"
said the queen. "His vision is simply wonderful."
This was indeed so. Prince Florimel could see things no one else could.
Furthermore he could see them at night. Some wise old soothsayer
declared that he was gifted with supernatural powers.
One other gift had his ex-fairy godmother presented to him, a bow and
quiver of arrows which she averred were priceless.
"I charge you," she said most impressively to the king, "never to let
your dear son have the bow and arrows unless there comes to him some
moment of great danger. Then let him place one of these arrows to the
bow, and shoot it where he will. The result will be miraculous."
[Illustration]
After she had gone back to the old-ex-fairy-ladies' home the king was
strongly tempted to shoot one of the arrows from the bow just to see
what would happen. With great difficulty he repressed his curiosity, and
placed the bow and arrows in the family safe whose combinations was
known only to himself.
So time passed happily, and one year added its joys to those of others,
until there came the sad day when Florimel lost his dear mother. There
was much sorrow throughout the entire kingdom, for the queen was a
gentle, gracious one whose kind words and good deeds had endeared her
to the hearts of all. So great was her loss to the king that he did not
survive her long. Ere he joined her he called his brother, the duke, to
his bed, and said to him:
"You are my only kin outside of Florimel, so to your keeping I entrust
him. He is such a little chap you must be very careful of him. After
I am gone he will be king, and I am sure he will rule well and wisely.
He is a true king at heart if not of stature. Promise me to be his
councilor and guide, and to incline him ever to the side of mercy,
charity, and goodness."
The false duke promised with great earnestness, but all the while he was
thinking of many wicked things.
With Florimel removed he would ascend to the throne himself. Yet so well
did he hide his guilty feelings that his brother had no suspicion of any
perfidy or wrong-doing, and passed away in the peace befitting the
righteous king he was.
After the king's death the duke through one pretext or another delayed
the coronation of the new. He incited his nephew to feats and deeds of
great danger and daring with the evil hope that some terrible accident
would befall him. But in all the risks and hazards that he took, and
none was too great, it almost seemed that Prince Florimel bore a charmed
life.
Like other young people he had his dreams, and saw much that was unreal,
but with all these there had come lasting impressions.
When the duke failed to accomplish his evil designs, he determined upon
even more desperate methods in his game.
The people were beginning to chafe at the delay in the coronation, and
were clamoring for a new ruler. So the cabinet met to decide this most
important matter, and the duke presided over the council.
[Illustration]
"This is a most embarrassing situation," he said. "Ordinarily we would
place the only son of our late king on the throne without question
and amid great rejoicing. But we are confronted by a most perplexing
question. Prince Florimel is what might be termed a freak. The point is,
could he represent his kingdom with the proper dignity?"
"Prince Florimel may be a freak as you say," remarked a member of the
cabinet, "but at the same time I have never seen a handsomer, manlier
young fellow. His symmetry is perfect, and he is all that is chivalrous
and brave. He is the stuff true kings are made of. The only thing
against him is his size."
"That I fear is an objection which cannot be overcome," said the wily
duke. "Can we, a race of big men and women, be governed by a pygmy
king--a hop-o'-my-thumb? We would be the laughing stock of other
kingdoms. Think, when the rulers of all these met, and ours came
among them, of the mortification we would feel that we did not have
a full-grown man to represent us. His insignificance would make this
country insignificant to others. Those who did not know us, and judged
us by him, would look upon us as a country of dwarfs."
"But Florimel is the late king's son, and heir to the throne," said
another member of the cabinet. "Who else could reign in his stead?"
"I am the next of kin," said the duke.
"Yes, if it were not for Florimel you would be the logical king."
"Let us postpone our deliberations until tomorrow, by which time I think
I can find a way out of the difficulty," said the duke, with deadly
meaning.
The members of the cabinet looked at each other, and the meeting
silently adjourned. It had been conducted with the utmost secrecy,
and no one else was present but an old factotum named Gando who was
there to lock the doors. And Gando, who was passionately attached to
Florimel, heard the duke's word, and was very uneasy in his mind.
"So that is why," the old man said to himself, "the duke was sharpening
his knife on the grind-stone!"
When the duke had retired to his apartment Gando tiptoed noiselessly
after him, and placed his feeble, dim eye close to the key-hole of the
door.
What he saw froze the blood in his veins, and caused the few white
hairs on his head to stand stiffly up with his great fright.
The duke was seated at his window, and the moonlight played and
glittered on a long, slender knife that he held in his hand.
Old Gando's knees knocked together, and he fled the spot. Of one thing
he was very sure. Florimel without loss of time should place himself far
beyond the reach of his wicked uncle. Each added moment increased the
prince's danger. Soon escape might be too late. Before he went to warn
the sleeping prince he secured the bow and quiver of arrows that had
been intrusted to his care by the late king. He hastily provided himself
with a smock, loose cap, and long trousers of coarse cloth such as
children of poor peasants wear.
[Illustration]
With these in his trembling arms, breathless from his exertions and
the great excitement under which he labored, he entered Florimel's
bedchamber, and closed the door noiselessly behind him. With his fair
head resting on his curved arm, Florimel slept. Gando gave a great sigh
of relief when he heard his gentle breathing. He flew to the bedside,
and straightway roused the slumbering prince from his dreams.
[Illustration]
"Oh, master, my dear young master!" he cried with his voice broken by
sobs. "Rouse yourself, I beg of you, and go hence! Do not delay, or you
may be too late. Your cruel uncle this very moment is plotting your
death!"
Florimel sprang up in bed, and tried to rub the sleep from his eyes.
"But where shall I go, good Gando?" he asked.
"That I know not," said the old man. "The further you go the better. You
must leave behind you the boundaries of the kingdom. See, I have brought
these peasant's clothes for you to wear."
"Nay, I still have my prince's attire," said Florimel.
"That will not serve," said Gando. "If you donned it you would be
quickly recognized, and your uncle would gain knowledge of you to your
swift undoing."
He assisted the bewildered Florimel to dress, swung across his back the
quiver of arrows, and handed him the bow.
"This was your godmother's gift," he said, "and it might aid you."
But, though Gando urged Florimel not to take the time, the latter
printed something on a card which he tacked upon the outside of the door
before they left the place.
As they fled toward a secret exit they heard down the corridor the
stealthy tread of feet.
The duke snarled like a wild beast as he read the lines:
"FAREWELL, DEAR UNCLE! KEEP YOUR EDGED TOOL FOR FATTED SWINE!"
"Fly!" old Gando cried, as he thrust Florimel out into the lonely,
starlit night. "Oh, my dear young master, fly for your life!"
It was a sad and sudden change indeed for the youth, from the pleasant
dreams of guardian Brownies surrounding his bed, to the uncertainty
of an unknown way before, and the certainty of a cruel enemy behind.
Snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance had a forbidding look and, as
though in league with his old uncle, seemed to extend to him but a cool
welcome. The wakeful and observing beasts of the wood and wild saw in
him a new character never before met in the open country, and were
shaken with wonder and agitation while they watched the hastening little
traveller striding along the lonely road, his only burden the bow and
supply of arrows.
[Illustration]
CHAPTER II
TITANIA COMES TO REIGN OVER THE FAIRIES
[Illustration]
Now in another part of the same country there was a race of fairies who
never grew old and always remained beautiful.
Their loveliness of face and form was beyond all description.
Just try to think of the prettiest young girl you ever saw. Well, even
the plainest of these fairies were ever so much prettier. That is to
say, all were very beautiful with one exception. In her case the fairy
charm was an utter failure.
She was little and old, with a queer, wrinkled face like a dried-up
crab-apple. But, because no one else looked like her, she was firmly
convinced she was the most beautiful of them all. They wore clinging
gowns made of the texture of roses, lilies, and other flowers. She who
wore fragrant rose-petals called herself Rose, she who called herself
Lily one of lilies, and so on. There were Violet, Daffodil, Bluebell,
Daisy, Jassamine, Hyacinth, and ever so many others. You could find the
names of all the rest in a seed-catalogue--that is, all but the little
old wrinkled one who was known as Dame Drusilda. The fairies had
a republic. Because they were all so very much alike, and equally
beautiful, gifted, and clever, it would have been an extremely awkward
matter to select a queen from among them. If any one had been chosen,
all the others would have felt greatly slighted. Dame Drusilda believed
she should be the queen, simply because no one else looked like her, but
she was quite alone in her opinion.
[Illustration]
They were very up-to-date, and they had a palace of great magnificence
that had every modern convenience, with sanitary plumbing. There was a
very gorgeous throne-room, wisely arranged in the event that they might
some day have a queen, with a portcullis at the entrance that could be
raised or lowered at will. This, of course, was to keep out unwelcome
visitors.
[Illustration]
The republic was most beautifully situated where a river joined the
sea, and upon a cliff one day the fairies beheld a most unusual sight.
While they were smiling and nodding a greeting to some lovely mermaids
who were down among the rocks combing their long tresses with the aid of
hand-mirrors, a golden shallop heaped with flowers came drifting down
the placid stream. The fairies signalled to the mermaids who, when their
attention was attracted to the shallop, swam to it, and guided it to the
shore. As it drew near all grew very much excited when they observed a
most exquisite little creature nestling asleep in the fragrant bed of
flowers. When the shallop grounded gently on the pebbly beach her
eyes opened, and she gazed up at them with the most enchanting smile
imaginable. "I am Queen Titania," she announced, as they bent over her,
"and I have come to reign over you!"
With tender hands they raised her from her couch, and knelt before her
in silent adoration.
Never before had they seen anyone so beautiful, as she stood before them
in her long trailing gown, with a gem-crusted crown upon her brow, and
in her hand a slender wand from whose tip shone the scintillating rays
of a diamond.
[Illustration]
"Your Majesty," said queer little Dame Drusilda, "we are all your loyal
subjects. Let us conduct you to the palace, where affairs of state await
you."
Amid great rejoicing they conducted Queen Titania to the palace.
Wee-winged Cupids bore her long train. The portcullis was raised, and
in triumph they entered.
The new queen was conducted with much pomp to the throne-room. When she
was placed upon the throne, two dogs, two frogs, and an ostrich were
brought before her.
"What have they done?" asked Queen Titania.
[Illustration]
"Your Majesty," said the fairy named Hyacinth, "these two dogs were
fighting, and one bit off a piece of the other's ear."
"Which was the one who did it?"
"Why, this one!"
"Bind him over to keep the peace!" said Queen Titania promptly.
The fairies all nodded their approval as the dogs were led away.
"Your Majesty," then spoke up one of the frogs, "will you be kind enough
to listen to the complaint of one who has always tried to conduct
himself like a perfect gentleman? I am a confirmed bachelor-frog. This
young lady-frog is continually pestering me with her attentions. She
keeps on proposing marriage, although it is not leap-year."
"With frogs every year is leap-year," said Queen Titania.
The ostrich looked very guilty as a fairy named Eglantine explained:
"Your Majesty, he deliberately swallowed a half-dozen of the palace
spoons."
"Why did you do it?" asked Queen Titania of the culprit.
"I don't know," he said shamefacedly.
"But I do," said Queen Titania. "You did it to stir up things. Have you
a sweetheart?"
"Yes, I've got a bird!"
"Well, now you can go and spoon with her!"
[Illustration]
All were quite delighted with the wisdom shown by their tiny sovereign
in dispensing justice. But before other important matters could be
disposed of a fairy messenger named Pink with her petalled attire all
flecked with dust dashed in great excitement into the throne-room. She
had ridden many leagues upon a winged steed, and in its terrific speed
which was far greater than that of the swiftest aeroplane it had used
both wings and feet.
Pink ran toward the throne to impart the news that had brought her in
such hot haste, but the unexpected sight of Queen Titania stilled the
words upon her frightened lips, and caused them to part instead with
wonder and surprise.
"This is Queen Titania," hastily explained Dame Drusilda, "who
henceforth is to reign over us."
Pink knelt low before Titania and kissed her royal robe.
"Your Majesty," she said, "I am the bearer of bad news. Dragonfel the
wicked enchanter across the sea has declared his intention of making
trouble for the fairies."
"Who told you this?" asked Queen Titania.
"A little bird," was Pink's reply.
[Illustration]
"This is very serious," said Queen Titania gravely, "for little birds
never tell fibs." There was a clamor of dismayed, excited voices, but
the queen raised her wand for silence, and continued:
"Though it may only be an idle threat, I will still appeal to
Euphrosyne. Should we ever need her help right gladly she will give it."
Her hearers all looked puzzled, and Dame Drusilda made bold to ask: "Who
is Euphrosyne of whom you speak?" "Have you not heard of her?" Queen
Titania asked, with much surprise. "She is the Goddess of Mirth, who
tries to make the whole world happy--a most gigantic task. Come with me,
and I will send her an invisible summons." With the Cupids bearing her
train she passed with the fairies out to the palace courtyard where
fountains played and flowers bloomed. There she raised her wand, and
told them to look up. And doing so they beheld a most marvelous sight--a
radiant, smiling-faced, gloriously beautiful young woman in classical
white robes, with her sandalled feet resting ever so lightly upon one of
the pearl-tinged clouds.
[Illustration]
Around her circled snowy doves, cooing, fluttering, and settling on her
head, bare shoulders and arms.
While Titania waved her wand, she suddenly gazed downward, as though
something by means of an electric current had been transmitted to her
through the air. She stroked a dove that had found its way trustingly to
her hand, and as the others flew from her she herself seemed plumed for
flight.
The fairies watched her with a suspense that was almost painful, but to
their great disappointment the passing clouds blotted her from sight.
But even the fairies who all the time are witnessing the most wonderful
things were quite astounded when Euphrosyne in what seemed to be the
very next moment appeared with the dove right in their very midst.
[Illustration]
"What is your wish?" she said to Queen Titania.
"Oh, beautiful Euphrosyne," said the little queen, "we are much
concerned over the wicked Dragonfel."
[Illustration]
"The enchanter across the sea?" said Euphrosyne.
"And what about him?"
"He threatens harm to the fairies."
"Do not borrow trouble," said Euphrosyne.
[Illustration]
"Sometimes people make foolish threats, and when others heed them they
have a good deal of needless worry." All looked very much relieved, and
Queen Titania said: "Your encouraging words comfort us greatly."
"If I were you," advised Euphrosyne, "I'd always keep the portcullis
down, and be very careful about admitting strangers. Don't let anyone in
without a first-class reference. If Dragonfel annoys you, let me know."
"But how?" asked Queen Titania.
"You can send this magic dove to me!"
They looked at her, but she was gone, and no one knew whither. She
seemed to have just melted away. Where her hand had been there was
a dove, and, as it started to flutter off, with some difficulty they
caught it.
Though she was very much encouraged by all Euphrosyne had said, Queen
Titania still thought it prudent to post on one of the palace walls a
warning placard so that those who ran might read.
And, it proved a task that was sufficient to interest some of the
fairies the rest of the afternoon, and, by the time they got through,
they were able to make some show at hitting the nail on the head.
[Illustration]
CHAPTER III
FLORIMEL REACHES THE ENCHANTED COUNTRY
[Illustration]
On and on flew Prince Florimel from the wicked uncle who meant to do him
harm.
The friendly stars shone down to guide him on his way, but just what
that way was he did not know. His only thought to put the palace as far
behind him as he could, and at times he turned his head to look back
at its frowning, shadowy walls that finally disappeared from sight.
Florimel gave a deep sigh of relief, but did not relax his speed in the
slightest.
The words of the faithful old Gando were strongly impressed upon his
mind, and he realized that the duke had designs on his life. When it was
discovered that he was missing, a search would be made for him, and once
in the power of the duke it would go hard with him.
So on he ran, and the few people whom he met paid little or no heed
to him, thinking perhaps that he was some frightened peasant-child
hastening to or from home upon some urgent night-errand. And as he went,
always further and further away from the palace, the houses grew fewer
and still fewer, till finally he found himself out in the open country.
[Illustration]
The stars were paling out, and by this time Florimel was very tired,
so that when he saw a hay-stack in a field he quickly sought it, and
burrowing from sight down into the sweet-smelling mass was soon asleep.
The sun was up when he awoke refreshed. He heard the cooling trickle of
a brook hard by, and drank thirstily, and laved his face and hands. Some
distance off upon a dew-spangled hillside thin smoke curled lazily up
from the thatched roof of a farmer's cottage. Florimel who felt the
qualms of hunger drew nigh to it resolved to ask for food.
As he approached the cottage a dog stretched out in the doorway to enjoy
the first genial rays of the sun jumped up and started to bark, but
almost instantly his barks ceased, and he wagged his tail instead with
friendly violence.
A stout, middle-aged woman with a kerchief on her head came to the open
door and eyed him questioningly.
"Good mother," he said, with a winning smile, "may I trespass upon your
hospitality? I would fain break my fast, and this coin will pay my way."
"Food have we a-plenty, and to spare," said the kind-hearted woman, "so
that you are welcome to it. But who are you, and whence came you? You do
not speak like a peasant's child."
"Nay, I have some knowledge of fair speech," said Florimel. "Yet do I
count myself one of the people. And I fare from the city in quest of
adventure. See, I have brought this bow and quiver of arrows with me!"
[Illustration]
"Then most surely you will find it," said the dame, "for we live almost
on the edge of the kingdom, and beyond that line of deep woods there is
a strange country with adventure enough, I warrant you. But come with
me, and sit you at the board. My good man has gone to loose the sheep
from the fold, and will be back very soon."
So Florimel followed his hostess into the plain kitchen, and took his
place at a bare wooden table while she busied herself in the preparation
of the meal. And, as he sat there, and she was occupied with her task,
there rose from outside a sudden hub-bub, made up of the gallop of many
horses' hoofs, the clank and rattle of swords and uniforms, and the
jargon of excited human voices.
The woman in great curiosity rushed from the oven to the door, and
Florimel jumped down from his chair, running after her, and peering out
from behind her.
"Soldiers!" she cried, astounded beyond measure. "What are they doing
here, I wonder?"
[Illustration: LOOKING FOR BROWNIES]
The farmer with cap in hand looked up at them, awed and confused by
their fine airs and magnificence, and while they volleyed questions
at him silently and stupidly shook his head, until at last in their
impatience and disgust they put spurs to their horses' flanks and
galloped off in clouds of dust.
Then the good man ran toward the house, suddenly finding voice, and
shouting at his wife:
"Here's a great to do! The young Prince Florimel has disappeared in the
night, and the whole kingdom is aroused!"
Then noticing Florimel for the first time he asked:
"But who is this?"
"A chance guest to break his fast with us," said his wife. "But let us
eat before the food grows cold."
So Florimel partook heartily of the plain fare of the farmer and his
wife, and throughout the meal the talk of his hosts was of the missing
prince.
"Poor lad!" said the woman with a sigh.
[Illustration]
"I hope that all is well with him. Yet much I fear this search for him
is vain. His uncle, the duke, could tell, I warrant, what has happened
to him. But he will never be heard of more, and the wicked duke will
now be king." "You who have come from the city," said the farmer to
Florimel, "no doubt some time have seen the poor prince. What kind of a
young lad was he? A likely one, so I have heard." "He had his faults,"
admitted Florimel. "He was very small of build--no taller than I. When
last I saw him he looked not unlike me. I doubt if he weighed a penny
weight more."
[Illustration]
"Was he handsome?" asked the woman.
"Am I handsome?" asked Florimel in return.
"Candor compels me to tell you you are not," she frankly said, "though
you are not ill-favored, either."
"Still if I wore the prince's attire," said Florimel, "I would be as
handsome as he. But let us change the subject. You spoke but a while ago
of that strange country which lies adjacent to this. In what manner is
it strange?"
"But little is known of it," said the woman, "for, in truth, it is a
place to be avoided. There are few humans bold enough to penetrate its
mysteries, for in the forests and dense undergrowth are savage beasts
that wreak harm. Often we can hear their wild cries at night, and our
hearts are chilled. And, even if one escape the beasts, there are
Brownies and fairies to weave their mystic charm."
"Are the Brownies there too?" asked Florimel, with interest.
[Illustration]
"Aye, that they are!" said the woman. "But it is not the Brownies that
would hurt you. They are kind little creatures who would help instead of
harm you."
"I would like to see them," said Florimel reflectively. "Many a night as
I lay in my bed have I dreamed of the Brownies."
"See them you cannot," said the woman decidedly, "since you have not
second sight. Many have tried to see the Brownies, but they have
failed through lack of supernatural vision. But there are Brownies
nevertheless, and they go everywhere. Of that we have abundant proof,
have we not, husband?"
"Aye!" said the farmer. "Once when I lay flat upon my back, and the
grain in the field was in danger of rot, the Brownies came one night and
harvested it. In the morning it was all cut and stacked."
"Yes," the good wife hastened to add, "and that very same night they
churned the cream to butter."
[Illustration]
"Are you sure the Brownies did it?" asked Florimel, in surprise. "Who
else but the Brownies?" said the farmer positively. "We had set a bowl
of cream for that is all they ask, and next morning the cream was gone.
Wife, show him the bowl!"
The woman thereupon exhibited an empty blue delf bowl, and Florimel
was convinced. He rose with his hosts from the table, and went to the
doorway from which he gazed to the far line of woods that now held such
charm for him.
"Let me pay you my faring, good people," he said, "for I would be on my
way."
"Nay, there is naught you owe us," said the farmer, "for you have been a
welcome guest. You are a fine young lad, and I have a fancy for you. You
had better bide here with us. There is work for you to do for your board
and lodging. I need someone to tend the sheep."
"I thank you, my good man," said Florimel, "but I must leave you."
"Whither would you go?"
"To that strange country of which your good wife spoke."
"Say not so, young master," implored the woman earnestly. "There are
wild beasts there waiting to devour you."
"And there are wild beasts of men sometimes even more terrible," said
Florimel. "I will take my chances with the beasts. All that I have loved
I have lost, so there is naught to keep me. Each moment I tarry but adds
to the danger that encompasses me."
"Master, can it be?--yes, it must be!" cried the man, with a great light
breaking upon him. "You are the prince!"
"Yes, I am indeed he!" said Florimel. "Convey word to my uncle that I am
gone, and that the child of the brother who trusted in him will never
trouble him again. If the people choose him for their ruler, let the
consequences be on their own heads. And now farewell!"
With this last word on his lips he broke into a run. The man with the
best of intentions tried to follow in the hope of dissuading him from
his rash purpose, while his wife frantically shouted for the young
prince to come back.
[Illustration]
But with the bow and arrows that might mean so much to him Florimel
only increased his pace, so that the other was soon distanced. Finally
the man in despair gave up the chase, and stood watching until Florimel
turned, waved his hand, and disappeared into the heavy growth of forest.
And on and on he went, though nothing extraordinary befell him. So for
three days he continued, suffering neither from hunger nor from thirst,
for there were plenty of pure brooks at which he could lave and drink,
and it was the time of the delicious tomtom, a juicy fruit everywhere in
great abundance, which tasted like a banana flavored with vanilla ice
cream, and which had all the sustaining qualities of beefsteak.
