EscapePromptly 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 firehelmets 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.AntiquatedThe 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 calculationof the distance from the crater of the volcano to the stand-pipe connection in the palace, and he had allowed plenty to spare.The hose-carriageIn 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.”CaughtThough 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.BCHAPTER XVIITHE BROWNIES FIGHTTHE FLAMESButonce 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.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.The fire-engineThough 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.The hose burstImmense 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.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.With bucketsAs 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 KingStanislaus, as he wiped beads of perspiration from his royal brow.The vulcano“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.ConversationNeither 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.Searching“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 stealthilyaround 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.“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!”Found“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 onlyserved 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.He moved offSearching with his long, thin fingers for a certain place, he found it at length, and pressed against it as hard as he could.TrickedTo the surprise of all the rest, the boulder began to slide easily away, disclosing the entrance to a dark, subterranean passage.“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 XVIIITHE FLIGHT TOTHE MINEInbringing 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 waswhat 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.ConversationThinking 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 fearthe 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 toSnoutpimple?”“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.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 thesestrange 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 hisfloors and walls where they could grin at spiders and moth-millers with some show of satisfaction.Creatures of the wildAt 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 coldwater 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 whosehair 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.”The Demon Usher“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 cowedthat 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.”Permit me a wordDragonfel 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:Conversation“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.ACHAPTER XIXTHE MISSION OFTHE DOVEAfterthe 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.Discourse on LibertyAt 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-pointedspikes, battle-axes, bludgeons, and other formidable-looking weapons significantly, Grouthead ran in hot haste to inform his master.ConversationSoon 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.”I never used a pick“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.GuardianWith 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 anew 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.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.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 slumberwas 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.Water comes in“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 andconsternation 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.More waterThe water which in an incredibly short time had risen nearly to their waists began racing down the passage, but still it didnot 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.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!”
Escape
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 firehelmets 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.
Antiquated
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 calculationof the distance from the crater of the volcano to the stand-pipe connection in the palace, and he had allowed plenty to spare.
The hose-carriage
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.”
Caught
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.
B
THE BROWNIES FIGHTTHE FLAMES
Butonce 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.
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.
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.
The fire-engine
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.
The hose burst
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.
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.
With buckets
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 KingStanislaus, as he wiped beads of perspiration from his royal brow.
The vulcano
“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.
Conversation
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.
Searching
“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 stealthilyaround 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.
“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!”
Found
“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 onlyserved 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.
He moved off
Searching with his long, thin fingers for a certain place, he found it at length, and pressed against it as hard as he could.
Tricked
To the surprise of all the rest, the boulder began to slide easily away, disclosing the entrance to a dark, subterranean passage.
“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 XVIIITHE FLIGHT TOTHE MINEInbringing 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 waswhat 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.
THE FLIGHT TOTHE MINE
Inbringing 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 waswhat 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.
Conversation
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 fearthe 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 toSnoutpimple?”
“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.
“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.
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 thesestrange 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 hisfloors and walls where they could grin at spiders and moth-millers with some show of satisfaction.
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 thesestrange 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 hisfloors and walls where they could grin at spiders and moth-millers with some show of satisfaction.
Creatures of the wild
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 coldwater 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 whosehair 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.”
The Demon Usher
“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 cowedthat 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.”
Permit me a word
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:
Conversation
“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.
A
THE MISSION OFTHE DOVE
Afterthe 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.
Discourse on Liberty
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-pointedspikes, battle-axes, bludgeons, and other formidable-looking weapons significantly, Grouthead ran in hot haste to inform his master.
Conversation
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.”
I never used a pick
“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.
Guardian
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 anew 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.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.
Now and then some adventurous Brownies would discover anew 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.
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.
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 slumberwas 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.
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 slumberwas 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.”
“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.
Water comes in
“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 andconsternation 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.
More water
The water which in an incredibly short time had risen nearly to their waists began racing down the passage, but still it didnot 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.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!”
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.
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!”