These false whilom friendsBut 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 watchedtheir 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.Grasped firmly by the coat-tails, with face downward, and legs and arms spread out like a Maltese cross, was the immaculateBrownie 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 anxiouswatchers 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.The Fairies attempted to follow their queenIt 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, anddangers, they were glad to get back to their own shore in safety.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 hethought 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 closerto 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!”DucksCHAPTER XIVLWHAT THE POLICEMANDISCOVEREDLikea 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 immensebrass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.Uniforms and capsSoon 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 bein 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.”False noses and moustachesThe 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.ConversationThe 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 asthe 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.DressingThus 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 passedpressed 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.Fully equippedBut 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 backonly 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!”The missing bowCHAPTER XVWTHE GERMAN BANDWhenthe 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 strollingmusicians 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.ConversationEscorted 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 hungon 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.The bandThe 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.”All raised their instruments“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.Who plew dot bum node“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 Groutheadwho went out, and returned a few seconds later with a tray on which were four tiny glasses of ginger ale.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 liftedhis 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.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 thelatter 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.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!”TCHAPTER XVITHE EARTHQUAKEAND VOLCANOThebig 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 togo 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.He clapped his hands togetherUnder 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 standCome 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.RuinsShrieking 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 somesought 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.The State bed-chamberEven 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 possibleway of escape, new horrors faced them on every side.ConversationRound 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.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.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 controlof 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.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 ingoing 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.
These false whilom friends
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 watchedtheir 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.
Grasped firmly by the coat-tails, with face downward, and legs and arms spread out like a Maltese cross, was the immaculateBrownie 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 anxiouswatchers 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.
Grasped firmly by the coat-tails, with face downward, and legs and arms spread out like a Maltese cross, was the immaculateBrownie 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 anxiouswatchers 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.
The Fairies attempted to follow their queen
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, anddangers, they were glad to get back to their own shore in safety.
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 hethought 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 closerto 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!”
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 hethought 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 closerto 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!”
Ducks
L
WHAT THE POLICEMANDISCOVERED
Likea 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 immensebrass musical instruments, some bent and battered in places and all tarnished by the weather.
Uniforms and caps
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 bein 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.”
False noses and moustaches
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.
Conversation
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 asthe 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.
Dressing
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 passedpressed 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.
Fully equipped
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 backonly 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!”
The missing bow
W
THE GERMAN BAND
Whenthe 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 strollingmusicians 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.
Conversation
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 hungon 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.
The band
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.”
All raised their instruments
“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.
Who plew dot bum node
“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 Groutheadwho went out, and returned a few seconds later with a tray on which were four tiny glasses of ginger ale.
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 liftedhis 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.
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!’”
“‘Halli, hallo, halli, hallo;Bei uns geht’s immer,Je langer je schlimmer;Halli, hallo, halli, hallo,Bei uns geht’s immer noch so!’”
“‘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 liftedhis 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.
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 thelatter 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.
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 thelatter 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.
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!”
T
THE EARTHQUAKEAND VOLCANO
Thebig 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 togo 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.
He clapped his hands together
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 standCome crumbling down in lime and sand!”
“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 standCome crumbling down in lime and sand!”
“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 standCome 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.
Ruins
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 somesought 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.
The State bed-chamber
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 possibleway of escape, new horrors faced them on every side.
Conversation
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.
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.
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 controlof 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.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 ingoing 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.
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 controlof 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.
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 ingoing 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.