Of this Florimel partook heartily and at will, as well as of berries and
nuts, and when weary slept for precaution's sake in the forked branches
of trees, with his rest broken only by the crashing of some skulking
animal through thick, tangled underbrush in quest of prey or a long,
drawn-out, shuddering night-cry that would chill his blood and cause his
heart for a moment to cease its beat.
Still there were trees growing thickly together, and retarding
and making difficult one's advance. But, just when he was growing
discouraged, they began to thin out, and he came into more open spaces.
Finally he reached a tiny lake that shone like a turquoise in a
bowl-like formation at the base of a steep hill.
[Illustration]
A path ran up the hillside, and this evidently had been much in use, for
the grass was worn and trodden by many feet. On a ledge there was an
old, decaying, leafless tree, and on one of its gaunt, top-branches that
jutted over the lake a pair of intrepid eagles had built their nest.
Florimel looked up and spied the young eaglets who were just old enough
to essay flight, selfishly trying to crowd each other out of their airy
structure of sticks and straws. Far overhead their parents described
invisible circles in the sky, emitting as they did so harsh shrieks of
pride.
While he gazed upward, thinking meanwhile that it was a strange abode
for eagles to choose, in place of the customary mountain-crag, he was
suddenly startled by the savage roar of beasts.
Quick as a flash he turned, and saw a wild, fierce, snarling pack--a
confused, horrifying vision of lions, tigers, and leopards--their red
tongues lolling from their watering mouths--their nostrils dilated at
the scent of human blood--flying with leaps and bounds to rend and tear
him apart and devour him.
Desperately he seized an arrow from the quiver, and placing it in the
bow pointed it at them and pulled back the cord.
But the cord snapped in twain, and the arrow fell harmlessly to the
ground.
[Illustration]
CHAPTER IV
THE HUMAN OCTOPUS STARTS UPON A MISSION
[Illustration]
Across the minor sea whose blue, sparkling waters kissed the fair shores
of Queen Titania's fairy kingdom, about a hundred leagues as flies the
crow, there was another country where lived the notorious enchanter
Dragonfel.
A fairy messenger on a winged steed had conveyed information that
Dragonfel intended to make trouble. But this was nothing new for
Dragonfel.
As a matter of fact, he was always trying to make trouble for everybody.
Trouble was his specialty.
Dragonfel was not a nice man, and, if you had known him, you would not
have liked him. He cheated when he played croquet, and he was always
claiming wickets that he never made. He did not go to Sunday School,
either. If he had gone, he would not have put a penny in the plate for
the heathen. That was the kind of man he was.
Yet he was the possessor of fabulous riches, and he never would have
missed what he might have given away had he been charitably inclined,
which he was not in the least.
No one else in the whole world was as wealthy as he. He owned a
combination mine in which were diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds,
and other precious gems galore, some of them as big as cobblestones.
[Illustration]
It may be said with safety that Dragonfel was inclined to have his own
way, and carry out his own ideas. He was very rich, and had money to
burn. When in the mood of celebrating some great event, such as the
Burial of Good Intentions, or the Failure in Eden, instead of climbing
on some rock to set off firecrackers, burn Roman candles, or discharge
toy cannon, he delighted in burning Bank Bonds, Legal Tenders, or
Government Securities of large denominations, until the ashes of them
were declared a nuisance by his Board of Health, and with reluctance he
would discontinue his celebration.
As is usual in all such great operations there were panics at times,
through alarms of fire, explosions, or escaping gas, when everybody
tried to get out at once and but few could escape.
One day it would be the danger of being smothered, the next of being
roasted, the third of a cave-in where all would be buried alive, and so
from hour to hour fear was in the way.
[Illustration: Distress in the Mine.]
There were mine-sprites whom he kept steadily at work, without regard
for Union hours, digging the gems out with their fingers.
The poor mine-sprites were greatly over-worked, and not the least regard
was paid to life or limb. The hours were long as they struggled at
the wheelbarrows or mine-carts, either pushing or pulling, with their
unreasonable loads piled high in the air, and with gems that in the
market would have brought enough to pay the debt of a Principality
slipping off, and rolling in the dust.
[Illustration]
The palace of Dragonfel was a sight, and it would have made your eyes
blink to see it. It was constructed entirely of diamonds, rubies, and
emeralds all stuck together with cement. There were no opals, because
Dragonfel thought they were unlucky. If you could have pried off any one
of them you would have had enough to keep you in the greatest luxury all
your life. The famous Kohinoor was but a grain of sand compared to any
of them.
Back of the palace, and casting a frowning shadow over it, was a single
towering mountain whose top was an extinct volcano. No one could recall
the exact date of its last eruption, for Dragonfel stubbornly insisted
upon running his business without an almanac. There were those
scientifically inclined who leaned to the theory that the volcano had
been the cause of all the gems in Dragonfel's mine.
[Illustration]
Though it must have been a very long time since the volcano had
celebrated with home-made fireworks, the enchanter had always
anticipated a further display, so he had taken the precaution to buy
an old-fashioned fire-engine which was installed conveniently at hand
in a building over whose doors was the caption: NEPTUNE HOOK AND
LADDER CO. NO 1. In the building were plenty of rubber coats, boots,
and red helmets. Everything was ready for an emergency.
There were some who declared that Dragonfel had some business connection
with Beelzebub, but, whether this was true or not, he had the bad taste
to get himself up after the authentic portraits of that disreputable
person. He was very tall indeed, with almost a scarlet countenance,
and he wore a long, flowing cloak that was a perfect match for his
complexion. He kept his hair rather long, and brushed it stiffly up, to
convey the impression that he had a natural horn.
[Illustration]
He boasted a host of followers, all big, hulking black-guards of
giant-like stature, with repulsive names such as Boundingbore, Mandrake,
Wolfinger, Grouthead, Snoutpimple, and the like, and whenever they did
something mean he rewarded them. The consequence was that they were
trying to do mean things all the time.
They were in charge of the mine, and the way they treated the poor
mine-sprites was awful. It was a good thing for them that the officers
of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children were unable to
get around.
So on a certain day, following his usual custom, Dragonfel was making an
inspection of the mine. He had descended through a secret passage, and
walked about the dark chambers lit here and there by gloomy flares of
light.
[Illustration]
Guarded by the enchanter's cruel followers, the mine-sprites, poor
little, emaciated, witch-like creatures in tattered clothes, were
digging away with their raw, bruised fingers at the sides of earth and
exhuming precious stones. They were not allowed to use picks, for that
would have made the work easy.
Diamonds, rubies, pearls, amethysts, emeralds, and other gems, every
one of them worth a king's ransom, lay piled about carelessly in heaps.
The opals when they were discovered were thrown away. Sprites kept
staggering off with heavy loads in wheelbarrows.
Dragonfel surveyed the work with great satisfaction, and asked Grouthead
who was in general charge:
"When were they fed last?"
"Three days ago, kind master!"
Everyone called him "kind master," though whether this was in sarcasm or
not no one knew.
"See that they don't get anything to eat before the full week is up,"
ordered Dragonfel. "And that reminds me of my own dinner. Boundingbore,
tell the cook I want turtle soup, spiced venison pastries, apple
dumplings, strawberry shortcake, and iced lemonade with plenty of
crushed raspberries in it."
The mouths of the poor little mine-sprites watered, and they smacked
their lips, but Grouthead snapped his long snake-whip so that it sounded
like a pistol-shot, and they frantically continued digging away in the
earth with their fingers.
Boundingbore flew to do Dragonfel's bidding, and Snoutpimple observed,
rather timidly:
"The air down here is very bad, kind master!"
"That's good," said Dragonfel, with hearty unction. "It might make me
ill if I were obliged to remain, so as I have a proper regard for my
health I think I will get right out into the open."
Attended by Mandrake, Snoutpimple, Wolfinger, and some of the rest, he
went on his way, while Grouthead snapped his whip to incite the
frightened, gasping, exhausted mine-sprites to further effort.
[Illustration: HELPLESSNESS IN THE MINE.]
When he came up out of the shaft Dragonfel gave a deep breath of relief
as his nostrils sucked in the bracing air that had a salt tang of the
sea in it. Out in the harbor there tossed a galleon on the lazy swell--a
craft built low amid-ship, and with both bow and stern curving high into
the air.
Dragonfel gazed off at it with interest, and remarked:
"It may come in handy soon if these Brownies and fairies continue
longer. They are getting altogether too good, and must be stopped. But
let us go back to the palace to see if anything has happened in our
absence."
Nothing else was to be seen on the wide water to draw his attention,
except some mermaids who were above the waves, engaged in combing their
hair, who, to most people, are very interesting.
[Illustration]
A little bird with very acute hearing listened intently to his words
as it lightly balanced on the twig of a gumdrop tree, and then flew
straight across the sea to tell a fairy, who told the other fairies.
Dragonfel with his big, clumsy, lumbering cohorts strode on to the
palace that was guarded by a Demon Usher--a queer, comical-looking chap
who with his wings much resembled a human grasshopper, and who half
flew, half walked.
He had thin little wisps of hair sticking out from each side of his
nose, like the scanty whiskers of a cat.
The Demon Usher with hops and jumps escorted him to a magnificent
throne, and grovelled with smirks before him, while Dragonfel with what
he thought to be the quintessence of grace sank upon it, and then
arranged himself in what he imagined was a kingly posture.
"Well," he gruffly said, "has anyone been here since I've been gone?"
"No, kind master!" the Demon Usher hastened to assure him. "No one has
been here since the band and you remember them."
"Ah, that band!" repeated Dragonfel, with a shudder. "I can't get their
notes out of my ears yet. But what have we here?"
[Illustration]
A huge creature resembling an octopus, with great, staring eyes popping
from his head, and hundreds of fuzzy tentacles protruding in all
directions from his grotesque body, came crawling toward him.
Straightway Dragonfel sprang up from the throne, while Wolfinger,
Mandrake, Boundingbore, and Snoutpimple, who had assumed respectful
positions at his sides, drew back in alarm.
But the Demon Usher gave a cackle of a laugh, and gleefully rubbed his
hands together as though he were washing them with invisible soap.
"Have no fear, kind master!" said a thin, piping voice from somewhere
within the horrid creature's hulk. "Is not this a pretty disguise?"
"The Red Spirit, as I live!" cried Dragonfel, in a tone of admiration
not unmixed with relief. "You rascal, why have you chosen this
masquerade?"
"But is it not a clever one?" persisted the Red Spirit. "See, kind
master, I can either compress or expand myself at will."
As he spoke he shrank to practical insignificance, and then almost
immediately afterward swelled out until it seemed that he would burst.
"Capital!" said Dragonfel encouragingly. "You can be of great assistance
to me. I have a mean task for you to do."
"The meaner the better, kind master!"
Dragonfel raised his arm, and pointed toward a window that gave a vista
of the far-off, smiling sea.
"Go, Human Octopus," he commanded, "and spy upon the Brownies and
fairies!" Without another word the hideous object started to crawl off
by means of his myriad tentacles, and all who were present watched his
convulsive, eccentric movements with malicious satisfaction.
[Illustration]
CHAPTER V
PRINCE FLORIMEL MEETS THE BROWNIES
[Illustration]
Prince Florimel gave a great shudder of fright when the gift of his
ex-fairy godmother so utterly failed him in that moment of terrible
danger. As the savage beasts, screaming for his blood, came toward him,
he turned and fled, without relaxing his hold upon the treacherous bow.
He made a frantic leap for the trunk of the tree, and grasping one of
the low branches pulled himself up with desperate haste as far as he
could.
The beasts with thunderous roars and sharp teeth showing sprang up at
him, and a lion with knife-like claws just grazed the skin of one of his
legs, and tore off a portion of his garment.
Florimel climbed up further, and still further, for safety, while the
animals roaring their defeat continued to hurl themselves at the tree
until it shook and shook again.
[Illustration]
Finally they took to fighting among themselves, with outcries that were
terrible, and finished by slinking or limping away discomfited.
[Illustration]
The eaglets disturbed by all this clamor perched on the edges of their
nest as though deliberating upon the hazard of trying for the first
time their wings in the dizzy space of blue. High overhead their angry
parents soared screaming their protests at what seemed to them an
unwarrantable intrusion.
Still retaining the bow, Florimel climbed out toward the nest, intending
to usurp possession of it, and with timid flaps of their untried wings
the eaglets essayed flight. Finding they could fly, they soon gained
confidence, and joined the parent-birds who led them a mad aerial chase.
Soon Florimel was the sole tenant of the nest, and, after he had
established himself comfortably in his new quarters, he set about to
repair the damage to the bow.
He tied the broken cord securely, and drew it taut, pulling it back as
far as he could repeatedly, but he did not waste in a trial one of the
remaining arrows in his quiver. For, though it had already brought to
him one grievous disappointment, he still had faith in his ex-fairy
godmother's gift.
[Illustration]
The eagles resenting his possession of their home kept flying
threateningly at him, but every time they came near he menaced them
with the bow and drove them away. Finally they alighted on another
limb of the tree, where they all sat in a row viewing him with silent
moody protest.
Worn by fatigue and excitement Florimel closed his eyes in sleep, with
an arm bared to the elbow hanging from the nest. When at last he was
awakened by a confused babel of voices from below, dusk had fallen, and
a crescent moon hung low in the sky.
The eagles young and old in agitated manner once more were circling the
darkening sky, and leaning over the nest and looking down Florimel was
astounded by what he saw.
And no less astounded than he was were a band of little people who had
caught a glimpse of that rounded human arm sticking from an eagles' nest
with consequent and complete mystification to all.
In a ring and with characteristic postures they stood gabbling among
themselves and pointing up--a queer, very queer race, all males, with
round fat little pot-bellies, thin, spindling shanks, long, tapering
feet, and babyish-looking heads set on their shoulders apparently
without connecting necks. And these heads had large ears, wide mouths,
and pop eyes--a combination that ordinarily would make the possessor of
them ugly, but which in their case contributed general results that made
them unusually winning and attractive.
As Florimel looked down he could note that there were many of one
type--tiny fellows who wore the same kinds of caps and jackets.
But there were others too--one of each kind--a Policeman with a
club, a Sailor with a spy-glass, an Indian, a Cowboy, and a single
representative from every country of importance in the world. England,
Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, Russia, Switzerland, Austria,
Italy, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Portugal, China, Japan, the United
States, Canada, and other lands had their delegates whom Florimel could
distinguish by means of a strange human picture-book in the museum
of the kingdom from which he had flown, and which often he had been
permitted to see. And, while he marveled and wondered thereat, his keen
eye alighted on another too--a tiny chap with high-topped, bell-crowned
hat, black clothes with swallow-tail, a wide expanse of spotless white
shirt-bosom, spats, and glistening patent-leather shoes--a pompous,
vain, conceited, immaculate-looking little fellow who carried a cane
that seemed a part of him, and who wore a round piece of glass over one
of his eyes.
[Illustration]
In order to obtain a better view Florimel leaned further over, and so
disturbed the architecture of the nest, from which the sticks began to
fall, until he felt the whole foundation going. But so suddenly did this
occur that he did not have a chance to grasp a saving branch, and in a
trice plunged through the bottomless structure down--down--down--
He closed his dizzy frightened eyes, struck the waters of the lake, then
disappeared from sight.
The curious band watching him were quick to realize his predicament.
Without loss of time they ran to a shelf of rock that over-hung the
lake, and one and all jumped in after him.
Ker-splash! ker-splash! resounded on all sides until the water was
dotted with bobbing heads.
[Illustration]
As Florimel came to the surface, blinded and choking, someone quickly
grasped him, and, while the rest formed a living chain, he was passed on
from one to another, until the last dragged him safely to shore.
Soon they were all gathered about in a ring, with Florimel in the
centre, and, while the soft wind dried their dripping clothes, they
looked at him, and he at them, with wonder and surprise on all their
faces.
[Illustration]
"Avast there, messmates!" said the Sailor to the rest. "What did I tell
you? He can see us!"
And the cry was taken up all around the ring:
"He can see us! He can see us!"
"Why shouldn't I be able to see you?" said Florimel, rather impatiently.
"I have eyes."
"Yes," said one who wore a long black gown, and who had a tasseled
mortarboard on his head, "but so have other people. It takes second
sight to see the Brownies."
The Brownies! Florimel's heart gave a sudden bound.
"Much am I beholden to you all," he said, "for having rescued me. If you
had not saved me I should have been obliged to save myself."
"Can you swim?" asked the Sailor, while all looked much chagrined.
"Like any duck!" was Florimel's response. "But are you mortal?"
questioned the Uncle Sam Brownie. "No mortal eye has ever yet beheld
us."
"My ex-fairy godmother at my christening bestowed on me the gift of
second sight," explained Florimel, "so that I have always been able to
see things no one else could."
"Ah, that accounts for it," said the Irish Brownie, while the faces of
all the others showed that a great mystery had suddenly been cleared
away. "You must have supernatural powers."
"Of that I am not sure," said Florimel, "but of this much I am, that
right gladly would I be one of you, to work and toil while weary
households sleep, to delight in harmless pranks and helpful deeds, and
never be seen by mortal eye."
They looked at each other, evidently embarrassed by so bold a hint, and
the Brownie Dude voiced the thought that was in all minds when he
fervently remarked:
"I wish King Stanislaus were here!"
"But you are not a Brownie!" said the Chinaman to Florimel in a most
decided tone. "How could you join the band? You don't look like a
Brownie. What have you ever done?"
"Nothing, I fear," confessed Florimel. "It is not what I have not done,
but what I hope to do, that makes me so presumptuous as to beg the honor
to be one of you. And, if I were fortunate enough to be taken in by you,
I would ever strive to be helpful, faithful, and true, like a Brownie."
These words, delivered with earnest, manly spirit, created their
impression.
"It may be you have supernatural powers, as the Irishman remarked," said
the Student Brownie doubtfully. "Have you ever tried to put them to a
test?" Prince Florimel sighed.
What could he do to gain the confidence and esteem of these little
people whom already he was beginning to love? How could he make them all
his friends?
In his doubt and uncertainty his eye strayed to the bow in his hand.
A sudden thought came to him. In this extremity it might be of aid.
But it had failed him once--would it fail him again?
Without a word he took an arrow from the quiver and placed it to the
bow. The Brownies watched his every movement with the keenest interest.
He gazed about seeking some difficult target at which to aim. With their
pop eyes the Brownies gazed where he did.
He saw the crescent moon hanging low in the deepening sky, like a
hunter's horn, and pointed the arrow at it.
He pulled back the cord with all his strength, and to his great relief
it held. The arrow whistled away in its swift flight, and was lost in
the violet atmosphere.
But almost the next moment a great cry of surprise went up from all the
Brownies. The arrow that Florimel had shot was sticking through the
moon!
[Illustration]
CHAPTER VI
THE HUMAN OCTOPUS SNOOPS AROUND
[Illustration]
Watched by the admiring eyes of Dragonfel and his followers the Human
Octopus wriggled and squirmed his way out of the enchanter's palace.
And, whether he flew through the air, or swam through the waters, to
Queen Titania's fairy kingdom, using his tentacles as propellers, is
a matter for conjecture. But, at any rate, he got there with all
tentacles. Whenever his suspicions were aroused, or there was the
slightest doubt, he would hastily secrete himself among shrubbery or
weeds, with which his mottled green sides proved a perfect match, so
that as a whole he blended in admirably with the vegetation.
He did not have a heart, a rather sluggish liver performing for him
instead the necessary functions of the other organ, and, as he
approached Queen Titania's palace with due caution, it thumped with
torpid pleasure.
[Illustration]
If there was anything he liked above all others it was sneaking, and
the job which Dragonfel had given him presented most attractive
possibilities.
Noting a gurgling brook in the proximity of the portcullis, he took
great pains to soak the round pad-like ends of his tentacles in water so
that when they were applied to a flat surface they would adhere through
atmospheric pressure sufficiently to bear his weight.
In such a manner, when no one was looking, did the wily rascal climb up
the high garden-wall and down the other side, wriggling and squirming
with ill-concealed chuckles toward the palace.
Only the magic dove that Euphrosyne had left, which was preening itself
on the edge of a fountain's basin, saw him, with the result that it was
strongly tempted to fly back to the Goddess of Mirth forthwith.
At the fountain the Human Octopus took the precaution to again soak his
multifarious pads in water, after which with his goggle eyes he cocked
his head in a professional survey of the palace. Then he began to ascend
one of its towering walls. Higher and higher, and still higher, he went
in perfect safety until at last he gained the roof and squatted on the
top of a chimney.
[Illustration]
There he skillfully compressed himself to fit the dimensions of the
flue, after which he began to let himself gently down like an
elevator-car. A great volume of black, greasy smoke from the kitchen
suddenly belched forth and hid him from sight.
[Illustration]
It was not so long afterward that, all covered with soot, he crawled out
of the big open fireplace in the throne-room. Before he did so he made
sure to satisfy himself that no one was there. But there was no telling
when someone might come, and he knew it behooved him to secrete himself
and instantly.
His goggle eyes oscillated in all directions around the room, and he
craftily selected for his hiding-place a great tall clock that stood up
close against the wall in a corner by itself.
[Illustration]
It was not a grandfather's clock, for there were no grandfathers in
Queen Titania's kingdom. It was what might more properly be termed a
grandmother's clock.
The villain opened the door, and projected himself into the clock's
interior, being obliged in order to accomplish this to make his
proportions squarish and oblong. His queer-looking head showed at the
top instead of the clock's face. Then with one of his tentacles glued to
the door he pulled it back in its place.
"Now we shall see what we shall see," he snorted. "I must be patient and
bide my time."
The big brass pendulum swaying rhythmically to and fro with its measured
tick-tock! tick-tock! kept hitting his stomach, and it tickled him so
that it was all he could do to keep from laughing.
But he knew that he must not do so. If he even snickered he might betray
himself. So he put a number of his tentacles over his mouth and tried
hard to keep a straight face.
Now, though every month was a fair month, a rare month, for the murmur
of the little streams was never hushed, and the fruits and flowers
always were in bloom, with the skies mostly blue above them, and the
winds soft and kind, May to the fairies' way of thinking was the
sweetest of all the happy year, and whenever it came round it was
tendered a becoming ceremony.
The Eve o' May was a holiday, though it might truthfully be said that
every day was a holiday.
But at this particular time when all nature was at its best there were
special observances that sprang from the gladness and exultation in all
hearts, the very joy of existence, and the happiness that was manifested
by every living thing.
Queen Titania and her fairies prepared for the innocent revels and
dances that were to occur on a velvet sward some distance from the
palace grounds, and their hearts were pleasantly thrilled by a notice
with some pictures of Brownies that had been mysteriously tacked up in
the neighborhood.
Marvelous was the flower-texture of the gowns donned for this gala
occasion, and in her robes of blush-pink mossrose petals which swept
away in a long, fragrant train Titania never looked more beautiful and
charming.
Little old Dame Drusilda who resembled a human morning-glory, with hat,
bodice, and dress all like cornucopias, fumed, fretted, and ordered all
the other fairies around.
"As I live," the fussy dame declared, "we've forgotten to wind the big
clock, and it's almost run down. Violet and Daffodil, go to the
throne-room, and attend to this before we start."
The two good-naturedly ran to do her bidding, and when he saw them
coming the Human Octopus had an uneasy qualm.
He hastily tried to distort his ugly face into a resemblance of the
Roman numerals, and stuck up two tentacles for the hour and minute
hands, but the deception was a poor one, and would not work. Violet and
Daffodil set about to wind the clock, but, on looking up to note the
time, they were confronted by a face twisted in an expression that the
Human Octopus very foolishly thought invited confidence, but which
instead sent them scurrying and hurrying with gathered-up flower skirts
and ear-splitting shrieks from the room.
[Illustration]
"I wonder what they're scared of," said the stupid fellow to himself.
"Well, it isn't the first time I've given folks a start in life. And now
it behooves me to remove myself from here forthwith, if not sooner, for
if they come back and catch me the jig is up!"
The tick-tock! tick-tock! of the pendulum reminded him that every
moment was precious, so he scrambled out of the clock, and wig-wagged
his way out of the room.
When he came to a fountain he lumberingly clambered up into the basin,
and puddled around in the water to get the soot off, and once more as
the dove watched him perform his ablutions it found it difficult to
refrain from flying back to Euphrosyne.
[Illustration]
The Human Octopus peered through a lattice, but none of the fairies was
in sight. Then he hustled up the garden-wall, and down the other side,
finally secreting himself in a big floral urn by the portcullis, where
he awaited further developments.
No one would have guessed he was there, for he seemed to be a part
of the luxuriant green growth, and he even let his tentacles droop
gracefully over with the branches and stalks of the palms and ferns to
heighten the illusion.
Meanwhile Violet and Daffodil were telling a most harrowing story to
Queen Titania and the rest of the fairies, but so frightened were they
still that it was hardly intelligible. Finally they were all prevailed
upon to accompany the two to the throne-room to see for themselves.
Nothing was inside the clock, of course, but the brass works.
"It seems to me you both have very vivid imaginations, young ladies,"
chided Dame Drusilda. "After this I would let Welsh rabbits alone."
"It's not there now, but it was there," persisted Violet stoutly, "and
it was the most dreadful looking thing you ever saw."
"It was worse than that," added Daffodil. "It was the most dreadful
looking thing you never saw."
[Illustration]
"Well, even if there was such a horrid creature, it's gone," said Queen
Titania comfortingly, "so why should we trouble ourselves about it any
longer? It's time for our revels to begin, and if we don't hurry up the
ice cream will all melt, and remember there's angel-cake, charlotte
russe, and lemonade besides!"
The tiny Cupids, whose hearts were going pit-a-pat, for they believed
implicitly every word that Violet and Daffodil had said, hastily
gathered up Her Majesty's train.
All started from the palace, the portcullis being raised to let them
pass, and from his hiding-place in the urn the Human Octopus with his
big, gloating, goggle eyes noted every movement that they made. But
they had no suspicion that he lurked among the palms and ferns.
[Illustration]
After they had disappeared from sight he flopped down, and keeping his
eyes close to the earth followed the wee footprints that they made.
His sleuth-like, sneaky search led him straight to where the fairies
sported on the green, and as he drew nearer to them he exercised more
caution.
He compressed himself more closely to the ground, and picking out a
luxuriant clump of peculiar rainbow roses whose leaves afforded a most
effective screen he crawled to it to wait and bide his time.
As he watched the innocent, happy fays garlanded with fragrant,
many-hued flowers pose and pirouette he could not deny to them with
a certain grace that many enthusiasts would have pronounced most
exquisite. But he had never been to dancing school, and he did not trip
the light, fantastic tentacle himself.
He was greatly interested in all he saw, however, and even more so when
at last he noticed Queen Titania, the Cupids, and several of the fairies
leave the lithe, flushed, happy group. For Queen Titania had spied
the rainbow roses, different from all the rest, and ran with eager,
sparkling eyes to fill her arms with them. Little she dreamed of the
danger that lurked in all their perfumed radiance. Swiftly she came,
outdistancing the others, and as she bent over in sweet, innocent
pillage the mean, contemptible nature of the Human Octopus manifested
itself. Forgetful of his diplomatic mission, he wound his tentacles
around her until she looked like a mesh-bag. When she began almost
instantly to scream he grimly increased the pressure. The fairies and
Cupids, horrified beyond measure by what they beheld, and helpless to
aid their beloved queen, fled with wild cries.
The Human Octopus tightened his cruel grip. Titania's head fell back,
her golden hair streamed over her shoulders, her eyes distended, and she
could not get her breath.
Slowly but surely the Human Octopus was strangling her!
[Illustration]
CHAPTER VII
FLORIMEL IS ADOPTED BY KING STANISLAUS
[Illustration]
Delighted beyond measure were all the Brownies with Prince Florimel's
most amazing feat, and their pleasure manifested itself in broad smiles
upon smug faces, the nodding of round little heads, the slapping of
hands on each other's backs, and the good-natured poking of fists in
each other's stomachs.
They pressed close to Florimel and kept wringing his hand in
congratulation. Not even a Brownie could do what he had done.
All wanted to examine the bow that had accomplished a result so
wonderful. But it was just like the ordinary bow of any archer, and
its wood and gut presented no solution of the remarkable happening;
it was no story, they saw it themselves.
Then, noting that Florimel's attire was torn in many places, and that
here and there his fair flesh showed, they stripped him of his garments,
replacing them with skin-tight trousers that with the greatest
difficulty they drew over his legs, long, tapering shoes, a jacket with
big buttons, and a pinnacle-shaped cap whose top could not sustain
itself but fell over on his head.
Many nimble hands attended to his valeting, and though Florimel observed
that he was garbed as an ordinary Brownie, of which there were a large
number, he was rejoiced at the eagerness they now displayed to transform
him to a Brownie, and make him one of themselves. Yet he could not help
thinking, as he glanced first at them, and then at himself, how
different he was from them all.
[Illustration]
Try as they might they could not bestow on him the pop eyes, big ears,
and broad, distended mouth that parted in a smile so evident of inward
satisfaction. He was as fair and sightly as one could wish to be, yet he
would rather have looked like a Brownie. Only in size did he resemble
one.
Some such thought must have been in the minds of the Brownies too, for
they seemed puzzled as they inspected their new comrade.
While they were making their first awkward overtures of friendship the
attention of all was suddenly diverted to two ordinary Brownies rolling
a watermelon up the steep hill. The melon was perhaps thrice their size,
and they puffed and grunted over what to them was a herculean task.
[Illustration]
Just when their labor promised to be light, with the crest of the hill
almost reached, they stopped to take their breath, and in doing so
relinquished their hold on the melon.
[Illustration]
Bumpety-bumpety! it started rolling down the hill. Both ran after it in
pursuit, then realizing that they were being distanced stood stock-still
with horror on their faces. Bumpety-bumpety! came the big melon, with
ever increasing momentum, while the eyes of Florimel and all the rest
followed its erratic course down the hill--bumpety-bumpety!--with leaps
and bounds--bumpety-bumpety!--first to one side, then to another,
bumpety-bumpety!--till it finished with an extra high bound and squashed
all to pieces right in their very midst. Little jets of sweet water shot
in all directions from its sides as though projected from a syphon, and
out from the juicy, luscious, red pulp exposed to view there crawled
sheepishly on his hands and knees a little weazened old fellow who wore
an ermine cape and gold crown.
[Illustration]
"Hail, Your Majesty!" shouted all the Brownies, and the little old
fellow stood up, rubbed himself, and said, rather ruefully:
"No, I'd rather reign!"
Then the Brownies, under the leadership of the Dude, yelled, in perfect
unison:
"'Rah! 'rah! 'rah!
Stan-is-laus!
Siss-boom-ah!"
"Thanks!" graciously acknowledged His Majesty, adding by way of
explanation:
"I chose this watermelon green
To shun the treacherous submarine!"
Then a puzzled expression came to his face as his eye suddenly observed
Florimel.
"Why, who's this fellow?" he demanded. "You're not trying to make a
Brownie of him, are you?"
Florimel's heart sank, for he realized that here was the king himself,
whose word was absolute law to all these little people.
If he frowned down on any plans they had made in his behalf, all the
hopes that had sprung up in his breast would be ruthlessly shattered.
The Brownies seemed troubled too, for they would not have brought
displeasure to King Stanislaus for all the world.
While the new-comer stood looking timidly down, without daring to meet
the questioning gaze of that kindly but august monarch, his little
companions made bold to extol his virtues real and imaginary till their
tongues were all wagging at such a great rate that Florimel could not
help but furiously blush.
First they pointed to the crescent moon, still pierced by the arrow,
averring earnestly that it was Florimel's accomplishment, and the sudden
start King Stanislaus gave when he beheld this marvel showed that he was
properly impressed.
Then they called his attention to the eagles' nest high up in the tree,
explaining that it was there they first saw the stranger, after which
they waited anxiously as did Florimel to hear what His Majesty would
say.
King Stanislaus looked not displeased, and one and all took heart.
"If Moses was found among the frogs, and Romulus among the wolves," said
the monarch, with great deliberation, "then an eagles' nest is a fitting
cradle for a Brownie prince!"
This speech caused the Brownies to burst into a sudden wild cheer that
made the welkin ring, for they realized that not only had King
Stanislaus set approval on what they had done, but he had gone much
further.
[Illustration]
He had made Florimel his heir by adoption, and successor to the Brownie
throne! "See that he is properly attired," was the royal command, and
once more Florimel's appearance underwent a swift and startling change.
From some invisible source fresh wardrobe was supplied, and from a
plain, ordinary Brownie he was transformed into a handsome, dashing
little prince as pert and pretty a sprig of royalty as one could see in
many a long journey over lands where there were kings and queens with
large, flourishing families--in trunks, doublet, and cape, with a cap
that perched jauntily upon his roguish curls.
Filled with gratitude was he over this great, this unexpected honor that
had befallen him and he expressed his thanks as best he could feeling
that the words he used were poor at best, but vowing loyalty and
obedience in all things evermore to his gracious foster-parent.
"It will not be so very long, my son, before you occupy the throne,"
said King Stanislaus, and his voice took on a rather pensive tone. "A
few short years--a couple of thousands or so--and I shall have passed
away. When I am gone I shall leave to you all-out-doors and the love of
children, a priceless heritage which you must treasure tenderly and
never lose."
Then came the Brownies with pledges of fealty to their prince, and
Florimel smiled back into their smiling faces, while all were glad.
The Policeman limping slightly came and offered him his club, but
Florimel good-humoredly refused it, and waved him aside. The Sailor came
next with his spy-glass, but Florimel laughingly declined it also.
Each of the band in a free-hearted way evinced a desire to surrender to
him his most cherished possession, and much touched was he by their
expressions of good will. But the most he would accept was an eagle's
feather which had been dropped by one of the birds to the ground, and
which the Dude stuck in his cap.
Soon matters took on their usual routine, and, noticing that the
Policeman limped, King Stanislaus asked:
"Officer, what's the matter?"
[Illustration]
"I fell off the palace-wall last night, Your Majesty, when I was tacking
up the placard."
"What did you fall against?"
"I fell against my will. One of the fairy guards mistook me for an
enemy, and fired a charge of shot at me."
"Did you press a complaint?"
"No, I withdrew the charge."
Into an admiring group some distance off the well-informed Dude was
instilling the first principles of etiquette.
"It is not good form to try to eat your peas with a knife," he told
them. "You should spear them with a fork."
And the Sailor was growling to the German:
"Avast there, you lubber! A dog-watch isn't a chronometer."
The Indian with a flourish of his tomahawk came running to King
Stanislaus, and imparted the surprising intelligence:
"The dromedary's swallowed all the door-knobs, and the knobs are in his
stomachs."
"Which one of his stomachs?"
"I don't know, Your Majesty."
"Can't you see which looks the knobbiest?"
Florimel could not but admire the shrewdness of King Stanislaus in
disposing of all matters great and small, and he did not feel that he
could ever reign and be as wise as he.
The little monarch held his subjects under most admirable control, and
in arguments that sometimes rose between them one word from his lips
would effectually settle all dispute.
And so they wandered on and on, hiding away from sight ere the first
rays of the morning sun could strike them, and sallying forth again when
the stars began to shine at night.
Many a harmless prank they played, and helpful deed they did, in which
Florimel took hearty part, and he grew to love them more and more, as
they did him.
One thing was a source of great surprise to him, yet, after he
considered, it was not surprising, which was that all dumb creatures,
whether of the fields or air, were the Brownies' friends, and loved
them.
In countless ways they all evinced delight whenever these good-natured
little goblings were at hand, for they knew that they would help instead
of harm them.
Even the savage animals that had so lately thirsted for Florimel's blood
proved tractable, and neither they nor the Brownies showed the slightest
fear of each other. The beasts grovelled and rolled over with pleasure
when the Brownies playfully yanked and pulled their tails.
All was harmony between them, and the industrious animals went on with
their task of gathering bones without caring whether the Brownies were
near or far.
[Illustration]
So on they fared with light hearts that had never a care. The country
grew less wild and mountainous, till there were emerald fields, green
copses, and flowers blooming everywhere. The sweet, caressing air had
just a soft reminder of the sea in it.
And, while they hid away one day in a leafy covert, while the birds in
the branches round them were pouring their hearts out in gladness,
piercing screams suddenly rent the air, and caused all great alarm.
"Let us make haste!" cried Florimel, springing to his feet. "There is
danger in that cry!"
But when he started King Stanislaus tried to hold him back. "Have a
care, Florimel!" he warned. "It may be a decoy to entrap us!" "Let me
go!" said Florimel, struggling.
He broke from King Stanislaus's kindly, well-meant grasp, and ran with
might and main in the direction from which the terrifying sounds still
came. The Brownies looked at each other in great dismay. Into what
danger had their beloved Prince Florimel so recklessly plunged, and
would they ever see his face again?
[Illustration]
CHAPTER VIII
QUEEN TITANIA'S GREAT PERIL
[Illustration]
Prince Florimel sped with the fleetness of a deer in the direction from
which had come those agonizing cries for help.
As he fairly flew over the ground he saw the fairies and Cupids who had
been Titania's companions, and they pointed in a frenzy of alarm to the
clump of rainbow roses in the midst of which their unfortunate queen was
in the clutches of the dreadful Human Octopus.
The monster was still tightening his vise-like grip, and tortured by the
pain of his loathsome embrace, Titania was fast relapsing into
unconsciousness.
[Illustration]
Florimel drew near, and was aghast at what he beheld.
As his eye took in the frightening spectacle he realized that there was
not a moment to lose.
Quick as a flash he whipped an arrow from his quiver and placed it to
the bow.
He aimed the arrow straight at the Human Octopus, and back to its
greatest tension pulled the cord.
Once again the cord proved true, and the speeding arrow cleft the Human
Octopus in twain.
His shell fell instantly apart, and from the interior there flew away
into space a vapory-looking object with a long, trailing red cloak that
had all the lightness and airiness of gauze.
Dumfounded was Florimel by this most unexpected and amazing sight, but
there were other matters more urgent and pressing to demand his
immediate attention.
[Illustration]
With her strength almost spent Titania reeled and seemed about to faint,
but Florimel sprang to her aid, and sustained her in his arms.
He strove to assure her that there was nothing further to fear until at
last she began to recover her composure. "Noble prince," she murmured,
in tones that thrilled him, "you have saved my life, so henceforth it is
yours!"
Florimel sank upon one knee before her, and kissed the pink finger-tips
of the dainty hand she extended to him.
Looking up into her face, he thought he had never seen anyone so
beautiful as she, while her tiny heart throbbed faster at the sight of
him in all his gallant trappings, and she was very sure she had never
seen anyone so handsome.
[Illustration]
Then came in the greatest excitement all the fairies and Brownies, for
these latter little people when Florimel left them had followed close
upon his heels to aid him if need be, since, in spite of mystic power
that had temporarily passed with night, they were too brave to desert a
comrade when danger threatened.
[Illustration]
The horror and fear of what they had just witnessed was too much for
many of the fairies, and the kind-hearted Brownies had the interesting
task of conveying some to places of safety, where they could receive
proper treatment. In this work even the Chinaman willingly assisted.
[Illustration]
A group of curious sprites with much interest inspected several of the
creature's tentacles, while Queen Titania's overjoyed subjects crowded
around Florimel with such profuse expressions of gratitude that he was
much embarrassed.
"What did I tell you?" cried Violet, and "What did I tell you?" echoed
Daffodil, while all with much timidity examined the green, mottled shell
that lay in halves upon the ground. "That was the horrid thing we saw in
the clock."
"Well, never mind now," said Queen Titania, with a sigh of relief. "The
monster will not trouble us again."
In spite of what the queen said, Florimel was not so sure that they
would have no more trouble, since he had seen the wraith-like Red Spirit
fly from the shell of the Human Octopus off into the air.
[Illustration]
Somewhere he feared this strange, evil being lurked to wreak further
harm. Not wishing to cause uneasiness to Queen Titania, however, he said
never a word.
Then Brownies and fairies mingled together in happy, joyous mood. But
Florimel and Titania withdrew from all the rest, and had eyes only for
each other.
"I think I can guess how all this is going to end," said the Policeman
to the Sailor, in a voice that showed great resentment.
"Avast, you lubber!" sharply reproved the Sailor. "Now what d'ye mean?"
"I mean that Florimel has fallen in love with the queen, and will marry
her."
"How can he? Florimel is a Brownie, and Brownies never marry."
"But Florimel is not a real Brownie. He's only been taken into the band.
Just look at them now!"
The Sailor cocked his eye to where Florimel was bending over Titania,
with his head very close to hers.
"Shiver my timbers!" he cried. "They do look orange-blossomy!"
[Illustration]
Noting the impression Queen Titania was making upon Prince Florimel,
Dame Drusilda determined to exercise her arts upon the immaculate little
Dude, with whom she was very much taken.
"I hear," she remarked to the Student, "that he is connected with the
best families."
"Yes," he replied, rather enviously, "he sometimes is by telephone."
But as soon as she could do so she joined the group in which the Dude
held forth vivaciously, and when opportunity presented itself contrived
to say:
"Ah, sir, in your pretty ways you remind me of the gallants of old
times!"
"You must be able to remember quite far back," he said, as he looked at
her through his monocle.
"Forsooth, kind sir," she hastened to say, "I only speak through
hearsay. What I know my great-grandmother told my grandmother, who told
my mother, who in turn told me. As you can plainly see I am different
from other fairies. They call me a beauty of the old school."
"Hasn't school been out a good many years?" he asked.
"I fail to comprehend you," she said, with a blush. "Mayhap you are not
susceptible to beauty. Yet I have heard it often remarked that a
beautiful woman can make the strongest man go down on his knees."
The Dude gave his cuffs an admiring glance.
"So can a collar-button!" he said.
The day passed in sports and merry-making, followed by other days in
which the Brownies remained in close proximity to the palace. During all
this time Florimel and Titania were much together, and their attachment
for each other was remarked by all.
[Illustration]
The Brownies, growing uneasy over the thought that they might lose
their new companion to whom they had become so friendly, were eager to
move on in quest of fresh scenes and adventures.
King Stanislaus, with the belief that this might be a passing fancy on
the part of Florimel, humored his wishes, and ordered the band to
remain. When he reached the definite conclusion that it was not, he
said:
"My son, we have been here now quite a long time. Do you not think we
had better seek some other place where we can do good?"
Florimel's face showed his disappointment.
"No matter where one may be," he said, "there are always plenty of
opportunities to do good. Why not continue here, where we are all so
happy?"
"I hope to make Titania my wife," said Florimel simply.
"And where you are happiest of all," said His Majesty, with a knowing
wink. "Ah, Florimel, my boy, your whole life-story, like nearly every
other man's, may be summed up in just these three words: hatched,
matched, dispatched! Tell me how far matters have gone."
He looked anxiously at King Stanislaus's face, as though he feared to
see displeasure written there, but the genial, encouraging smile upon
the royal countenance caused him to take heart.
"I shall be sorry to lose a son," said the kindly monarch, "but I shall
be rejoiced to gain a daughter. Frankly it has always been my great
desire to have an alliance of the Brownies and fairies, for together we
can do more good than if we worked alone. But until you came I never
knew how this could be effected, for Brownies can never marry."
"Much pleased am I by those words, Your Majesty," said Florimel. "I do
not deny that I wish to be with Titania, for my feelings as far as she
is concerned are too plain to be disguised. Still it is not alone the
joy of being near her that causes me to wish this, but the thought that
harm may come to her at any time, in which case I might be able to be of
service to her."
[Illustration]
King Stanislaus seemed very much surprised.
"Harm!" he repeated. "What harm can befall her?"
"You forget the great danger she was in from the Human Octopus,"
reminded Florimel.
"But the Human Octopus is no more," said the king. "There is nothing to
fear on that score, drop him from memory."
"Still Dragonfel the enchanter has made his threats," said Florimel.
"They may be wild, foolish threats, yet they cause me great uneasiness.
I fear for the queen because of him."
Then he told the king for the first time how the Red Spirit, after the
Human Octopus had been cleft in twain by the magic arrow, had flown away
into the air, to bide his time, perhaps for further mischief and
wrong-doing.
His Majesty's little weazened face turned very grave at the recital.
"Still, Florimel, I would not worry," he said. "I will caution all the
band to keep a sharp look-out for the rascal. And do you, my son, woo
and win, Titania, for my blessing will fall upon you both."
[Illustration]
To that end Florimel exerted himself, but it was an easy task, since
Titania loved him fully as dearly as he her. So when they were seated
once at twilight on a stone bench in the palace-garden, very close to
each other, he asked the question ever trembling on his lips, and she
did not say him nay.
Then Florimel took a slender circlet of gold and placed it on her tiny
engagement finger. But, while she first looked at it, then pressed it
very tenderly to her little red pouting lips, the Red Spirit suddenly
darted from behind the bench, where he had been eavesdropping all the
while.
Before Florimel could reach for an arrow the other flew off in the air
and disappeared.
"What was that?" Titania cried, in great alarm.
Florimel strove to ease her mind, though he was much alarmed himself.
He felt that the Red Spirit was going to make trouble.
[Illustration]
CHAPTER IX
THE COMPACT WITH VULCAN
[Illustration]
Over the sea Dragonfel the enchanter waited with increasing impatience
for the Human Octopus to return with whatever information he might glean
in his prowling, sneaking manner. When his grotesque emissary did not
put in a prompt appearance he grew more surly and ill-humored than ever.
He vented his rage upon the poor little mine-sprites by increasing their
working-hours and decreasing their allowance of carrot-tops and
potato-skins.
Whenever he spoke to his followers their knees knocked together with
fright. At no time was he gentle, but when he was particularly violent,
which was nearly always, he was a very bad person who could be well
avoided.
So he became even crankier and crosser-grained than ever, till all
around him quaked with fear. He wondered why the Human Octopus did not
come back, and his inexplicable delay filled him with ungovernable fury.
"He's not attending to business," he said, grinding his teeth with rage.
"Instead of snooping he's just going around, and having a good time. But
wait till he gets back, and I'll show him!" As he spoke these words he
happened to be in his throne room, and he went to the open window to
look out.
It was a wild, terrible night, but the worse the weather was the more
Dragonfel liked it.
[Illustration]
The lightning zig-zagged all over the inky black sky, the thunder
roared, the wind howled, and the rain beat down in slanting torrents.
"Vulcan must have some little job on hand," Dragonfel pondered, as he
returned to his throne.
Scarcely had he done so when there came a sudden fierce gust of wind
that blew the Red Spirit through the window right to his very feet
where he cringed and grovelled and fawned in the most abject manner.
"How now, you rogue?" roared Dragonfel above the storm. "Where have you
been, and what has kept you? Why have you not returned as you went?
Answer, villain, or it will go hard with you! I will have you strung up
by the finger-tips till your toes barely touch the ground and beaten by
a thousand and one whips!"
"Oh, master, kind master," gasped the Red Spirit, trying to catch his
breath, "wonderful things have I seen, and wonderful things have I to
tell you. So incredible are they that you may not believe me, yet I do
assure you most positively that what I am about to relate is the truth,
the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I would never have believed
them myself had I not seen them with my own eyes."
"Omit all this long, unnecessary preamble," growled Dragonfel, in great
disgust, "and get down to hard facts. What have you discovered?"
"The Brownie prince is to wed the fairy queen!"
Dragonfel's face went from scarlet to white, then from white to scarlet,
then back to white, and then to scarlet again, just like the flashing of
a vari-colored electric sign.
"How do you know?" he asked, trying to control his temper. "Who told
you?"
"No one," said the trembling Red Spirit. "I saw him place an
engagement-ring on her finger."
"Well," declared Dragonfel, in a tone of the utmost brutality, "if they
are planning to get married all I've got to say is they've got another
guess coming!"
"Who will prevent the marriage, kind master?"
"I will prevent it!" irascibly shouted the enchanter, and he clapped his
hands together in an imperious way. "What ho, without there! Here's a
pretty kettle of fish! Come hither instantly!"
Grouthead, Mandrake, Boundingbore, Wolfinger, Snoutpimple, and others
were out in an ante-room, and they almost tumbled over each other in
their frantic haste to answer the peremptory summons.
[Illustration]
"Put on your storm-cloaks immediately," ordered Dragonfel. "I want you
to come with me to Vulcan's."
"It's a terrible night to be out, kind master," ventured Grouthead, with
a shudder.
There came a flash of lightning and a crash of thunder more terrifying
than any that had gone before.
"What's the matter with the night?" snapped Dragonfel. "I don't see
anything wrong with it. I call this particularly pleasant weather."
"Yes, it's all right now," Grouthead hastened to say.
So in their long, flowing cloaks they all sloshed out in the wind and
rain, while the hearts of those who followed after the enchanter quaked
and quailed as they plunged on through the pitch-black darkness of the
night.
The wind howled and shrieked with increasing fury, the lightning grew
sharper, and the peals of thunder more deafening, so that their eyes
were nearly blinded, and their ear-drums rang.
Now not so very far from Dragonfel's palace Vulcan whom they had set
forth to see had his cavern.
It was a very modest establishment indeed, considering the prodigious
results that he achieved, and the wonder was that in such cramped
quarters, and with so few to aid him in his work, he could do as much as
he did.
The cavern was down by the sea, in among huge rocks and boulders, and
over the door, in very modest lettering, was the business sign: VULCAN
GOD OF FIRE.
Inside was a forge with bellows such as any country blacksmith has, and
here Vulcan manufactured earthquakes and volcanos at will.
He could create seismic disturbances all over the world, in a trice
throw Vesuvius into hysterical contraptions, or make things suddenly
red-hot in Mexico or the British Honduras. His wares were known in every
quarter of the globe, and he didn't even so much as advertise.
On this particular night he stood as usual at his forge--a great big,
husky, bearded fellow in a red flannel undershirt bared at his brawny,
hairy chest, and with sleeves rolled almost up to his shoulders to give
the tremendous muscles of his arms full play.
[Illustration: Vulcan threatening his imps with a hot poker.]
He wore a round leather cap and had on a leather apron tied to his
burly waist by leather thongs. Things needed touching up a bit, and he
was getting busy.
"Where are those lazy 'prentices of mine?" he roared, in rumbling tones,
as he pumped the bellows, while the flames in the forge leaped higher
and higher. "Spry, Flash, Nimble, Twist, and the rest of you--where are
you, I say? Has my voice grown so weak, you rogues, that you cannot hear
me? Come hither this instant!"
From all directions in response to the angry summons came imps in red
attire that fitted their lithe, supple bodies as snugly as the skins of
eels.
They somersaulted down the chimney, popped up like jack-in-th'-boxes
from the earthen floor, and described parabolas through the air from the
cavern's ceiling, grouping themselves humbly on their knees before their
irate master, with their arms supplicatingly extended.
"Here at last, are you?" again roared Vulcan. "And none too soon,
either! Where have you been, imps? Idling your time away? Quick! heap
coals on, all of you, or the fire will be out!"
Forthwith they flung balls of living fire into the forge, and, as Vulcan
pumped away at the bellows, he burst out in lusty song:
"When the flames leap high
From the crater to the sky
I roll up my sleeves with delight;
When the strongest buildings rock
To the awful earthquake's shock
The trembling millions all confess my might!"
The lightning flashed, the thunder crashed, and over all the storm was
heard a voice calling: "Vul-can! Vul-can!"
Vulcan stopped work while his imps crept stealthily toward the door to
listen.
"Is Vulcan at his forge?" was shouted in the wind and rain outside, with
the accompaniment of a terrific knock on the door.
"Who dares disturb me on my busy night?" cried Vulcan, in a towering
passion.
[Illustration: DRAGONFEL KNOCKING ON VULCAN'S DOOR.]
"It is I, Dragonfel, the enchanter," said the voice placatingly.
"What brings you here?" asked Vulcan.
"I come on business of great import, mighty Vulcan!"
"Enter, then, and be brief," said Vulcan, with scant hospitality.
"Remember I have work to do."
Dragonfel and his followers thereupon appeared in the doorway, and came
forward escorted by the imps who evinced the greatest curiosity in the
strange, rain-soaked visitors.
When they were within respectful distance of Vulcan the enchanter sank
on one knee before him, and the rest immediately followed his example.
"Why have you sought me out?" demanded Vulcan, with distrust and
suspicion on his seamed, rugged face as he sharply eyed them.
"Oh, Vulcan," spoke Dragonfel, in smooth, oily tones, "powerful as I am,
I acknowledge you my master. Who else can match you in your wondrous
strength?"
"You've come for a favor!" grunted the other. "Well, out with it!"
"I wish to tell you about the Brownies."
"What about the Brownies?"
"There is to be a marriage in Fairyland. The Brownie prince is to wed
the fairy queen!"
"Bah! How does this concern me?"
"It should concern you. Listen, Vulcan! There is no authority for such
a marriage in all the annals of mythology."
The words created a deep impression upon Vulcan.
"No authority?" he repeated slowly, as though he were mentally digesting
what he had just heard. "Are you sure of this?"
"There is none, I tell you," insisted Dragonfel emphatically. "It is
enough to arouse the anger of the high and mighty gods. My own power
will be diminished, if not lost, should this union take place." "Are
you using any measures to prevent it?" asked Vulcan thoughtfully. "Aye!"
was Dragonfel's decided response. "I am going across the sea with these
followers of mine to interfere. Can I rely upon your powerful aid should
I need it?" "How can I help you?" "If I call upon you will you convulse
the earth, and rouse to fury the slumbering volcano?"
[Illustration]
"Trust me for that!" cried Vulcan, beginning to pump the bellows. "The
element of fire is still my own, to use at will."
A lightning-bolt hurled itself right in their very midst, and the
resultant thunder-clap brought Dragonfel and his followers to their feet
in sudden alarm. "Enough!" cried Dragonfel exultingly. "It is a compact,
then!"
"Here is my hand on it!" said Vulcan, and he crushed that of the
enchanter in his grimy fist. "Spry, Flash, Nimble, and Twist, my crafty
imps, shall go with you. Through them appeal to me. But what do you
propose to do?"
"I have a plan, and a good one too!" said Dragonfel, in a confidential
manner. "You can depend upon it, rats will eat the wedding-cake!"
Vulcan's fancy was so tickled that he laughed hilariously, and Dragonfel
made bold to slap him in a familiar way upon the back. "Ho! ho!" Vulcan
chuckled. "So rats will eat the wedding-cake, eh?"
[Illustration]
"Yes," Dragonfel went on. "We're going to the wedding, gain their
confidence with fine presents, and then--"
"Yes," said Vulcan, very much interested. "And then--?"
Dragonfel leaned over and whispered something in Vulcan's ear which
caused him to start back in surprise. "No!" he involuntarily exclaimed.
"Do you think you can do it?" If Florimel and Titania could have heard
the diabolical plan of the enchanter all the happiness would have
vanished from their hearts.
CHAPTER X
THE STRANGE WEDDING-GUESTS
[Illustration]
Bright and fair dawned the wedding-day of Prince Florimel and Queen
Titania.
Though all the days vied in beauty with each other, this one seemed to
be more radiant with grace and loveliness than usual, for every living
thing loved the happy little lovers and all Nature rejoiced with them.
The skies put on their tenderest blue, the sun scattered even more of
its golden treasure, the winds grew more balmy and caressing, while the
flowers were prodigal with perfume, and the birds were tireless with
their joyous serenades.
Though the ceremony was not to be performed till eve, still the fairies
were busy with their preparations at sun-up, and the palace fairly
hummed with their activities.
Long banquet-tables had been arranged in the throne-room, and on
snowy napery were dishes, cups, and saucers fashioned with quaint
exquisiteness from flowers, and there were lily chalices of sparkling
dew with which to pledge the health of the happy bride and groom.
In the kitchen a host of willing workers were being directed by little
Dame Drusilda, and their conscientious efforts showed in ice cream with
fruits of all flavors, charlotte russe, mince pies, plum puddings, all
kinds of berry tarts, old-fashioned strawberry short-cake, peach
cobblers, and apple dumplings. For the menu of the fairies was composed
almost entirely of the most delicious desserts imaginable, and they ate
what they wished, and as much as they liked, without ever getting the
indigestion.
[Illustration]
So the day wore on toward dusk, and, though to all the others, each hour
seemed a minute, and each minute a second, Florimel and Titania in their
impatience thought that it would never end, the very sun seemed to
stand still, as upon Gibeon.
He had left the Brownies to their own devices to be with her, and while
they talked of their union now so close at hand both were arrayed in
their fine wedding-garb.
[Illustration]
"Are you happy, Florimel?" she asked him, for the thousandth time.
"Happier than words can say," was his fervent response.
"And you're sure you'll never regret it?"
"Yes, positive, Titania. I wonder what's keeping King Stanislaus and the
band. They ought to be here by this time."
"Oh, Florimel, my happiness would be complete were it not for the
thought of Dragonfel." At the mention of the wicked enchanter's name he
gave an involuntary start.
"We mustn't borrow trouble on his account," he said, trying to speak
lightly. "He's across the sea where he can't hurt us. Let us think
instead of our approaching happiness."
Then fairies came skipping and running from the palace, clapping their
hands in sheer delight, cheering, and waving tiny handkerchiefs at a
great rate. And windows gay with flags and bunting filled with flushed,
eager, excited faces all looking out, while the Cupids were lifted up in
arms so they could better see.
[Illustration]
"The Brownies must be coming!" cried Florimel to Titania. "Let us go up
on the palace-steps where we can get a view of them."
He gallantly offered her his arm, and escorted her to a position with
the rest, from which they could obtain a glimpse of the road as it wound
curving away, with the blue, dimpling sea beyond.
Down the road came the joyous band, with hearts attuned to merry-making,
and never was a jollier procession.
Beasts and birds alike had freely offered their services toward making
this grand entree as triumphantly imposing as possible, and in the
long frisking, frolicking, cavorting line of march were lions, tigers,
elephants, camels, zebras, ostriches, emus, cassowaries, and many other
creatures of field, forest, and jungle, four-footed and two, whose backs
bore willingly the burden of the gay, laughing sprites.
[Illustration]
But Florimel could not see King Stanislaus among them,
and was much puzzled thereat. When later they were gathered together,
within the garden-walls, and the beasts and birds had gone away, after
eating all the charlotte russe they could, he inquired the cause of His
Majesty's absence.
"He'll be here later," the Student explained. "He had some pressing
engagement with the Policeman, and they went away together."
Suddenly there came a banging on the portcullis so loud that it seemed
to be made with big wooden mallets. Brownies and fairies looked at each
other in consternation and surprise, while many a tiny heart began a
vigorous thumping.
"What's that?" cried Queen Titania.
"There are strangers outside the portcullis, Your Majesty," said the
fairy guard, as she squinted with one eye through the peek-hole.
The banging continued with greater insistence, and, advancing close to
the portcullis, Prince Florimel shouted:
"Who are you, and what do you want?"
"We are friends who have come to the wedding," said a mild, gentle voice
from outside, "who have come to the wedding."
"Well, I like that!" exclaimed the Dude, in great disgust. "Whoever gave
them an invitation?"
"We have brought you some fine presents," the voice hastened to add.
Florimel seemed undecided.
"Shall we admit them?" he asked the rest.
"Avast, messmate!" growled the Sailor. "You'd better have a look at the
presents first!"
"There's nothing to fear," said Titania sweetly. "Bid the strangers
welcome."
The portcullis was straightway raised, and in trooped a queer, motley
crowd. They were attended by four grinning imps in red who varied their
walk with somersaulting antics, and the arms of all but the leader were
full of presents.
These evidently had been selected with much care and thought for the
wedding, and the same taste and judgment were shown that can be found in
nearly all weddings.
One of them had a gigantic pair of scissors which would have taken as
many as a half-dozen Brownies or fairies to cut with. Another held a
cradle big enough to hold the offspring of a giant.
[Illustration]
A third in a cage carried a hen which was alleged to lay three strictly
guaranteed fresh eggs a day. From each hand of a fourth dangled an
immense round clock, and the faces of them were lettered: FALSE ALARM.
MADE IN DEMONLAND. A fifth had a pair of abnormal candle-snuffers.
Others had gifts equally absurd and useless.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
At the instigation of the leader all grouped themselves in a semi-circle
humbly before the bride and groom to-be, and Florimel, who was still
somewhat suspicious, asked:
"What do you want?"
"We are friends," said the leader, in his gentle voice, "most anxious to
pay homage to you."
"If you are friends," said Florimel, "we shall be glad to have you join
in our festivities. Do you dance?"
All shook their heads in unison.
"Don't you tango or do the fox-trot?"
Again they shook their heads.
"Or sing?"
They still shook their heads.
"But just you wait till you see them at the supper-table!" said the Dude
decidedly.
[Illustration]
"Nevertheless," said Florimel kindly, "I trust we shall find some means
for your enjoyment. Have you come far?"
"Yes," said the leader, "many leagues to do you honor. We crave your
acceptance of these few, simple, unpretentious gifts as a trifling
evidence of the distinguished consideration and esteem in which we hold
your fair bride and yourself."
It was plain that he had first carefully prepared and then committed to
memory such a flowery speech.
[Illustration]
In their curiosity to examine the presents the Brownies began to
circulate among the strangers.
When in doing so the Chinaman thoughtlessly put his head between the
open scissors-blades the big, hulking fellow who held them could not
repress an evil inclination, and snapped them together almost instantly
so that the head was held between them in a vise-like grip.
Taking note of this another who had the snuffers clapped the hood
forthwith over an ordinary Brownie so it looked as though he did not
have a head.
[Illustration]
The leader angrily stamped his foot for them to desist from such rude,
ill-mannered antics, whereupon the one reluctantly released the
frightened Chinaman, while the other removed the snuffers from
Brownie's head.
[Illustration]
"You must be weary and travel-stained from your long journey," said
Florimel, not knowing what to think.
"If you will come with me," said Titania hospitably, "I will see that
your wants are provided for."
The new guests at a signal from their leader rose, and when he bowed his
acknowledgment of the proffered courtesy they clumsily followed his
example, while the imps gloatingly patted their stomachs.
Titania motioned to Dame Drusilda, Violet, Daffodil, and some other
fairies to accompany her, and they led the strangers up the steps into
the palace.
Florimel was strongly tempted to follow, but just then King Stanislaus
and the Policeman arrived very much out of breath.
They had come singly, and from opposite directions. Just outside the
portcullis the Policeman had overtaken His Majesty, and they entered the
palace-garden together.
"Officer," said King Stanislaus, "have you anything to report?"
"Yes, sire," said the Policeman, twirling his club. "The path I took
didn't keep straight. My footsteps got so crooked that I had to arrest
them."
"What did you discover?"
"Nothing."
"What was it?"
"I said nothing, sire."
"But nothing's something."
"No, it's nothing."
"If it wasn't something then it wouldn't be in the dictionary. But it's
no use to argue with you. Did you find a clue?"
"Yes, a good one."
"What is it?"
"He wasn't in any of the places I gum-shoed to, so consequently they're
eliminated. The deduction I've arrived at is that he's in some other
place. As he can only be in one place there's only one place to find.
That's easy."
[Illustration]
"Of whom are you both talking?" asked Florimel curiously.
"The Red Spirit," said King Stanislaus. "We'll catch him yet. But the
lovely bride--where is she?"
"In the palace, Your Majesty, providing for some newly arrived
wedding-guests."
"Well, after you're married, Florimel," said King Stanislaus seriously,
"you must be careful your wife doesn't lose her mind."
"Nonsense!"
"No nonsense about it. It often happens to a married woman."
"How so?"
"Sometimes she keeps on giving her husband a piece of her mind till
finally she hasn't any mind left."
Suddenly Mignonette and Jassamine, ladies-in-waiting to the queen, ran
shrieking from the palace.
"What's wrong?" cried Florimel.
"The queen!" gasped Mignonette.
"Yes, the poor queen!" said Jassamine, almost in hysterics.
"Speak!" urged Florimel. "Has anything happened to her?"
"Alas!" wailed Mignonette. "She is gone!"
"Gone!" echoed Florimel, distracted. "Gone where?"
"We know not," said Jassamine. "We have searched the palace over, and
cannot find her."
"Where is Dame Drusilda?" asked Florimel quickly.
"She is gone too," said Mignonette.
"And Daffodil and Violet are missing," added Jassamine.
"Our strange wedding-guests--where are they?"
"They have flown!" cried Mignonette and Jassamine together.
"Then it is they who have taken them," said Florimel, as he ran toward
the palace-steps. "Quick--a search! They cannot have gone far."
But the Brownies had reached the steps before him, and were already
pointing off at the distant sea-line.
"A sail! A sail!" they cried.
"Too late!" said Florimel. "I see it all now. This is the work of
Dragonfel!"
"Dragonfel!" cried one and all together.
"Yes," said Florimel. "Our unknown guests were Dragonfel and his wicked
followers. He has abducted them, and flown with them to his country."
He bowed his head in great despair. King Stanislaus came, and placed his
hand upon his shoulder.
"Be brave, Florimel!" he said. "The Brownies will go at once to the
rescue of Queen Titania!"
"Yes!" shouted the Brownies. "To the rescue of Queen Titania!"
"But how?" asked the despondent Florimel. "We have no ship to take us."
Quick as a wink King Stanislaus improvised:
"We'll build a raft with magic sleight,
And brave the sea ere morning's light!"
[Illustration]
CHAPTER XI
THE BROWNIES BUILD A RAFT
[Illustration]
When King Stanislaus announced to the Brownies that they were to go at
once to the rescue of Queen Titania he was confronted by a very serious
problem. There was no craft of any kind whatever with which to embark
upon so hazardous a voyage.
"This comes of unpreparedness," growled the Sailor. "I've been trying
to impress on His Majesty for years that we needed some battle-ships,
cruisers, and submarines. Dash my top-lights if we've got even so much
as an old mud-scow!"
Far off faintly outlined in the gathering dusk was a galleon with all
sails spread which the favoring gales were bearing to Dragonfel's
enchanted country.
King Stanislaus realized the utter futility of trying to overtake it
with another sailing-vessel even if they had been the possessors of one.
Dragonfel and his confederates had too much the start of them.
The only recourse left was to follow as quickly as they could by
whatever means were at hand, and, after they reached their destination,
to try to wrest the unfortunate Titania and her companions from the
cruel clutches of their abductors.
King Stanislaus had pledged his word to Florimel that before morning
they would be in hot pursuit.
A raft to the monarch's shrewd, quick-thinking mind seemed to be the
easiest kind of a craft to construct in the short space of time to do it
in order to redeem the royal promise. The wind was right, so that it
would waft them straight to Dragonfel's country, just as it was now
taking the galleon which soon disappeared beyond the horizon.
In crisp, curt tones which showed that he, if anyone, was able to cope
with this most distressing situation His Majesty gave orders for the
immediate building of the raft.
[Illustration]
Then came a hurrying and scurrying of Brownies. Each of the little
fellows was eager to do his share of the gigantic task, and no one
shirked.
Hither and yon, and all about, they flew, a band of willing workers,
and no one got in another's way, so no time was lost. Wisely enough the
king assigned to each what he was best adapted to do, and there was no
grumbling or cavilling at orders, but a strict obedience in all things.
And, wherever such a spirit is manifested, it is surprising what results
can be achieved.
[Illustration]
The axes rang out sharp and clear in forests, and big trees toppled down
to be stripped in a trice of their leafy branches. Sweating, puffing,
grunting Brownies pulled and tugged and strained at the logs into which
they were cut, and pushed and shoved, or rolled them when they could,
toward the sea-shore.
Here, with their little jackets off, were many other Brownies hard at
work, while the sound of big wooden mallets and iron sledges was heard
unceasingly on all sides as in the busiest shipyard, while the logs
were being nailed and spiked together.
Yet the raft was not composed entirely of logs, but of whatever else
besides that came in handy.
[Illustration]
Nimble, fleet-footed foragers at their monarch's instigation roamed the
country over for anything that was in the nature of wood. Some of these
brought back a gate on which was the sign: NO ADMITTANCE.
Others came with shutters on which was tacked the placard: ROOMS TO LET.
And one group triumphantly lugged a dog-house which they thought would
serve as a pilot-house, and to this on an iron chain was attached a dog,
which perforce was dragged along after it upon its back. So great was
their excitement that they forgot all about the dog.
[Illustration]
Other members of the band were busy too in different ways. The Sailor
came running with a long pole on his shoulder, and strung one after
another on the pole were a number of round life-preservers that looked
like huge doughnuts.
Then off he sped again but only to return a few minutes later with a
mariner's compass.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
The Dude stood by, offering advice, and all ready with cane in one and
opera-hat box the other.
[Illustration]
Straining with the terrific weight the Twins together brought a ship's
lead, and in stopping to put it down for needed rest one dropped it on
the foot of his unfortunate brother, who held the injured foot up with
his hand, and danced on the well one in great pain. But when his brother
motioned for him to take up the lead with him again, he did so, and they
labored on their way.
Down on the beach quite a number had found a big anchor half-buried in
the sand. They had dug it out and were slowly bearing it with the utmost
difficulty toward the raft.
[Illustration]
Time and again they stopped for a brief breathing spell, standing
meanwhile the anchor on its bow, until at last it suddenly fell over
and pinioned a luckless sprite beneath its weight. He was extricated
by his fellows, and, while they continued puffing with their burden he
limped with effort after them, rubbing his bruised shank.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
The commissary department was active too, and Brownies came with ample
supplies of provisions for the voyage. They brought sacks of hard-tack
and ship-biscuit, and when they laid them down and sat on them audacious
rats ran helter-skelter out and scampered wildly off in all directions.
Nothing was left undone, and when in the judgment of the Sailor it was
about four bells the raft had taken marvelous shape and was ready to
launch.
[Illustration]
With the combined strength of all the band it was rolled down the
sloping sand upon round logs until it slid gracefully into the water.
Lanterns lit it at the corners, and in the centre on a long stick
floated the Brownie flag.
Then all the Brownies clambered on board, and King Stanislaus gave the
order to cast off the hawsers. The fairies, weeping yet hopeful of the
success of the expedition, watched them from the shore.
But before some Brownies under the instructions of the Sailor could obey
the mandate of the king Mignonette and Jassamine in wild disorder, and
with their hair flying, came running toward them.
"The dove!" cried Mignonette. "You've forgotten Euphrosyne's dove!"
Jassamine at the same time held up a cage in which the dove was perched
on a stick.
"Euphrosyne told Queen Titania she was to send it to her if ever she
was in danger from Dragonfel," Mignonette made haste to explain.
"I don't know whether we've got room to take it," said King Stanislaus
grudgingly. "Besides I think we're able to manage this little business
affair ourselves."
"Remember, sire," reminded the Policeman, "that Noah once sent out a
dove."
"Yes, I know," said His Majesty, "but he's hundreds of years behind the
times."
Still he did not interpose any objections when the Dude reached forth
and grasped the cage, which he set upon the raft.
Then off they floated without further interruption, the Sailor and
others poling them out through shallow waters till they could no longer
touch bottom. There were no cheers to mark the departure, for the hearts
of all were set with a stern purpose.
As they got farther and farther away the fairies still gazed at them,
until someone said:
"Don't watch them out of sight. It's unlucky."
The tide was ebb, and the wind continued steady and true, so that they
made good progress. Some took their little jackets off to catch each
puff of air. The shore-line finally disappeared from sight, and then the
lights twinkling in the windows of Queen Titania's palace.
At last they were so many miles from land that the Twins took frequent
soundings with their lead, and the Sailor, who consulted his compass
very often, growled to the watch:
"Keep a sharp look-out, you lubber!"
And their plans all would have gone well, and they would have reached
Dragonfel's enchanted country as they intended, if something entirely
unexpected had not happened.
About six bells, as the Sailor reckoned, a sudden storm came up.
It was a terrible storm, the worst in the memory of the oldest
inhabitant. The Sailor who was most weather-wise of all could not
understand it. But Dragonfel could have done so had he wished, for the
storm had been manufactured at his request by Vulcan, and it was just as
good a sample of what could be done in a hurry as the Brownies' raft.
[Illustration]
Suddenly the sky grew black, and the stars were blotted out. Then almost
instantly came a mighty rush and roar of wind, and the seas ran
mountain-high.
"Avast, you lubbers!" roared the Sailor. "Take a reef in your shirts and
jackets!"
Lightning lit up almost incessantly gloomy, frowning caverns in the
clouds, and the peals of thunder were deafening. The rain poured down on
them in sheets, but still the wind howled and raged with unabating fury,
and they tossed up and down like a cockleshell.
[Illustration]
In all the turmoil of alarm the frightened Chinaman lost his balance,
and fell overboard, and a huge sea-serpent, with eyes of fire gleaming
like electric lights above distended greedy, waiting jaws, rose up from
out of the water, with its abnormally long body looking like a series of
hoops.
The Uncle Sam Brownie threw out a life-preserver, but the Sailor with
rare presence of mind grasped a boat-hook, and, skillfully hooking the
end of the despairing Chinaman's blouse, yanked him back on the raft
before the monster could swallow him.
No craft however staunch could withstand such a gale, which grew and
grew in violence.
[Illustration]
The raft shivered and shook under its terrific strain, and there came
pistol-like cracks at intervals as the wood splintered or broke apart,
while nails and spikes flew up from the groaning, loosening timbers.
Slowly but surely the raft upon which the Brownies had exercised such
ingenuity and skill was disintegrating, and the great danger of the band
increased with each passing moment. And in the flashes of lightning that
illumined the rumbling skies a huge bird with flapping wings suddenly
swooped down, and, seizing the frightened Dude by his breeches-seat,
bore him, dangling face downward, with his cherished cane still clutched
in his hand, up, up, still up, till he was out of sight.
The others, all aghast, looked up at him until he disappeared, and
wondered if they would ever see him again. And, while they wondered,
with their own misfortune forgotten in this greater calamity that had
come to their beloved companion, there was heard a crack louder than any
that had gone before, and the raft went all at once to pieces.
Struggling in the water, or clinging to broken spars, logs, and pieces
of timber, the Brownies suddenly found themselves gasping and choking as
relentless waves rolled over them, at times submerging them.
This was the end, then, of their unfortunate adventure. There was
nothing to cause even the slightest ray of hope. It looked as though all
the Brownies would be lost.
[Illustration]
CHAPTER XII
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE THRONE-ROOM
[Illustration]
Led by Queen Titania, Dame Drusilda, Violet, and Daffodil, the strange
guests, who had come to the wedding without an invitation, mounted the
spacious marble steps and passed into the palace.
In spite of a meek, respectful demeanor that it was very hard for them
to assume, they could not conceal the gloating satisfaction that was on
their faces.
In the meantime the Brownies and fairies were already beginning to enjoy
themselves in different parts of the palace grounds.
Introductions are hardly necessary when sprites meet, and many found
ways of getting acquainted, and were warm friends on their first
meeting.
Having no suspicion of what was in the evil minds of those she was
preparing so hospitably to entertain, Titania with her companions
ushered them into the magnificent banquet-room.
There upon one of the long tables were spread many delicacies to make
one's mouth water, and, even before an invitation to partake of them
could be extended, the four red imps seated themselves before it, and,
smacking their lips, began to tuck napkins under their chins.
[Illustration]
Titania had thought that the guests would leave the presents they had
brought out in the hall when they came in, but they still held on to
them with a grip so tenacious that she wondered if they really meant to
give them up, after all.
Nevertheless in a free-hearted way she urged the visitors to refresh
themselves. The imps were already engaged in trying to stuff whole plum
puddings into their mouths at once, a greedy proceeding that Dame
Drusilda, Violet, and Daffodil watched with considerable disgust.
All but the leader started quickly to seat themselves, but he stamped
his foot imperiously, and they came to an instant stop.
Then he threw back the hood of his scarlet cloak, disclosing a wicked
face, and transfixed Titania with his malicious gaze.
"I am Dragonfel the enchanter, my fine little lady," he said, in
fiendish tones, "and I have come to take you away with me!"
[Illustration]
Titania was so frightened that she could neither scream nor run away,
and she allowed him to gather her up in his arms and hold her just as
a little girl does a doll, making light of load.
There she lay passive and trembling, with the realization that it would
be useless to make any effort to escape.
Almost immediately afterward Grouthead seized the biting, scratching,
and clawing Dame Drusilda, whom he dumped in spite of fierce resistance
into the baby's crib, and when Mandrake and Wolfinger put Violet and
Daffodil in after her it was very plain why this particular gift had
been selected.
"Yes, and you're not going to get these presents, either," sneered
Dragonfel to Titania, who said never a word. "You may call me an
Injun-giver, if you like, but I mean to take them back, just the same!"
With Titania helpless in his arms he started toward a rear door, while
after him came Grouthead and Wolfinger bearing the crib in which Dame
Drusilda, Violet, and Daffodil rattled about like dried peas in a pod.
The others followed slowly and reluctantly in their wake, casting
longing glances backward at the tempting-looking desserts on the table.
The imps, however, did not budge, but continued eating. When Dragonfel
called out to them in angry tones they sprang up and attempted at the
same time to jam charlotte russe into their gaping mouths.
In their frantic haste they smeared the charlotte or russe, whichever
the white part is, all over their faces, so that as they hurried after
the others with occasional frisky somersaults they looked as though they
had just been lathered by a barber.
Out by the rear all passed into the deserted back-garden where there was
a small iron door locked and bolted from the inside, and with the key,
fortunately for their nefarious plans, in the lock.
Through this door Dragonfel and his followers effected their escape with
their captives, and ran with all possible speed toward the sea-shore.
[Illustration]
The galleon tossed upon the lazy swell, not a great distance out, and in
a small boat with Snoutpimple and Boundingbore at the oars they rowed to
it, and soon were on board.
Then the anchor was weighed, and with all sails filling they set their
course for Dragonfel's enchanted country, which they reached without
mishap of any kind.
When they got to their journey's end, and all stood safe upon the shore,
the full malignity of Dragonfel was shown.
Realizing that the indomitable Brownies would not relinquish Titania
without a struggle, but would follow as quickly as they could to wrest
her if possible from him, he ordered Vulcan's imps to call upon their
master to impede them with a storm.
The imps thereupon cast balls of fire into the air, and, even as
all bent their steps toward the palace, the enchanter noted with
considerable satisfaction quite a change in the temperature. Clouds were
already beginning to form on the horizon, and there came the distant
rumble of continuous thunder.
[Illustration]
While they stood just outside the massive doors they heard the sounds of
what appeared to be a violent altercation from within. In an agitated
manner, as though he feared the worst, Dragonfel quickly threw them
open, and was greatly relieved to see the Demon Usher and Red Spirit
engaged in a friendly game of checkers.
"You cheated!" the Red Spirit accused hotly. "You jumped three of my men
when you should have only jumped two!"
"Stop it!" snarled Dragonfel at them. "You don't know how to play
checkers, anyhow!"
They sprang in consternation to their feet, upsetting the board, and
causing the checkers to roll all over the floor.
While the Red Spirit stood gloating over the success of a venture in
which he had played a modest part, the Demon Usher half skipped, half
flew, to the throne, and with a display of much enthusiasm began dusting
off the seat with a cloth.
With swaggering stride Dragonfel went to the throne, and threw himself
in it, while Queen Titania, Dame Drusilda, Violet, and Daffodil all came
running toward him.
"Oh, sir," cried Dame Drusilda, very much distressed, "why have you
brought us poor, defenseless girls here?"
"Us, my venerable fairy!" said Dragonfel, most insultingly.
"Venerable!" repeated Dame Drusilda. "Oh, you nasty man!"
"How do you keep your age?" he sneered.
"Easy enough," she replied indignantly. "I never give it away."
As she spoke she made for him as though she meant to scratch his eyes
out, but Queen Titania pulled her back.
"Don't touch him, Dame Drusilda!" she cried, and then turned pleadingly
to Dragonfel. "Why have you made me a prisoner, and carried me away
from home in this way?"
"To prevent your marriage to the Brownie prince," he said coldly.
"But we love each other, and would be so happy," she said, while tears
filled her pretty eyes. "Why do you oppose the marriage?"
"Because if this marriage were to take place," he said, with an ugly
frown, "it would make you all so powerful as to result in my undoing."
"You fear," she said reprovingly, "that we will frustrate all your
wicked plans."
"It must not, shall not be!" was his decided response. "The Brownies and
fairies have long been my enemies."
"If you did good," she reminded, gently, "we would be your friends. Tell
me, must I stay here always?"
"Yes, always!" he snapped out. "The sooner you forget your Brownie
prince the better. You shall never see him again."
Then Titania showed her spirit.
"Oh, yes, I shall!" she contradicted. "The Brownies will rescue us!"
"Bah!" he said contemptuously. "Those poor, weak creatures of the night?
They could not do it."
"The Brownies can do anything," she said, with perfect trust and
confidence.
"My pretty pet," said Dame Drusilda, "you waste words with him. Let us
ask some of these other creatures to help us. Maybe they are not as bad
as their master."
So she coquettishly sidled up to Grouthead, Boundingbore, Mandrake,
Wolfinger, and Snoutpimple who stood near by in a highly interested
group. But before she could say even a word Grouthead gathered her up in
his arms, and held her out in the air, while in her fright she kept
kicking the turned-in toes of her tiny shoes together.
"Don't be alarmed, my dear," he croaked, in tones that were meant to be
reassuring. "There's a heart here that beats for you, and you alone!"
"Where's the heart?" she gasped.
"In this troubled breast," he roared. "I've half a mind to marry you."
"Put me down!" she screamed. "I wouldn't marry anyone with half a mind!"
[Illustration]
Dragonfel rose, and stamped his foot angrily, at which silent rebuke
Grouthead set Dame Drusilda hastily down. She gave a sigh of great
relief, and, gathering up her skirts, flew toward the enchanter.
"Oh, sir," she implored, "can nothing move you?"
"Yes," he said, in sneering tones, "a ton of dynamite! You are a pippin,
but you withered on the stem!"
"You villain!" she screamed, shaking a tiny clenched fist at him. "I
could annihilate you for that; you deserve worse!"
And she made for him again, but the tactful Violet and Daffodil grasped
each of her arms, and held her back.
Dragonfel grinned most provokingly, and his myrmidons fairly shook with
glee, while the Demon Usher cackled his exultation, and poked the Red
Spirit on his elastic ribs.
Titania took a little spider-web affair of a handkerchief from her
bodice, for her eyes threatened to fill again.
Noting the coming tears, the wicked enchanter hastened to say, in tones
that were meant to be particularly comforting:
"No harm shall befall you. When you have a wish you have but to name
it."
[Illustration]
"I have one now," spoke up Titania quickly.
"So have I," added Dame Drusilda.
"I'll hear yours later," said Dragonfel to the latter gruffly, and then
turned to Titania with what he thought was a most winning smile. "What
is yours?"
"I want my Brownie prince!"
"Didn't I tell you you were never going to see him again?" said the
enchanter, in disgust. "Ask me something else, and make it as hard as
you can."
But Titania had no other wish, and Dame Drusilda was given no
opportunity to make hers known.
The days dragged slowly by, and, though Dragonfel was not actually rough
in the treatment of his captives, he still was most unkind in depriving
them of the liberty for which they continually sighed. They were watched
and spied upon continually, so there was little or no chance for escape.
[Illustration]
He endeavored to provide amusements for which they had no heart, and was
a sorry host at best. In his crude efforts to entertain them he welcomed
all ideas for sports and diversions, so when on one occasion they were
all together, and his prisoners seemed unusually depressed, he sat upon
his throne knitting his brows in trying to think of something that might
cheer them up a bit.
In the midst of his unsuccessful cogitations the Demon Usher half
skipped, half flew, to him, and prostrated himself at his feet.
"Kind master!" he cried, in a flutter of excitement.
"What is it?" asked Dragonfel.
"A band of wandering minstrels outside humbly crave permission to play
before you."
"What, another?" said Dragonfel. "Show them in!"
The words he used were hospitable enough, but the tone of his voice
boded little good for the daring musicians.
[Illustration]
CHAPTER XIII
NEPTUNE STILLS THE WAVES
[Illustration]
Up and down like corks bobbed the Brownies on the angry waves when their
raft was so suddenly demolished by the storm. The blackness of the night
was so intense that even with their supernatural vision they could not
see each other save in those vivid streaks of lightning that came often
and for a brief moment made all around as bright as day.
The wild wind and waves bore them farther and farther apart from each
other, so that it was every one for himself, which was against all
principle in a band that delighted in mutual help.
But in this case they could not give it. The water got in their noses
and mouths, causing them to gasp, choke, and splutter, while their ears
rang, and their eyes were nearly blinded.
[Illustration]
Desperately they clung to the splintered pieces of debris, to the
dog-house that spun over and over, to the gate that turned upside down,
or straddled logs that kept rolling with Brownies first up and then
under like teetotums.
[Illustration]
And others, not so fortunate, with strength fast leaving them, still
swam the waters seeking and groping in vain for some object to sustain
them.
Then, right in the midst of all their terrible danger, when hope was
fast departing from all hearts, a wonderful thing happened.
[Illustration]
There came a sudden radiance that was not the lightning's flash,
illuminating old Father Neptune and a bevy of lovely-faced dryads in a
golden chariot that furiously galloping seahorses drew across the waves.
In a brief space no longer than a second the God of the Sea and his
beauteous attendants passed on out of sight, but almost with their
disappearance the lightning and thunder ceased, as did the rain, the
wind died down, the stars once more shone out, and the water grew as
smooth as glass.
When buffeted no longer by boisterous winds and waves the chance the
Brownies had to save themselves increased immeasurably.
[Illustration]
They could now see and hear each other, and when some one swimming in
the water called for help there were those on debris who reached over
and pulled their exhausted comrade on board.
They shouted at each other in the dark, and by using their feet as
paddles contrived at last to bring whatever they floated on close
together. Then King Stanislaus, who with Prince Florimel was a-straddle
of a log, with much anxiety began to take an inventory of the band.
To his infinite relief no one was missing but the Dude, but this
misfortune in itself was enough to dampen their spirits, for the
companion who had been carried off by the gigantic bird was very much
beloved.
"Aye, aye!" growled the Sailor, cocking his weather-eye out through the
slats of the hen-coop. "We're all here, even to Euphrosyne's dove!"
Thus on they went without further mishap, a queer-looking flotilla,
keeping in as close proximity to each other as they could, using both
hands and feet for paddles, and adopting many ingenious devices to
complete the voyage so disastrously begun.
And a day dawned, then another, but at nightfall of the second they
glimpsed far off a shore-line with a single towering mountain which they
knew to be Dragonfel's enchanted country.
They were neither hungry nor thirsty, for Brownies if need be can go
without food or water a long time.
Much heartened by what they beheld, they redoubled their efforts to
reach the shore, which grew plainer and plainer, until finally they
could distinguish an immense glittering structure that looked more like
a prison than a palace, built as it was in the gloomy shadow of the
mountain.
Though it gleamed and flashed and shone in a thousand and one different
places, where its myriad jewels caught the light, it seemed a cheerless,
inhospitable place, and they were depressed by the sight of it.
The galleon that Dragonfel had used to convey his captives to his
country was lying at anchor well in toward the shore, with no one
evidently on board, but not feeling sure of this the Brownies made a
wide detour, choosing for a landing a sheltered cove that would screen
them from observing eyes.
As they drew closer to the land some strange companions had they--queer
creatures who had obtruded themselves upon the Brownies during the
storm, and forced their society upon unwilling hosts--a motley gathering
from air, sea, and undersea that occupied choice places upon the flotsam
and jetsam to which the little fellows so precariously clung with
amazing vim.
There were comical-looking, long-legged, long-billed cranes and herons,
and squat-flappered, web-footed penguins. The walrus and seal were
there, as well as formidable members of the finny tribe, some of which
had swords so sharp that the discreet Brownies kept a most respectful
distance from them. Crustaceans too were represented, with here a
lobster slyly nipping a sprite's toe with his claws, and there a turtle
tweaking another's cap.
[Illustration]
But when the Brownies reached shoal water, and some began to wade toward
shore, these false whilom friends deserted them, and dived into the
deep, or flew off in the air.
Then when they were safe at last on land they stretched their weary,
stiff, cramped legs and arms, or raced about the sand to get the
sluggish blood once more pulsing through their veins.
King Stanislaus stood apart from all the rest, and watched their joyous
antics with an expression of deep thought on his august countenance. It
was plain to be seen that he was greatly troubled in his mind.
Now that they had succeeded in reaching Dragonfel's country what steps
should be taken in the effort to recover Queen Titania and her
companions? It was not to be conceived that the wicked enchanter would
give them up without a bitter struggle.
The problem confronting the Brownie band was one that required the most
careful consideration. A single false step might ruin all.
While the monarch pondered over what was best to be done his eye
abstractedly roved to the Brownies who now had gathered in a circle on
the beach, and who were scanning with much interest something in the
sky.
The Policeman involuntarily had pointed his club toward it, and the
Sailor was trying to get a better view through his spy-glass.
The royal eye at once turned upward in the direction in which all the
others were gazing, and like everyone else was held spellbound with
surprise.
Far overhead there was an immense bird slowly dropping with stationary
wings outspread down toward them. It stood out clearly outlined in
silhouette against the dark night-sky.
But it was not this bird, remarkable in itself, that created such
intense excitement on the part of all.
Its great sharp talons held in a firm grip an object that they
recognized at once, with the result that delight and consternation were
mingled on their faces.
[Illustration]
Grasped firmly by the coat-tails, with face downward, and legs and arms
spread out like a Maltese cross, was the immaculate Brownie Dude, and
he still was clutching in his right hand the cane that was his most
treasured possession outside of his monocle. The Brownies watched this
most extraordinary spectacle as though they were fascinated, and their
pop-eyes almost popped out of their heads.
Lower and lower settled the great bird, and the anxious watchers now
realized that its offices toward the Dude in time of danger had been of
a most heroic nature.
With great haste some secured a net, which they held outspread. When the
bird was still some distance above, it cocked its eye as though it were
making some nice calculation and suddenly let go of its burden.
The Dude came hurtling through the air, landing safely in the net, while
the bird sailed off, and was soon gone from sight.
As soon as the Dude got on his feet he started to dust off his clothes
with a tiny whisk-broom.
"I shouldn't care to go up in an aeroplane!" he said.
He looked infinitely relieved when one of the overjoyed Brownies who
crowded around in congratulation handed him his opera-hat box.
[Illustration]
It may here be mentioned, that the Fairies, who had been left behind,
made a desperate attempt to follow their Queen, and the Brownies, across
the sea. But, after great difficulties, and dangers, they were glad to
get back to their own shore in safety.
[Illustration]
But though Florimel, like all the rest, was delighted beyond measure
that the Dude had been so miraculously restored to them, so they were
now once more complete, he could not restrain his tortured feelings when
he thought of Queen Titania, and he was in a fever of impatience to
rush at once to her rescue.
"We only waste time here while Titania may be in danger," he said, with
a strong trace of irritation in his tone. "Is not that Dragonfel's
palace over yonder?"
King Stanislaus gazed at the highly expensive but forbidding-looking
edifice toward which Florimel pointed.
"Maybe so," was his guarded response.
"Then let us storm it, and force him to surrender the queen and her
companions!"
"Yes, yes!" cried all the Brownies.
But King Stanislaus shook his head in a very decided manner.
"My son, you're too impulsive," he said kindly but reprovingly. "Judging
from what you've told me, for I've never seen any of them, each of those
fellows must stand full six times as high as one of us, and there may be
six times as many besides. We must exercise caution."
"Have you anything to propose?"
"Nothing just now," said King Stanislaus. "We must reconnoitre a bit,
and get the lay of the land, before considering any plan whatever. An
open attack would be entirely out of the question. They'd have the
advantage of us in size and maybe numbers. No, no, my boy, we must use
Brownie cunning." Reluctantly Florimel was obliged to admit the force of
the shrewd old monarch's reasoning.
Concerned as he was in mind to rescue Titania as soon as he could, he
had no desire by any rash act to imperil or, even worse still, destroy
the entire band.
King Stanislaus motioned to the Brownies, who drew closer to give
respectful heed to what he might have to say to them.
"I want each of you to go out and see what you can learn," he
instructed. "But, as you value your life, and the lives of your fellows,
you must not allow yourselves to be seen or heard by anyone. When a
half-hour has elapsed we will assemble here." Following His Majesty's
directions, the willing band immediately dispersed, Florimel choosing a
way to take alone, as did each other, and so careful were they all that
no one in the neighborhood would have suspected they were near.
When the half-hour was up King Stanislaus was back on the same spot, and
the Brownies began to pop up in the dark around him from all sides.
"Well," His Majesty asked, "have you found out anything?"
Then one after another was obliged to confess that he had not, and while
he was questioning them in turn he ascertained that neither Florimel nor
the Policeman had returned.
The fact that both were missing worried him not a little, but, even
while he was wondering what had kept them, he beheld the Policeman
returning with incredible speed, leaping and bounding with his long,
tapering feet over the sand.
"Your Majesty," he panted, as he came up out of breath, "I have just
made a remarkable discovery."
"What is it, officer?" asked King Stanislaus, anxiously.
"If I told you," said the Policeman, "I'm afraid you wouldn't believe
me. I want you all to come and see for yourselves!"
[Illustration]
CHAPTER XIV
WHAT THE POLICEMAN DISCOVERED
[Illustration]
Like a covey of startled quail the Brownies flew after the Policeman,
for each was very curious to learn of the discovery that he had made.
They knew that with his keen sense of dramatic values he wished to keep
them in suspense as long as possible, so that only at the proper moment
would the mystery be solved.
His fleet little feet padded along the sand, followed by others equally
so, and he led them a stiff pace for perhaps a mile down the beach.
There lying behind a dune that offered a shelter from the creeping tides
they viewed the cause of all his excitement.
Scattered on the sand were some dingy old frayed uniforms, caps, and
hob-nailed shoes, of which they counted five complete sets in all, while
near by piled into a heap were some immense brass musical instruments,
some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
[Illustration]
Soon they were making a minute inspection of these objects which for
some inexplicable reason had been abandoned by their owners. The
uniforms and caps were of worn blue cloth, and the latter had visors and
braids of gold around them. The sleeves of the coats likewise were
braided with gold.
With much interest in their work the Brownies began to separate the
instruments that formed a heap. There were two cornets, a saxophone,
a trombone, and a tremendous tuba that wound around and around and had
a mouth so big that a Brownie could have easily crawled inside.
While they were examining the outfit there was much speculation as to
whom it belonged, and the only conclusion they could arrive at was that
the original possessors had been some itinerant German band.
It was not so strange to them that a German band should be in
Dragonfel's enchanted country, for they knew that German bands go
everywhere. Sometimes they can be found even at the North Pole. The
only strange thing about it was that while the uniforms and
instruments were there, the owners were missing.
"I wonder what's become of the band?" said King Stanislaus, very much
puzzled.
"Perhaps someone heard them play," suggested the Dude.
His Majesty gave a sudden start.
"Humph!" he grunted. "What you have just hinted at rather unsettles an
idea that suddenly occurred to me."
"Maybe you were thinking of the same thing I was," said the Policeman.
"That's very possible," said the monarch, "for great minds sometimes
think alike. I was thinking that some of us could disguise ourselves as
a German band and maybe gain admittance to the palace."
"That's just what I was thinking," said the Policeman.
"In that way," went on King Stanislaus, "we might be able to get some
knowledge of Dragonfel's real strength, and find out just how we stood.
The chance might come to us to spirit away Queen Titania and her
companions."
"Which of us would you choose, Your Majesty?" asked an eager Brownie.
All of them crowded around, each with the hope that King Stanislaus
would select him for this task which involved so great a risk.
He looked them over, and finally, with his mind made up, spoke, in slow,
measured tones.
"Of course, I'll be the leader," he announced. "That will leave just
four to go with me, and I'll take the Policeman, Sailor, German, and
Irishman. The rest of you must hide just outside the palace, to be ready
instantly in case you are needed."
There was great delight on the part of the four who were to share with
the king the danger, and keen disappointment among all the others. But
no one thought of questioning the royal decision.
"I didn't forget my tin box of disguises, sire," reminded the Policeman.
"Good, officer!" said King Stanislaus, with an approving nod. "They'll
all come in handy. You've got plenty of false noses and moustaches, I
suppose."
[Illustration]
The Policeman gave a knowing wink.
"You'll need a rehearsal, won't you?" said the Dude.
"No," said King Stanislaus decidedly. "The worse we play the cleverer
will be the deception."
Then he and the four selected by him began to make preparations for
their queer masquerade, and in these the whole band assisted. The coats
and trousers had probably hung on their original wearers badly, but they
fitted the Brownies who tried them on much worse.
[Illustration]
The general effect would have brought deep shame to any conscientious
tailor who had made them, but nimble fingers soon accomplished wonders
with a tuck here and there, and the deft use of an occasional pin.
The ends of the trousers had to be rolled up a number of times, and the
coats turned up on the inside. When they put on the big, hob-nailed
shoes their long, tapering feet were lost in them, and the whole Brownie
identity completely disappeared after they had donned the false noses
and moustaches that the Policeman handed around.
No one familiar with the Brownie band would have recognized these
particular five, and their disguise was pronounced admirable by one and
all.
The breast of the coat that had fallen to the Sailor was all covered
with medals, and it was the only one of the lot that was decorated in
this manner. King Stanislaus thought that as the leader he was more
properly fitted to wear this coat, but the Sailor seemed reluctant to
give it up, so His Majesty good-naturedly did not press the matter.
He chose a cornet and the Sailor the remaining one. The Policeman took
the saxophone, and the German the slide trombone. That left only the
tuba for the Irishman, and it was so big that he could hardly manage it.
[Illustration]
Thus fully equipped and with the whole band for an escort, the
indomitable quintet set forth on their delicate mission.
Dragonfel's palace was a good deal farther away than they had supposed,
for the atmosphere was very clear, so that objects at a distance seemed
much nearer than they really were.
There was a fair road that led to it from the beach, and this took them
over a rickety wooden bridge that spanned one of the numerous tide-water
creeks in the vicinity.
But before they reached the bridge they came to a small frame structure
over whose arched doors was the sign: NEPTUNE HOOK AND LADDER CO. NO. 1,
which caused remarks.
"Evidently Dragonfel has a fire department," said King Stanislaus. "This
is a most interesting discovery."
"Why, I could have told you that," said a Brownie. "I saw it some time
ago."
"You should have done so," His Majesty reproved. "It may have a very
important bearing on what we are about to try to do. But what was that?"
Something dim and shadowy flitted past in the dark, with the whirring
sound of a night-bat.
"I saw it," the Policeman spoke up quickly. "There was a gleam of red,
and I thought I could distinguish a bow and quiver."
"A bow and quiver!" repeated King Stanislaus, and his face grew suddenly
grave. "I hope they were not Prince Florimel's. I am greatly distressed
by the fear that some dire mishap has come to him." His Majesty would
have felt very much relieved in mind if he could have known that nothing
serious had occurred to the prince.
When like the rest of the Brownies Florimel had gone to seek what
information he could he had strayed nearer to the palace than perhaps in
prudence he should have done.
With the impetuosity of youth he was ready to storm the palace
single-handed, but he realized that such a rash, foolhardy attempt would
only bring disaster to the whole band.
So he gazed toward the lights that gleamed from the windows, wondering
all the while what Titania was doing at the time, and if Dragonfel was
very cruel to her.
He was really helpless just then to exert himself in her behalf, and he
turned with a sigh to go back.
The rigors of the hardships through which he had passed pressed
heavily, and excessive weariness overcame him. He felt a sudden
faintness, and sank upon a grassy bank to rest.
He did not dream that prying eyes for some time had been watching him
from an open panel in a fence hard by.
Those keen, malicious orbs followed every movement that Florimel made,
and when they noticed him yawn, and rub his lids to keep the sleep from
them, they glittered and gleamed with exultation.
Then Florimel's eyes in spite of him closed, and his tired head sank
back in the deep grass.
From the fence the Red Spirit issued like a wraith. Noiselessly he
advanced toward the unconscious prince, and bending down began with
deft, adroit fingers to remove the quiver slung across his back.
[Illustration]
But light as the thieving touch was it aroused Florimel who sprang at
once to his feet.
Quick though he was he still was not quick enough. All that he heard was
a whirring sound, and in a flash he noticed that his bow was missing.
His hand involuntarily sought his back only to find that the quiver had
been craftily taken from it.
Wide awake and full of alarm now he ran with all speed back to the
locality that King Stanislaus had designated for the reunion of the
band. But the half-hour had elapsed, and the Brownies were not there.
Then he noticed in the sand prints of narrow, tapering feet all leading
down the beach, and he flew in the direction they pointed. But when he
reached the spot where the Policeman had made his discovery the Brownies
were not there, either.
He felt convinced that they had started for Dragonfel's palace, and he
ran as fast as he could to overtake them, passing the engine-house, and
going over the bridge.
When he was approaching the palace he saw five persons very small of
stature, each with a big brass instrument, standing just outside the
entrance. The doors swung suddenly open, they passed through them, and
then the doors closed again.
Florimel quickened his pace with the determination to follow them, but
just when he was about to pound upon the doors for admittance tiny but
strong hands grasped him, and held him back, and he heard the whispered
warning:
"Don't, or you will ruin all!"
[Illustration]
CHAPTER XV
THE GERMAN BAND
[Illustration]
When the German band was announced by the Demon Usher in his queer,
cackling voice Queen Titania, Dame Drusilda, Violet, and Daffodil
happened to be seated on the steps of the throne, and all were feeling
grumpy and out-of-sorts. Dragonfel had tried to prevail upon them to
play dominoes or parchesi, but they had no heart for any game.
Grouthead, Wolfinger, Mandrake, Boundingbore, Snoutpimple, and others
of the enchanter's followers were present and some of them looked
distinctly bored. Snoutpimple was even trying to repress a yawn. Things
at the palace had been rather slow since the abduction of Queen Titania
and her party, and nothing especially wicked had occurred.
When it was known, however, that a number of strolling musicians were
going to play for them, a thrill of genuine pleasure ran through the
whole assemblage. Titania and her companions were glad, for they felt
that some enlivening strains would greatly cheer their drooping spirits.
Dragonfel's followers were equally delighted, though they did not care
in the least for music. But knowing their master as they did they were
very sure that the prospective concert would prove exceedingly
interesting.
[Illustration]
Escorted by the smirking Demon Usher, who rubbed his hands together
while he cackled joyously to himself, and who half skipped, half flew,
before them, the members of the German band entered awkwardly, and
clumsily arranged themselves in a semi-circle before the throne.
There were five of them including the leader who stood at the end
nearest Dragonfel and the others--all diminutive, moustached men with
big noses, whose frayed, soiled uniforms fitted them very badly indeed.
Their trousers at the ends were rolled up a number of times over, and
their coats which hung on them like bags actually reached almost to
their shoe-tops.
Upon the chest of the one who stood next to the leader were pinned a
great variety of medals, and he seemed to be very proud of them, since
no one else boasted a decoration of any kind.
[Illustration]
The little audience grouped about the throne gazed at them expectantly,
and Titania thought the leader winked at her. But apparently he did not
notice anyone, and least of all Dragonfel. His whole attention seemed to
be centred on his band.
"Are ve all here alretty?" he asked.
"Yah!" came in chorus.
"Vell," said he, "I vill broceed der gall der roll-gall. 'Louie
Knobloch!'"
"I vass here," said the one with the medals next to him.
"Peter Dinkelspeil!"
"Here I vass."
"Hermann Sweinskopf!"
"He's peen here."
"Jacob Schnittger!"
"Bresend early."
"Emil Muller!"
There was no response, and all the rest turned and looked at the leader
in surprise.
"Emil Muller!" he repeated, and then, suddenly recollecting something,
went on: "Oh, oxguse me! I vass here. Heinrich von Strauss! Heinrich von
Strauss! Vere iss Heiny von Strauss?"
"He vass py his bedt sick," said Louie Knobloch.
"Vat's der madder mit der bedt?" demanded Emil Muller. "For vhy iss id
sick?"
"Nein, nein, keppelmeister," said Louie Knobloch. "Id iss Heiny vat iss
sick. He iss sick by der inside off der bedt."
"Vhy iss he sick?" asked Emil Muller.
"Yestertay," explained Louie Knobloch, "he vend on der bicnig, und he
eated four dozen charlotte roosters, und he gets der collywopples."
He illustrated his remarks by significantly rubbing his stomach. "He vas
not in goot contition to plow ven ve left."
[Illustration]
"Anyvone vot eadts charlotte roosters ought der be sick," said Emil
Muller decidedly. "He shoult eat dem vhen dey iss a egg. Blay!"
All raised their instruments to their mouths, but he held up a warning
finger.
"Anodder t'ing," he went on to Knobloch. "You dell Heinrich off he vass
nod here dermorrow morning ad half basd four in der afdernoon, vhen I
gall der rehearsal, arous mit him! Are you retty?"
"Yah!"
"Den plow yourselfs!"
Then began a wild riot of discord, whereupon Emil Muller quickly took
his own dented offending cornet from his mouth.
"Ve vill nod blay dot biece," he announced. "Id iss no goot."
"Vhy don'd you wride some musigs, keppelmeister?" suggested Peter
Dinkelspeil.
"I voult, bud I'm doo pusy," said Emil Muller. "Led us renter insteadt
dot peaudiful biece fon Vawgner, 'Der Glock on der Rhine.'"
"Vatch, keppelmeister," corrected Louie Knobloch.
"Vatch vat?" inquired Emil Muller.
"Id iss nod a glock," explained Louie Knobloch. "Id iss a vatch on der
Rhine."
"A glock all gan see iss besser," said Emil Muller, and in the midst of
their second attempt Hermann Swinescopf raised his hand and shouted in
the effort to make himself heard above the din:
"Shtob der pandt! Shtob der pandt! I am shbeaking!"
"Vot's der madder?" asked Emil Muller.
"Vass iss der biece you say ve blay?" questioned Hermann Sweinskopf.
"I say 'Der Glock on der Rhine' fon Vawgner," replied Emil Muller.
They started once more, but again came the vigorous interruption from
Hermann Sweinskopf:
"Shtob der pandt! Shtob der pandt! I am shbeaking!"
"Vhy don'd you shbeak your moud oud undt pe done mit it?" said Emil
Muller angrily.
"Vass iss dis here biece, 'Der Glock on der Rhine,' anyhow? Iss id a
so-na-da?"
"Yess--undt no!" said Emil Muller, reflecting. "Id iss a in-u-en-do! Are
you all retty?"
"Yah!" they chorused, setting themselves in proper shape.
"Vell, altogedder den, und show de vorld vot you can do!"
Then came a third attempt, but the leader again stopped them.
"Who plew dot bum node?" he sternly demanded. Everyone looked at each
other in surprise, and Louie Knobloch said:
"Vell, I don'd dood id."
"I didn'd did id," said Peter Dinkelspeil.
"I didn'd done id," said Hermann Sweinskopf.
"I didn'd did did id," said Jacob Schnittger.
[Illustration: The controversy over the bum note.]
"You're de von," Emil Muller accused Louie Knobloch. "You plew dot bum
node, no madder vot oxguse you make!"
"No, sir," said Louie Knobloch stoutly, "I don'd dood id."
"You're de von," insisted Emil Muller. "You plew dot bum node, it vass
near me."
"No, sir," denied Louie Knobloch. "I don'd plow no bum nodes. I vass as
goot a musiker as you pe, und maype vorse."
"You dake dot bum node und bay yourself," said Emil Muller reminded him.
"Oh, dot don'd make some ice!" said Louie Knobloch, accompanying the
words with sarcastic shakes of his head. "I don'd see no medals on you."
He looked complacently down at his own chest and regarded with
satisfaction the big assortment there. Emil Muller was evidently taken
aback, but he recovered himself sufficiently to say:
"I am de leater, und you gan ged oudt off der pandt. Ve gan ged along
mitout you."
"Oh, vell," said Louie Knobloch, "I gan go."
"Den vhy don'd you? Vat are you shtanding here for?"
"I vass vaiding for my money."
"How much do you owe me?" asked Emil Muller.
"I owe you a veek's vages," said Louie Knobloch. "No, you owe me a
veek's vages. You bay me my money und I go."
"You dake dot bum node und bay yourself," said Muller.
That settled the controversy, and Louis Knobloch made no effort to go,
nor did Emil Muller urge him.
They made another attempt, without any further interruption, and, while
their cheeks puffed out, and they got red in their faces, no one could
tell what tune they were playing.
Dragonfel from the throne silently motioned to Grouthead who went out,
and returned a few seconds later with a tray on which were four tiny
glasses of ginger ale.
[Illustration]
Jacob Schnittger turned and saw him, and then rushed to help himself to
one of the glasses of ginger ale. A moment later Hermann Sweinskopf
followed his example, and then Peter Dinkelspeil. Louie Knobloch
suddenly noticed his companions preparing to refresh themselves, and
made a frantic dash to join them. That left only Emil Muller, the
leader, playing. He looked around to find out what was the matter, and
then sprinted toward Grouthead, but there was no ginger ale left on the
tray. He stood with ill-concealed envy watching the other four who were
clinking their glasses hilariously. Then the quartet began to sing:
"'Halli, hallo, halli, hallo;
Bei uns geht's immer,
Je langer je schlimmer;
Halli, hallo, halli, hallo,
Bei uns geht's immer noch so!'"
"Prosit, leater!" said Louie Knobloch mockingly, as he lifted his
glass, with the other three facing around and following suit.
Emil Muller was speechless. He kicked his heels together as he watched
them drinking and smacking their lips. Dragonfel again signalled to
Grouthead who went out, and came back bearing an immense glass of ginger
ale upon the tray.
[Illustration]
Emil Muller swooped down upon it exultingly, and with great difficulty
held it aloft. The others of the band gathered around in awe, while
Louie Knobloch stood on tiptoe to obtain a better view of the glass.
Emil Muller blew the froth into Louie's face, and the latter wiped it
off with his fingers, afterwards putting them in his mouth, as though
even small favors sometimes count.
"Do you know vot dot man Vilhelm Shake-a-sbeare vonct saidt?" he asked.
[Illustration: "THE BROWNIES!"]
"No," replied Louie Knobloch, wiping the froth from his eyes. "Vot dit
he say?"
Emil Muller raised the glass to his lips, remarking with great emphasis:
"Shake-a-sbeare vonct saidt, 'Dere iss odders!'"
But before he could partake of the cooling drink all of a sudden the Red
Spirit with the bow and quiver of arrows he had taken surreptitiously
from Prince Florimel flew through the window into the room, shattering
the glass all to pieces, and lit right at Dragonfel's feet.
"Be not deceived, kind master!" he cried, in great excitement. "They are
the Brownies!"
CHAPTER XVI
THE EARTHQUAKE AND VOLCANO
[Illustration]
The big glass with not so much as a single drop tasted by Emil Muller's
lips fell from his hand with a loud crash, and its contents flowed like
an amber-colored river along the floor.
Almost instantly at the Red Spirit's startling announcement Dragonfel
had sprung up from his throne stiff and rigid, and was regarding the
embryo musicians with a glare of peculiar malevolence.
"The Brownies!" he involuntarily ejaculated. "I thought they played too
well for a German band!"
Queen Titania, Dame Drusilda, Violet, and Daffodil had also risen as
though they had received an electric shock. Their breath came fast
in their sudden agitation. They started to go to the musicians, but
Wolfinger, Mandrake, and Snoutpimple roughly grasped them, and held them
back.
Realizing the failure of a deception that might have achieved success
had it not been for the sly spying of the malicious Red Spirit, Emil
Muller, otherwise King Stanislaus, turned and faced Dragonfel, his very
attitude hurling a strong challenge of defiance.
Knowing that further subterfuge would be useless, the doughty monarch
in a flash whisked off his false nose and moustache, and slipped from
his baggy clothes. Likewise Louie Knobloch, Peter Dinkelspeil, Hermann
Sweinskopf, and Jacob Schnittger removed their disguises, and the
unmistakable features of the Sailor, Policeman, German, and Irishman
were revealed. "Yes, we are the Brownies," cried King Stanislaus, "come
to demand the instant surrender of Queen Titania and her companions."
"Idiots!" snarled Dragonfel, in a fury. "You have rushed to your
destruction!" And he clapped his hands together, and shouted to his
followers around him: "What ho, there! Summon everyone in the palace!
We'll see that these presumptuous sprites meet with fitting punishment."
The Demon Usher half flew, and half ran, with even more celerity than
usual, to do his bidding. With teeth showing, and fists clenched, the
infuriated enchanter advanced threateningly toward the intrepid members
of the band who looked at him without even so much as flinching.
"Have a care!" warned King Stanislaus. "Beware of the Brownies' mystic
power!" And, turning to the Sailor, he added: "Quick! the signal!"
Instantly the Sailor blew a deafening blast upon his cornet, and in a
trice there was the pounding of many fists upon the outer doors, with
crashing sounds as though heavy logs were being directed with the force
of many hands against them.
[Illustration]
Under the fierce, determined assault the doors gave way and toppled in,
while through the opening swarmed and crowded the band of eager
Brownies, with Prince Florimel in their lead.
At almost the same instant, through other doors, poured Dragonfel's
hosts, with Vulcan's red imps somersaulting and leaping among them, and
there were so many of them, and all so big and powerful, they well might
cause dismay to the stoutest heart.
"So be it then!" cried Dragonfel, grandiloquently, for the sight of all
these great, hulking fellows gave him renewed confidence. "It is power
against power!"
And, striking a pompous attitude, he cleared his throat, and placed his
hand on his chest.
"Stand back!" shouted King Stanislaus. "He's going to speak a piece!"
Then Dragonfel poetically spouted:
"Much rather than in spite of me,
The union of these bands should be,
From thy long rest, oh, Vulcan, wake;
Let earth to its dark centre quake,
And these strong walls that round us stand
Come crumbling down in lime and sand!"
This incantation, punctuated, as it were, by Vulcan's imps, who threw
balls of fire into the air where the commas, semicolon, and exclamation
point are above transcribed, was delivered with only fair elocutionary
ability, but its effect was electrifying.
Almost with the last word uttered by his vindictive lips a tremor ran
through the earth that brought to all a sickening sensation of fear. The
heavy walls and ornate supporting pillars shook, tottered, and then fell
with a terrific crash, that might well horrify all, as the vibrations of
the earth continued.
In another instant the magnificent palace lay in ruins illumined by
fierce flames that leaped wildly from the apex of the volcano and licked
with fiery tongues the very sky.
[Illustration]
Shrieking and screaming with the horror of it all Dragonfel's followers
and the Brownies alike ran hither and thither, their warfare temporarily
forgotten in this more appalling danger that suddenly had come to them.
In their fright some sought ridiculous places of refuge but it was a
matter of speed.
True to their nature to help in all times of distress, the Brownies
worked well to save things from complete ruin, and if the proper
implements had been at hand the havoc would not have been so severe. But
Vulcan was in no mood to quit the quake that was felt in all parts of
the palace.
[Illustration]
Even the State bed-chamber was not exempt, and things that had gone up
with great care and cost came down with great crash and confusion.
But more terrible danger menaced them. The shock of the earthquake was
over, and had wrought utter ruin. Still, as far as could be learned, in
all the confusion, uproar, and wild excitement no lives had been lost.
Far greater peril, however, threatened from which there did not seem to
be a possible way of escape, new horrors faced them on every side.
Round and pear-shaped volcanic bombs shot up with tremendous velocity
from the crater's boiling mouth, formed from the precious minerals
stored for centuries deep in the treasury of the earth. And all of these
in a molten red-hot liquid mass were flowing swiftly and irresistibly in
a bubbling, hissing, steaming, seething, blood-red river straight on to
where the unfortunate Brownies were among the ruins of the once proud
and haughty palace.
[Illustration]
Before all this occurred Florimel's quick eye had noticed the audacious
Red Spirit with his stolen bow and arrows, and he had sprung forward to
wrest them from him. But the strange, repulsive creature evaded him
mockingly, and flew off with his booty.
[Illustration]
The disappointment of the prince was transformed to delight when the
next moment he beheld Titania running to him with arms extended. But
they never met, for before she could reach his side the terrible
catastrophe of the earthquake and volcano happened, and they were
jostled and crowded apart by the throng, who in their great terror
seemed to have lost all control of their senses. In all the turmoil
careful watch was kept of the captives. Nearer and nearer came the
molten stream of lava, and hotter and hotter grew its scorching breath,
while huge trees in its remorseless path flared up and shriveled away in
an instant.
[Illustration]
When the stunning shock to his nerves was exhausting itself, King
Stanislaus in a dazed way began to think, with the full realization that
whatever there was to be done had to be accomplished quickly.
Suddenly he recalled the frame building they had passed in going to
the palace. If it housed as he most fervently hoped it did a complete
equipment for fighting fires it might prove the very means by which the
Brownies could grapple with a situation that was becoming more and more
intolerable.
[Illustration]
Promptly he communicated his plan to various members of the band, as he
spied them, and the word was passed around from one to the other, until
all were fully conversant with His Majesty's views. And very soon all
these agile sprites, with King Stanislaus and Prince Florimel in the
lead, were racing helter-skelter back to the wooden structure that bore
the inscription: NEPTUNE HOOK AND LADDER CO. NO. 1.
They broke in the doors, and soon were prying into every nook and corner
of the place. And, while King Stanislaus forthwith seized a fire-trumpet
that was hanging from a hook on the wall, Brownies were donning with the
greatest haste fire helmets that even with paper stuffed in them came
down over their ears, and putting on rubber boots and coats intended by
Dragonfel for his followers, and which proved but sorry fits, for the
boots came well up over their waists, and had to be turned back, and the
coats trailed after them like the long trains of fashionable ladies'
gowns.
[Illustration]
The energetic monarch was rather disappointed to find upon inspection
that the machine instead of being one of the modern, up-to-date kind
was of a very antiquated type, a brake-engine with man-handles that had
to be worked by hand to throw a stream of water. But he was greatly
relieved to discover that there was an abundant supply of hose, for in
providing himself with this the enchanter evidently had made a nice
calculation of the distance from the crater of the volcano to the
stand-pipe connection in the palace, and he had allowed plenty to spare.
[Illustration]
In stentorian tones His Majesty shouted out his orders through the
fire-trumpet, and the Brownies hauled out the engine and hose-carriage.
Then they all took hold of the long ropes attached to them, and started
on a run for Dragonfel's ruined palace, that now was little more than a
tumbled heap.
Brownies perched on the engine, and one kept clanging the bell
furiously. Some who ran with the ropes tripped on the trailing tails of
their rubber coats, but they never let go, and were dragged along by
their surer-footed companions.
After they had gone some distance the Policeman began shouting in
remonstrance, and King Stanislaus ordered a halt to hear what he had to
say. "What is it, officer?" asked His Majesty. "We've got to go back,"
panted the Policeman. "Some of us forgot to put on red shirts."
[Illustration]
Though King Stanislaus felt very much chagrined at such neglect, he
realized that it was now too late to remedy this most important matter,
for every passing moment was precious. So he bellowed through the
trumpet instructions to continue, and pulling and straining at the ropes
they flew on, with the engine and hose-carriage bumping, lurching, and
swaying after them.
On and on they went, pit-patting at last across the rickety old wooden
bridge, but before they could drag the engine across it one of the
planks snapped in two under its weight, and the wheels on one side went
down through the opening almost as far as the water below.
The engine was firmly stuck, and though the Brownies tugged and strained
at the rope, puffing, panting, and exerting all their strength, they
could not even so much as budge it.
Nearer and nearer came the terrible river of fire, and the volcano
seemed to be reaching even greater activity. It looked as though this
effort of the Brownies was in vain.
CHAPTER XVII
THE BROWNIES FIGHT THE FLAMES
[Illustration]
But once more the indomitable spirit of King Stanislaus manifested
itself. Though the fire-engine was jammed in between the joists and
timbers of the bridge, and could not be extracted by pulling the rope,
the plucky monarch would not allow himself to be vanquished without a
struggle.
He caused the Brownies to bring heavy planks, and farther directed them
to wrench off the guard-rails of the bridge. The ends of these were
placed under the engine, while at those opposite the sprites exerted as
powerful a leverage as they could at the same time comrades were pulling
with all their might and main at the rope.
Finally their combined efforts resulted in raising the engine up on the
bridge again, after which it was easily rolled upon the road.
This unfortunate delay had seemed much longer than it really was, owing
to the exigency of the situation, but they made up for lost time during
the rest of the distance, and reached the site of the ruins without
further mishap.
[Illustration]
The lava was almost upon them, and they were nearly suffocated by the
intense heat. But, while King Stanislaus ran here and there directing
the preparations, and shouting his orders through the fire-trumpet, they
quickly unwound the coils of hose and effected a connection with the
stand-pipe.
The water was thereupon turned on, and while Brownies in helmets, rubber
coats, and boots held grimly on to the hose and trained the big brass
nozzle on the fast approaching lava, others manned the handles of the
engine, a half dozen or more being required at each end, and flew
hanging to them up and down through the air to furnish the necessary
pressure.
[Illustration]
Though the engine was old and out of repair, it had one redeeming
feature. It could throw two or three streams of water at once as well as
one, and the Brownies in their great need forced it to the limit.
Immense volumes of water gushed out at the lava, and their contact
produced a hissing, boiling sound, while the air was almost immediately
filled with steam which became so thick that it could almost be cut
with a knife. In the thick vapors that arose their forms could only be
distinguished dimly, and they seemed like shadows flitting to and fro.
[Illustration]
At times the hose burst in various places, and streams of water from
them spouted high into the air involving waste, but King Stanislaus
proved himself equal to all emergencies.
"Stick your fingers in the holes to keep the water in," he shouted
through the trumpet.
Brownies either poked their fingers through the openings or held their
hands against them to prevent the escape of water. The hose got away
from those who were holding it, and the terrific stream drenched the
Dude, Chinaman, and Indian who were directly in its path, sweeping them
off their feet. In another moment the Brownies regained their mastery of
it, and once more the water was directed full at the blazing lava.
Such efforts were bound to achieve results, and these King Stanislaus
noted with great satisfaction.
"We're gaining on it!" he announced exultantly. "Just keep it up, boys,
and we'll soon have the fire out."
Thus encouraged, higher and higher flew the Brownies on the handles of
the engine, while others continued to play the hose upon the descending
lava, which hissed, steamed, and bubbled as the water struck it.
[Illustration]
As the lava cooled off it formed a composition resembling asphalt, and
upon this the Brownies could walk, unwinding as they did so more and
more hose, and all the while getting nearer and nearer to the volcano.
Finally they were directing the stream down the crater's mouth, which
gurgled, gasped, and then instead of flame began to emit smoldering
smoke which grew less and less in volume.
"I guess that settles Mr. Volcano!" triumphantly cried King Stanislaus,
as he wiped beads of perspiration from his royal brow.
[Illustration]
"It's a pity the palace was destroyed," remarked the Student.
"It's Dragonfel's own fault," said the king, "and he has only himself to
blame. I wouldn't have that man's mean disposition, no, not for all the
jewels and mines he possesses."
"Even if he has lost his palace," said the Dude, "he's got a fine new
macadamized road to the volcano. With a jitney-bus he can make a lot of
money from tourists."
The fire was practically extinguished, and all danger from it had
passed. It was well that this was so, for the first rays of the sun were
beginning to appear in the brightening east, and the mystic powers of
the Brownies which come at night were fast being exhausted.
When the valiant fire-fighters at last had the volcano under control,
Prince Florimel gazed anxiously around for Queen Titania, Dame Drusilda,
Violet, and Daffodil, but none of them was in sight.
[Illustration]
Neither could he observe Dragonfel nor any of his followers, for when
they had become assured of safety these cravens had fled, leaving the
Brownies to do all the work.
Florimel ran hither and thither, searching among the ruins for those he
was so eager to find, and calling aloud their names, but there was no
response to his cries, nor could he discover the slightest trace of them
anywhere, which alarmed him greatly.
The Brownies were taking a much needed rest, but he got them all to join
in the quest, and they hunted in every nook and corner thereabout
without success.
[Illustration]
"This is indeed strange," said King Stanislaus, very much puzzled. "They
were here just a little while ago, for I saw them myself. I didn't pay
any particular attention to them at the time, for the volcano was
keeping me pretty busy."
"They have made their escape," said Florimel, "and have again carried
off the queen and her companions. The question is, where have they
gone?"
"I do not think they have gone far," said the king, and his eye swept
the harbor where the galleon was plainly visible. "Perhaps they are on
the ship, but I very much doubt it. It may be they are hiding somewhere
near."
Suddenly the Policeman who was still prowling stealthily around poked
his club in a dark, out-of-the-way corner into something flabby which at
once emitted a queer, cackling shriek so uncanny that everyone jumped
back in fright.
The next moment he quickly reached in his arm and drew out by the ear
the quaking, shaking Demon Usher who had no opportunity to practice his
eccentric locomotion, but was obliged to crawl after his captor on his
hands and knees.
The Policeman led him by the ear to King Stanislaus who eyed him
sternly.
[Illustration]
"Mercy, have mercy!" shrieked the Demon Usher, in abject terror, and he
shook as though he had the dumb ague, chills and fever, and something
else besides. "Oh, kind sir, I will be your slave for life, and obey
your slightest wish. Only don't kill or torture me, I beg you!"
"Tell the truth, or it will be the worse for you," said King Stanislaus.
His words in no sense were a threat, for it is always the worse for
anyone who does not tell the truth. But they only served to increase
the fears of the poor, frightened wretch who shook as if he had added
St. Vitus dance to all his other symptoms.
"Spare my life!" he whined, with his teeth clicking against each other
like castenets. "Oh, please, sir, spare my life! Ask me anything you
like, and I will answer you. Yes, and though it is very hard for me to
do so, I will speak the truth. Let me be your slave, and fan you, and
black your boots!"
"Where is your master?"
"He is gone."
"Yes, we know that already. Where has he gone?"
The Demon Usher looked around timidly as though to assure himself that
neither Dragonfel nor any of his followers was within hearing, and then
said, with an air of great cunning:
"If I tell you, will you let me go?"
"Yes," said King Stanislaus. "I give you my promise."
"Then I will tell you," said the Demon Usher. "He has flown with his
captives to his mine."
"His mine?" echoed His Majesty.
"Have you not heard of it?" asked the Demon Usher in great surprise.
"Why, it is the most wonderful mine in all the world. Every jewel known
to a lapidary is there."
"Where is it?"
"Near by."
"Lead us to it," broke in Florimel eagerly.
"Come with me," said the Demon Usher. "I will show you the secret
passage-way through which Dragonfel and the rest entered."
Florimel made an impatient start to be off, and the Brownies showed
their willingness to follow him through all dangers, but King
Stanislaus, more careful, raised his hand to call a halt.
"Stay!" he cautioned. "This may only be a ruse to trap us. How do we
know this is the truth?"
"It is the truth," averred the Demon Usher. "Follow me and I will soon
prove it to you."
He moved off with his queer half-skip and half-jump, cocking his eye
behind at them as if he feared they would try to stop him. But no one
made any attempt to do so, and he appeared very much relieved.
Close at his heels came Florimel and the Brownies, with King Stanislaus
among them, but the monarch looked ill at ease, as though he suspected
treachery of some kind.
The Demon Usher led them to a slight rise where there was a rocky
formation, and stopped before a boulder so huge that it would have
required the strength of many men to move it.
[Illustration]
Searching with his long, thin fingers for a certain place, he found it
at length, and pressed against it as hard as he could.
To the surprise of all the rest, the boulder began to slide easily away,
disclosing the entrance to a dark, subterranean passage.
[Illustration: "TRICKED!"]
"Follow the passage," cried the Demon Usher triumphantly, "and it will
lead you to Dragonfel and his captives!"
Florimel and the Brownies at once entered, and King Stanislaus ran after
them.
"Stop!" came his warning. "Before we go any farther let us first
consider."
But when they were all inside it suddenly grew pitch-black, as the
boulder quickly slid back into its place.
From outside they heard the Demon Usher give a hoarse cackle of
exultation.
"Tricked!" ejaculated King Stanislaus. "We are caught like rats in a
trap!"
CHAPTER XVIII
THE FLIGHT TO THE MINE
[Illustration]
In bringing about the destruction of his palace Dragonfel's only thought
had been the destruction of the Brownies. He had hoped to crush the
sprites by means of the falling walls and columns, and when he invoked
Vulcan for the assistance he felt sure would be given to him he was very
careful to keep out of harm's way himself.
But like many another vindictive, revengeful person the wicked enchanter
overreached himself. He had no idea when he called upon Vulcan to get
busy that the latter would make such a good job of it.
He fully expected the palace to topple down, for that was what he had
asked for. But he did not want the volcano that had been thrown in for
good measure. It made things too hot and uncomfortable.
He was very much alarmed when he saw the volcano in violent eruption,
for he realized that the downpour of lava boded ill for himself as well
as for others over whose safety he was not at all concerned.
[Illustration]
Thinking only of himself, he was on the point of ordering out his
volunteer fire department to subdue the flames in the crater when to his
great relief he noticed that King Stanislaus had taken the matter out of
his hands.
From his place of safety Dragonfel watched the operations of the
Brownies, and he breathed more freely when he noticed that they were
getting the fire well under control, so that the prospect of all danger
was fast being removed through their energetic efforts.
He realized that after the volcano was subdued these indomitable little
people would devote their attention to him, and in considering what the
outcome would be he grew more and more uncertain. As a matter of fact,
he was beginning to fear the mystic power of the Brownies, and he very
much doubted if his big followers with all their boasted strength were a
fit match for these sprites who had not only cunning but courage.
He decided that in the clash which was bound to come it was best not to
risk any chance of defeat in a fair, open fight, but by underhanded
means to overpower them.
Then the diabolical scheme of making the Brownies prisoners, and setting
them to work in his mine, presented itself. If he fled there with his
captives, they would undoubtedly follow in pursuit, and once in the mine
they easily could be made helpless.
The Demon Usher at his feet was going through all sorts of contortions
of fear, and Dragonfel looked sneeringly down at him.
"Stop your shaking, and listen to me," he commanded. "We are going to
take the captives to the mine."
"Let us start at once, kind master," said the Demon Usher, in a fever of
impatience. "If it gets cool here it will be too hot to hold us."
"You will be the only one to stay," said Dragonfel.
"Oh, say not so, kind master!" cried the Demon Usher, shaking with even
greater violence than before. "If they catch me they will kill me."
"Then it will be good riddance to bad rubbish," was Dragonfel's
unfeeling retort. "I said you were to stay, so that settles it. When the
Brownies ask you where we've gone, you're to tell them to the mine.
They'll probably make you lead them to it. When they do take them to the
secret entrance, and after they are in close the boulder on them. Do you
understand me?"
"Yes, I grasp you perfectly," said the Demon Usher, "but, oh, kind
master, I have a weak heart, and at times it fails me. Would it not be
better to intrust a delicate matter like this to Snoutpimple?"
[Illustration]
"After they are imprisoned," went on Dragonfel, unheeding the
suggestion, "you can come around by the main entrance, and let me know."
Just as soon as he was fully convinced that all danger was over the
enchanter passed the word around among his followers to decamp, and this
was effected so insidiously that the Brownies did not notice it.
They laid rough hands on Queen Titania, Dame Drusilda, Violet, and
Daffodil, muffling the cries for help they tried to make, and bore them
with great haste from the scene of excitement; the waving arms and
kicking availed them nothing.
[Illustration]
With their struggling, protesting burdens in their arms they ran toward
the mine, and descended into it by the main entrance. When they reached
the great shaft where the mine-sprites were hard at work, Titania, Dame
Drusilda, Violet, and Daffodil were released, and they looked around
with wonder and surprise.
The mine-sprites cast furtive glances of curiosity at these strange new
faces that invited confidence, but so frightened were they when they saw
their cruel master that they redoubled their efforts, and their fingers
fairly flew as they dug them in the earth for precious stones.
"Poor little things!" was Queen Titania's involuntary cry. "The work is
too hard for them."
"I've been thinking of that," said Dragonfel, with a chuckle, "and I've
decided to put an extra force on."
"Do you mean to set us to work?" asked Dame Drusilda indignantly.
"Perhaps," said Dragonfel, with a horrid grin. "Just now, though, I'm
going to take you all to another part of the mine where we'll await
developments."
As he spoke he seized Titania's hand, and began to drag her off down one
of the dark passage-ways. In the same manner Mandrake followed with Dame
Drusilda, while after him came Boundingbore with Violet and Daffodil.
The mine-sprites watched their retreating forms, but they were too
terrified to speak a word, and were helpless to aid them in any way.
Dragonfel led the rest along the subterranean passage until at last they
came to a square chamber that had been cut with much skill into the
solid rock.
When Mandrake lit a crystal lamp the great magnificence of the place was
revealed.
The floor and walls were inlaid with precious jewels in designs that
were truly wonderful. Divans were built in at the sides, and the various
creatures of the wild were represented everywhere.
For all his short-comings, Dragonfel seemed to have a great respect for
animals, and gave their skins at least a rest on his floors and walls
where they could grin at spiders and moth-millers with some show of
satisfaction.
[Illustration]
At the ceiling which was thickly crusted with diamonds there was a
slender open shaft that evidently had been made to provide air and light
but which was too small to provide a means of escape.
"This is where you'll stay," announced Dragonfel. "The place isn't
half-bad, as things go, so you ought to make yourselves fairly
comfortable in it. You'll find both hot and cold water in the little
ante-room screened off by those peacock-feather portières. Your meals
will be brought to you. If you want to read there's the dictionary."
"How long are you going to keep us here?" asked Titania, with a sinking
of her heart.
"Always, and maybe longer," was Dragonfel's gruff response. "Have you
brought your knitting with you?"
"If you think you can keep us here against our will," said Titania, in a
decided tone, "you will find that you are very much mistaken."
"How so?" said Dragonfel contemptuously.
"It won't be long before the Brownies are here."
"That's what I fully expect," said the enchanter, with a knowing wink,
"and after they come there'll be something doing, BELIEVE ME!"
He laid great emphasis upon the last two words, and in spite of all her
confidence in Florimel and the Brownies Titania was filled with great
uneasiness.
But she knew that further words would be wasted on him, so she said
nothing more. With Dame Drusilda, Violet, and Daffodil she retired to
a corner of the room, as far removed from him as possible, where
they discussed among themselves in whispers this new phase of the
disagreeable situation.
They hoped that Dragonfel and the rest would go, but still they
lingered, and the enchanter at times looked up at the narrow opening cut
into the ceiling. Finally he gave expression to a grunt of satisfaction
as something he had been watching for met his gaze, and they noticed
with him that a golden flood of sunshine was pouring through the
opening.
"Day at last!" he cried, and, almost with his words, the Demon Usher
made his appearance with a hop, skip, and jump, while at his back stood
a half-starved looking demon whose hair had not been cut for a long
time, and who had a distinctly artistic appearance.
"Master, kind master," the Demon Usher joyously cackled, "I bear good
news. The little commission you intrusted me with I executed to the best
of my ability. Oh, master, you should have seen how brave I was. I was
with them single-handed, yet I was more than a match for them all. I had
the whole band in terrible fear of me."
[Illustration]
"Stop throwing bouquets at yourself!" ordered Dragonfel. "Tell me where
they are."
"It's all easy now," went on the Demon Usher. "The dangerous part has
been done by me. I've got them so cowed that now they'll eat out of
your hand. I captured them all by myself, and drove them into the south
lode, where they wait to do your bidding."
"Will you permit me a word, kind master?" then spoke up the half-starved
looking demon, as he unrolled a large sheet of paper. "He doesn't
deserve a medal, or even honorable mention. I took a rough sketch of him
when he had the Brownies at his mercy, and here it is."
[Illustration]
Dragonfel stared at the effort in astonishment.
"You have missed your calling," he remarked. "You should be in the
Academy of Design."
Titania had listened with fast increasing alarm, and now with Dame
Drusilda, Violet, and Daffodil she advanced quickly toward him. "Of whom
is this creature speaking?" she asked, in evident distress. "Of the
Brownies?"
The Demon Usher uttered his disagreeable cackle as Dragonfel exultingly
responded:
[Illustration]
"Yes, the Brownies! They are prisoners like yourselves. Their nights of
adventure are over, and they'll never more delight in harmless pranks
and helpful deeds. Those who seek their aid will henceforth look for
them in vain. They are doomed to slave in this mine for the rest of
their lives!"
Then Grouthead came up running, and he cried in great excitement:
"Master, kind master, we have captured all the Brownies, and they are
helpless. What shall we do with them?"
"Set them to work at once," spoke Dragonfel. "I will go back with you to
gloat over them."
He started immediately, and Titania and her companions attempted to
follow, but Mandrake barred the way, and held them back.
CHAPTER XIX
THE MISSION OF THE DOVE
[Illustration]
After the huge boulder had shut in the unsuspecting Brownies their only
alternative was to follow the winding passage-way of the mine wherever
it might take them. They could not remain where they were to perish
miserably of hunger and thirst, so they crept cautiously along in the
dark with the faint hope that in some way they might gain the open. But
the passage they were forced to travel led them direct to the main-shaft
where the mine-sprites were at work. Nearly all of Dragonfel's followers
were there waiting to receive them. For the Demon Usher after
imprisoning them had descended by the main entrance and gleefully
imparted the news, claiming high honors.
Sheepishly the Brownies slunk in, with the Dude's white handkerchief
fluttering at the end of his cane in token of the band's complete
surrender, for King Stanislaus knew how useless it would be to offer any
resistance.
They were all huddled together in a body, and a sorry, crestfallen lot
they were. Never before had such great misfortune overtaken them.
[Illustration]
At times the Student Brownie would discourse on Liberty, Justice, or
Good Fellowship, and find appreciative listeners, and he lifted up their
hearts by assuring them that history repeats itself, and that they would
yet enjoy the freedom of the comets and wandering stars.
While others of Dragonfel's followers guarded the Brownies so that they
could not escape, and brandished sharp-pointed spikes, battle-axes,
bludgeons, and other formidable-looking weapons significantly, Grouthead
ran in hot haste to inform his master.
[Illustration]
Soon the wicked enchanter made his appearance, and his rubicund face
showed high elation.
"Put 'em all to work!" he shouted.
"Don't let 'em stand here idle."
"What do you want me to do?" asked King Stanislaus meekly.
"Here, stop your talking, and get busy!" cried Snoutpimple, thrusting in
the king's hand a pick.
"I haven't any choice," said His Majesty, "so I'll have to take my
pick!"
The airy persiflage was lost upon Dragonfel, who frowned on him
severely.
"I'm a king in my own right," continued the monarch, pointing to his
crown, "and never used a pick except to bury a dead dog, but I'll not
make a scene in the presence of my subjects, so here goes for the
jewels." His cheerfulness told on others.
"If it was digging shedder-crabs or scallops," remarked the Sailor,
"I'd soon fill a basket."
[Illustration]
"I've broken stones before," said the Irishman, "but this is the first
chance I ever had to get a whack at diamonds."
"Vell," said the German Brownie, "if I see somedings in dot blace
shining like blitzen I bulls him oudt alretty yed und say noddings!"
They were then hustled off to their new tasks.
[Illustration]
With the mine-sprites and Brownies the king started to dig away, and he
tried not to shirk, but to do his stint with the rest of them. The sight
of royalty reduced to hard labor affected all his subjects greatly,
though they had little opportunity for sympathy so severely did their
taskmasters press them.
The heaps of precious stones piled up higher and higher, and their eyes
fairly blinked at the sight of them.
"I never saw so many jewels before in all my life," declared His
Majesty, wincing as he felt a sudden crick in his back. "Whenever I
look at them I feel just as though I were going to break out with
carbuncles."
"I wonder when they'll bring us something to eat," said Florimel, who
was beginning to grow hungry.
He was very much relieved when some time later Boundingbore appeared
with a cauldron of lukewarm soup, which was served in skimpy little
plates.
"Here, take mine back," complained King Stanislaus. "Look what's in it!
Just imagine what would have happened to me if I had swallowed it."
As he spoke he held up a pin which he had found in his soup.
"It wouldn't have hurt you, Your Majesty," said the Policeman. "It's a
safety pin."
Now and then some adventurous Brownies would discover a new dark
passage, and with the hope that it might lead to liberty the more
progressive would get their heads together and plan a break for freedom.
[Illustration]
For a time it looked as though one of these attempts would be crowned
with success, and liberty itself seemed to beckon in the offing. But,
just as promising enterprises in our own uncertain careers often end in
disappointment, so would each noble effort only result in a punishment
of heavier burdens and shorter rations.
Mandrake with a tray of food went down one of the dark passages, and
soon returned empty-handed. This Florimel noted, and he said to King
Stanislaus:
"Your Majesty, Titania and her companions must be over there. I am going
to try to find them."
He took from the Sailor, who had charge of it, Euphrosyne's dove, and,
opening the bosom of his jacket, let it cuddle close against his breast,
with just its head now and then showing.
At a moment when the attention of all Dragonfel's followers was
temporarily diverted by some remarkable discovery he made a sudden dash
down the passage where he believed Queen Titania and the others were
imprisoned.
His companions grouped themselves together to screen his fleeing form as
best they could, and he succeeded in getting away without detection.
[Illustration]
Florimel ran along the passage, and his supernatural vision guided him.
So when he came to a gem-crusted door he was able to see stretched
before it a form that he at once recognized as the Red Spirit.
The lazy fellow had been left to guard the prisoners, but had neglected
his duty, and was fast asleep.
Florimel heard him snoring away so that he knew his slumber was a heavy
one, and he tiptoed up to him with confidence.
He was rejoiced to see lying beside him the bow and four arrows, and he
noiselessly reached for the bow, and restored the arrows to his quiver.
Then he turned the big diamond that served as a knob for the door, and
stepping cautiously over the unconscious Red Spirit, entered.
Titania, Dame Drusilda, Violet, and Daffodil were seated upon one of the
divans, and they sprang up joyously when they saw him.
"Florimel!" cried Titania, and ran toward him.
"'Sh!" he warned, and closed the door softly after him. "The Red Spirit
is supposed to be guarding you, but he has fallen asleep. We must be
careful not to wake him."
They embraced fondly, and Titania asked:
"When will the Brownies take us away from here?"
Florimel shook his head despondently as he answered:
"I am sorry to say that we are all prisoners like yourselves. See,
Titania, I have brought you this. I thought perhaps that it might help
us."
He took the little cooing creature from the bosom of his jacket and
stroked its soft sides.
"Euphrosyne's dove!" exclaimed Titania. "There is a shaft above through
which it can escape. Let us send it with a message to her."
Upon a scrap of paper she hastily wrote the words:
"_Euphrosyne, Fair Goddess of Mirth:_
"Dragonfel the wicked enchanter holds us captive in his country.
Help us, we beseech you, before it is too late.
"QUEEN TITANIA."
While she wrote Florimel noticed with some uneasiness that water was
trickling down the walls and that in some places on the floor pools had
already formed.
"Tie the note to the dove's neck," he said. "Let us dispatch it
immediately."
They did so, and he flung the little creature upward toward the shaft.
Its talons clutched a side precariously while it fluttered its wings to
sustain itself in the frail, uncertain hold it had.
[Illustration]
"Poor little thing!" said Titania, when she noticed that it was in great
danger of falling. "It cannot help us."
"Look!" cried the excited Violet. "It is making for the opening."
To the relief of all its watchers the bird crept through the shaft and
disappeared.
"Good luck go with it!" was Dame Drusilda's fervent ejaculation.
"Oh, Titania, Titania," said Florimel, "it may be our happiness depends
upon that bird!"
Then almost immediately afterward to their utter horror and
consternation water in immense volumes began to pour down through the
shaft until blinded and drenched as they suddenly became it seemed to
them as if all the flood-gates of the earth had been opened.
"Quick!" shouted Florimel. "We must get out of here!"
He flung open the door, fearing that the Red Spirit was still outside,
but the terrified clamor of voices that rose from all sides had caused
him to desert his post.
[Illustration]
The water which in an incredibly short time had risen nearly to their
waists began racing down the passage, but still it did not appear to
recede. "Let us go at once," urged Florimel, "for if we stay here we
shall be lost." He gathered up the trembling Titania in his arms, and
with his burden staggered through the water toward the door, while Dame
Drusilda, Violet, and Daffodil followed close upon his heels.
Down the passage that had now become a violent raceway of raging,
foaming water they all fled, for Florimel realized that their only
chance of escape, small as it might be, was to join those who were
familiar with the entrances to the mine.
[Illustration]
But as they got closer to the main-shaft the confusion and uproar grew
wilder, and with a sickening feeling he became aware that those whose
help he had hoped for were quite as powerless as he. Ear-splitting
shrieks of horror made a very pandemonium of awful sound, and over all
was heard the despairing cry of Grouthead: "The mine is flooded, and the
force-pumps can't save us. We shall all be drowned!"
CHAPTER XX
DISASTER TO DRAGONFEL
[Illustration]
Dragonfel's mine was flooded, and as the water kept pouring in from all
sides, there was no escape for the unfortunates who were in its
chambers.
The passage which was mainly used in a descent to the mine had become a
raging river impossible to withstand so deep was it and with a current
so strong.
The way by which the Brownies had entered the mine was blocked by the
giant boulder which could only be removed by the pressure of a secret
spring from the outside. The boulder had brought captivity to the band,
and now it threatened even direr results, for those several tons of
stone stubbornly barred the way to safety.
It was evident that the violent disturbances deep down in the earth
which had caused the earthquake and volcano were likewise responsible
for the flood.
[Illustration]
The water came in streams from the entrances, cracks, and fissures until
the main-shaft was transformed into a lake that constantly grew deeper,
and through this with shrieks and screams all plunged, fleeing hither
and thither, but with no definite point in their dazed minds.
Dragonfel and his followers in particular lost their heads, and their
fear and cowardice were indeed pitiable. All their bravado had deserted
them, and from the blustering bullies they had been they became sorry,
trembling wretches vainly beseeching help and voicing the terror at
their hearts in wild, unearthly cries.
But, though the Brownies were alarmed like all the rest, they still
retained their presence of mind, and under the cool-headed direction of
King Stanislaus they at once set about to do certain things, with the
hope that a way would afterward be found to get them out of all danger,
helping hands were busy.
Prince Florimel assisted Titania, Dame Drusilda, Violet, and Daffodil to
a ledge that was still out of the reach of the advancing waters,
charging them most earnestly to remain there, after which he ran back,
and added his efforts to those of his companions.
[Illustration]
The little mine-sprites were most in need of aid, and to them the
Brownies devoted the work of rescue. They were all in great peril of
drowning, and though it seemed that such a fate could only be delayed
for a time, they started to remove the poor, frightened creatures to
places as far beyond the rapidly encroaching waters as possible.
Brownies scaled the walls and lodged themselves in a pocket up to which
they hauled with great effort a number of mine-sprites in one of the
large baskets that were used in loading the jewels before they were
carted away.
Others of the terrified sprites sought refuge by climbing over the
Brownies' willing backs to a temporary refuge high among the rocks.
[Illustration]
The Irishman, Scotchman, and German put three in a wheelbarrow, and
started to trundle them off, but to their great dismay it turned over,
and spilled them out. Assistance, however, was quickly rendered, and
with the mine-sprites back in the wheelbarrow they continued on their
way.
[Illustration]
Still the waters rose, and the excitement increased.
[Illustration]
Dragonfel in the most abject terror stormed and shouted at his
followers, issuing angry commands for them to exert themselves to do
something, but they were all helpless, and his words were wasted on the
air to no purpose.
[Illustration]
They were too frightened to be of assistance, even if it had been
possible to render it, though in cases where one was overcome there were
those who attempted the work of resuscitation.
The wicked enchanter ran about like a maniac, with little or no thought
of where he was going, until suddenly with a shriek of fright he plunged
into a circular pit that had been dug deep into the earth for a distance
of perhaps fifty feet.
There was sufficient water at the bottom of the pit to break his severe
fall, which was fortunate for him, as otherwise it would have resulted
in his end.
He was stunned and dazed, but in nowise injured beyond some bruises, and
he frantically reached up and clutched a jagged point of rock by which
he pulled himself out of the water that was nearly to his neck and
promising him more.
The horror of his situation was at once made plain to him. Beyond this
rock there was nothing by which he could maintain even the slightest
hold, and the waters which were steadily rising would soon submerge him
and end all.
His evil scheming had led to his own undoing, and in causing misfortune
to so many he had brought upon himself the most terrible misfortune of
all.
Looking up helplessly he could see a number of the Brownies trying to
peer down at him through the darkness. They lay flat on their stomachs,
and leaned as far out over the hole as prudence would permit.
"Help! help!" screamed Dragonfel, in a frenzy of fear. "Save me! save
me!"
His piteous cries were heard by all the Brownies, and they looked
at each other in doubt and uncertainty. When the monster whom they
had every reason to fear had met with the mishap which now made him
powerless it was not to be gainsaid that a feeling of great relief was
experienced by one and all. No matter what harm might come to them from
other sources, certainly his power to injure them was gone.
"Why should we help him?" said one of the Brownies. "He has harmed us
all he could."
"If he drowns," said another, "he will never have a chance to do so
again." But King Stanislaus looked very grave.
"No matter how much he has wronged us," he said decidedly, "he needs our
help, so we must give it."
"But he is our enemy," objected the Policeman.
"That makes no difference," said His Majesty. "He will drown if we do
not aid him."
"If we save him," said Uncle Sam, "he will only make trouble for us
again."
"We must not think of that," said King Stanislaus. "He's in distress,
and doesn't need to advertise it. That's where the Brownies step in."
He gave his orders, and the Brownies with the realization that there was
not a moment to be lost ran with all possible speed for the long rope
which they had used in hauling up the mine-sprites in the basket. This
they brought to the opening, tripping and sprawling over it in the
eagerness and anxiety they displayed.
They stood in a line, and lowered the rope down into the pit.
"Slip the noose at the end of the rope under your arms," shouted King
Stanislaus to Dragonfel, "and we will pull you up."
[Illustration]
The water was nearly over Dragonfel's head by this time, and he had
ceased his cries for help, for whenever he opened his mouth he choked
and strangled. He heard the welcome words of the king as in a dream,
but half unconscious as he was he reached out, and caught the rope,
tightened his grip upon it. He discovered the slip-noose at the end,
and with his senses fast leaving him had just enough strength left to
adjust this under both his arms. When the Brownies felt the rope grow
taut they began to haul away with might and main. Around the pit now
there were willing minds and itching fingers. Some fell over with
their exertions, but in a trice they were up again to contribute all
the strength they had to the work. "Pull away, boys!" shouted King
Stanislaus encouragingly, with his own royal digits wound tightly
around the rope. "A long pull, a strong pull, and a pull all together!
That's the ticket! Hurray! We'll soon have him up."
[Illustration]
His words incited them so that through undue effort they suddenly lost
their balance and sprawled over backward like ten-pins.
Like a shot Dragonfel fell back into the water again, almost dragging
after him a half-dozen Brownies who still clung to the rope. But others
quickly grasped them by the legs, and prevented them from going over
into the pit until a fresh hold of the rope was secured, and another
attempt was made.
"Avast there, messmates!" cried the Sailor. "Give an old salt a chance
at the fore-clutch on the hawser, and the old pirate will soon come up
from the bottom of the sea!"
This time the Brownies were successful, and they pulled Dragonfel to the
brink, and rolled him over to a place of temporary safety.
Water poured from his drenched form, and with a groan he relapsed into
unconsciousness.
The Brownies looked first at him, and then at each other. Though no one
said a word, all had the same thought.
Soon Dragonfel would revive, and then what would happen? They had saved
their foe, but to what purpose? If by any chance they should escape the
present dreadful danger they were in they would still be in the wicked
enchanter's power.
How would he use it?
[Illustration: NEARING A FINISH.]
CHAPTER XXI
AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER
[Illustration]
Dragonfel had been rescued by the Brownies at a crucial time when
perhaps they might have been justified in trying to save themselves
instead.
The water kept on swiftly rising, and it forced them out of the
positions they occupied to ledges and pockets higher up on the rocks.
To these all were forced to retreat, and the still senseless enchanter
was carried after them by some of his cowardly, frightened followers
who would have left him behind if it had not been for the stern
command of King Stanislaus.
Still higher and higher rose the water till they were again threatened
in their new places of refuge, and it soon became evident that
something had to be done, and that quickly.
There was but one passage-way through which the water was not pouring
like that of a swift mill-race, and this was the one in which the
Brownies had been trapped.
As the water ascended they were forced into it, and they continued on
through it well knowing from bitter experience that the huge boulder
effectually blocked the exit, and would hold them powerless until
finally they were submerged by the relentless flood.
[Illustration]
But still they went on, hoping against hope, until they came to the
boulder. It was still in place, and though they exerted all their
strength in trying to remove it they could not budge it to even the
extent of a millionth of an inch.
Brownies used sticks as levers, and the demons employed brute force, but
all their efforts proved in vain.
"It's no use," at last said King Stanislaus, wiping his perspiring brow.
"It looks as though this would be the end."
A sudden thought entered Florimel's head--a wild, foolish thought
perhaps, but not any more so than when he had aimed his magic arrow at
the crescent moon.
"Stand back, all of you!" he shouted.
[Illustration]
He took one of the four arrows that were in the quiver, and placed it in
the bow. Then he aimed it at the rock, and pulled the cord, making no
particular attempt at a display of strength which he realized fully
could not accomplish his purpose.
But to the infinite delight and astonishment of all a strange thing
happened, that made the eyes pop in from every head.
The arrow struck the base of the rock, which at the moment of contact
burst into hundreds of jagged pieces that flew up into the air. As these
fell they formed a series of steps that were as good as any mason could
have planned.
[Illustration]
They ascended these steps with all possible haste up into the open,
where the blue sky was above them, and where they could breathe freely
the air that never before had seemed so sweet and pure.
Looking around they could note the ravages of the flood, for with it
there had come a mighty tidal wave from the sea, with abnormally high
water that had changed the low marshlands into lakes, and had swollen
the small creeks to roaring, rushing rivers.
[Illustration]
Just then a vivacious little mine-sprite found an opportunity to whisper
to the Policeman:
"This is leap-year, officer, and, to speak freely, I loved you at first
sight."
"Well," said the Policeman, with his usual composure, "to speak even
more freely, your love at second sight is not returned."
"I would be willing," she said, "to fly with you to parts unknown."
"That's the trouble," said the Policeman. "No parts are unknown to the
Brownies. The world was our oyster, and we've opened it. We're just as
well known in Timbuctoo as Tarrytown!"
There was an angry swell that caused Dragonfel's galleon to toss
violently up and down, but it still held secure to its anchor, and
formed a picture inviting to a sailor's eye.
The enchanter was laid upon the greensward by those who bore him, and he
stirred uneasily, while his hand sought his forehead. Then he opened his
eyes, and unsteadily tried to get on his feet, in which effort others
sprang to his assistance.
"Where am I?" he asked, as dazed and puzzled he looked around. "What has
happened?"
His gaze took in the Brownies, and, in spite of all they had just done
for him, it was not a reassuring one. But somehow they feared him no
longer, for they felt that no matter what further villainy he might
attempt they were more than a match for him.
But before some one could answer Dragonfel Euphrosyne, the Goddess of
Mirth, suddenly appeared in their midst, though no one could tell just
how or from whence she came.
"Meddlesome spirit that you are," she said sternly, addressing her words
to the crestfallen enchanter, "you can no longer trouble the Brownies.
Your commission to do evil has expired."
"How so?" he demanded. "I made application for a renewal."
"Yes," she said, "but, through an error in the date, you were too late."
"Too late?" he repeated blankly.
"Yes, by thirteen seconds," she announced triumphantly, "and Beelzebub
refuses to renew the policy."
"Great Scott!" ejaculated Dragonfel, with much chagrin. "This comes of
trying to run business without an almanac!"
"Henceforth you will be compelled to be good," said Euphrosyne.
"Yes," said Dragonfel, in a rather shamefaced manner. "It may come
rather hard at first, but I suppose I will get used to it in time. As a
matter of fact, I'm growing rather tired of being bad. There's nothing
to it, after all. The only thing one gets from being bad is a lack of
respect in the community."
[Illustration]
"I see you're somewhat repentant," said Euphrosyne encouragingly. "It's
a little late, of course, but still it's better late than never. You
understand, don't you, that after this you're to let the Brownies
alone?"
"I should say I will let them alone," coincided Dragonfel heartily. "The
Brownies are too much for me. They have beaten me at every point. Even
if I were disposed to do them further mischief I am placed in a rather
delicate situation. I owe my life to the Brownies."
"There is one thing on which I insist," spoke up King Stanislaus. "You
must do something for these poor mine-sprites."
"I will see that they are restored to their parents from whom they were
stolen," asserted Dragonfel hastily. "Furthermore they shall all be
given handsome dowries, with a beautiful solitaire diamond of a
half-dozen karats more or less for each, so that when the right young
man comes along the engagement-ring will be easy."
Here the mine-sprite who had expressed her preference for the Policeman
gave him a coy glance, but he twirled his club, and looked the other
way.
[Illustration]
"It's too bad about your palace," said the Dude to Dragonfel.
"Oh, don't trouble yourself about that," said the enchanter cheerfully.
"I never did like its style of architecture, anyhow.
I'll soon have it rebuilt, and give the Union scale for labor, with
double pay for over-time. The palace was a rather tame affair anyway,
I ran too much to the emerald, topaz, and turquoise in its composition.
I'll make more use of the sapphire, the ruby and cornelian, in the
makeup of the new structure; and those columns, I always felt a little
weak over them, as they were only imitation chalcedony, the real thing
goes in the next one, if I have to import it from Palestine." The
glances the Brownies exchanged showed they felt that they had struck a
master in his line.
It is said, that some of the Brownies, to this day, annually celebrate
their deliverance from the mine, and the reformation of Dragonfel, by
proudly parading half the night, bearing the implements they had to use
while in captivity.
[Illustration]
So delighted was King Stanislaus over the general outcome that his
blithe spirits found expression in a jolly song that was a great
favorite of his, and the Brownies all joined in the chorus. The words
follow:
I'M RULER OF THE BROWNIE BAND!
KING STANISLAUS
I'm ruler of the Brownie band,
Most favored of personages;
I sway my sceptre o'er a land
Not found upon hist'ry's pages;
I take my nightly promenade
By anarchists unmolested;
On me no bomb or hand grenade
Has ever by them been tested!
If you could only see me dine,
You'd find me extremely placid;
I never fear a dish of mine
Is seasoned with prussic acid!
BROWNIES
Oh, you're all right!
KING STANISLAUS
Eh, I didn't catch it quite;
Repeat it, please! I didn't understand.
BROWNIES
Why, you, you, you, you! You're all right!
KING STANISLAUS
And so is the Brownie band!
KING STANISLAUS
I need no sabre, lance, or spear
To guard me whene'er I slumber;
My people kneel, but not thro' fear;
Love governs the entire number.
My slightest wish they all obey;
I never use any axes;
I always let them have their way;
They don't have to pay high taxes;
No undertaker need apply;
I'm not for embalmment crazy;
My subjects cry as I pass by,
"The Brownie king is a daisy!"
BROWNIES
Oh, you're all right, etc.
The refrain was so rollicking and infectious that when it was repeated
Dragonfel and his followers could not keep from joining in with the
Brownies, and they lustily roared out the words with a right good will.
The delayed wedding of Prince Florimel and Queen Titania was celebrated
very soon after in the fairy-palace with all the joy and happiness that
can come to such a momentous occasion.
[Illustration]
Brownies and fairies vied with each other in having a good time, and the
walls rang with their innocent merry-making. Everyone said that King
Stanislaus was the life of the party.
Dragonfel and his followers participated in the festivities, this time
unfeared, and to the strains of a Brownie orchestra they mingled with
others in the dance. Dragonfel even tried to do the fox-trot with Dame
Drusilda, which greatly delighted Euphrosyne who was among those
present.
[Illustration]
In place of the useless, cumbersome presents he had first brought the
enchanter gave the bride the more appropriate and useful gift of a dozen
bushels of precious stones.
[Illustration]
So in this wonderful country King Florimel and his beautiful queen are
still living and ruling wisely, and, to make their happiness complete,
there are little children round them.
To these King Florimel will leave the heritage of the magic bow and
arrows, for life has glided smoothly on, and the time has never been so
grave or distressing, as to necessitate their use. But should that time
ever come the king has full confidence in his ex-fairy godmother's gift.
[Illustration]
To the palace the Brownies come frequently, and it is needless to say
that they are welcome, just as they are welcome everywhere.
But they cannot be there as often as King Florimel would like them to be
because their kindly spirit takes them over the whole world to promote
peace, good humor, and good will to all human kind.
[Illustration: END]
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