DCHAPTER XXDISASTER TODRAGONFELDragonfel’smine was flooded, and as the water kept pouring in from all sides, there was no escape for the unfortunates who were in its chambers.The passage which was mainly used in a descent to the mine had become a raging river impossible to withstand so deep was it and with a current so strong.The way by which the Brownies had entered the mine was blocked by the giant boulder which could only be removed by the pressure of a secret spring from the outside. The boulder had brought captivity to the band, and now it threatened even direr results, for those several tons of stone stubbornly barred the way to safety.It was evident that the violent disturbances deep down inthe earth which had caused the earthquake and volcano were likewise responsible for the flood.The water came in streams from the entrances, cracks, and fissures until the main-shaft was transformed into a lake that constantly grew deeper, and through this with shrieks and screams all plunged, fleeing hither and thither, but with no definite point in their dazed minds.Dragonfel and his followers in particular lost their heads, and their fear and cowardice were indeed pitiable. All their bravado had deserted them, and from the blustering bullies they had been they became sorry, trembling wretches vainly beseeching help and voicing the terror at their hearts in wild, unearthly cries.But, though the Brownies were alarmed like all the rest, they still retained their presence of mind, and under the cool-headed direction of King Stanislaus they at once set about to do certain things, with the hope that a way would afterward befound to get them out of all danger, helping hands were busy.Prince Florimel assisted Titania, Dame Drusilda, Violet, and Daffodil to a ledge that was still out of the reach of the advancing waters, charging them most earnestly to remain there, after which he ran back, and added his efforts to those of his companions.RescueThe little mine-sprites were most in need of aid, and to them the Brownies devoted the work of rescue. They were all in great peril of drowning, and though it seemed that such a fate could only be delayed for a time, they started to remove the poor, frightened creatures to places as far beyond the rapidly encroaching waters as possible.In the basketBrownies scaled the walls and lodged themselves in a pocket up to which they hauled with great effort a number of mine-sprites in one of the large baskets that were used in loading the jewels before they were carted away.Others of the terrified sprites sought refuge by climbing overthe Brownies’ willing backs to a temporary refuge high among the rocks.The Irishman, Scotchman, and German put three in a wheelbarrow, and started to trundle them off, but to their great dismay it turned over, and spilled them out. Assistance, however,was quickly rendered, and with the mine-sprites back in the wheelbarrow they continued on their way.Still the waters rose, and the excitement increased.Dragonfel in the most abject terror stormed and shouted at his followers, issuing angry commands for them to exert themselves to do something, but they were allhelpless, and his words were wasted on the air to no purpose.They were too frightened to be of assistance, even if it had been possible to render it, though in cases where one was overcome there were those who attempted the work of resuscitation.The wicked enchanter ran about like a maniac, with little or no thought of where he was going, until suddenly with a shriek of fright he plunged into a circular pit that had been dug deep into the earth for a distance of perhaps fifty feet.There was sufficient water at the bottom of the pit to break his severe fall, which was fortunate for him, as otherwise it would have resulted in his end.He was stunned and dazed, but in nowise injured beyond some bruises, and he frantically reached up and clutched ajagged point of rock by which he pulled himself out of the water that was nearly to his neck and promising him more.The horror of his situation was at once made plain to him. Beyond this rock there was nothing by which he could maintain even the slightest hold, and the waters which were steadily rising would soon submerge him and end all.His evil scheming had led to his own undoing, and in causing misfortune to so many he had brought upon himself the most terrible misfortune of all.Looking up helplessly he could see a number of the Brownies trying to peer down at him through the darkness. They lay flat on their stomachs, and leaned as far out over the hole as prudence would permit.“Help! help!” screamed Dragonfel, in a frenzy of fear. “Save me! save me!”His piteous cries were heard by all the Brownies, and they looked at each other in doubt and uncertainty. When the monster whom they had every reason to fear had met with the mishap which now made him powerless it was not to be gainsaid that a feeling of great relief was experienced by one and all. No matter what harm might come to them from other sources, certainly his power to injure them was gone.“Why should we help him?” said one of the Brownies. “He has harmed us all he could.”“If he drowns,” said another, “he will never have a chance to do so again.” But King Stanislaus looked very grave.“No matter how much he has wronged us,” he said decidedly, “he needs our help, so we must give it.”“But he is our enemy,” objected the Policeman.“That makes no difference,” said His Majesty. “He will drown if we do not aid him.”“If we save him,” said Uncle Sam, “he will only make trouble for us again.”“We must not think of that,” said King Stanislaus. “He’s in distress, and doesn’t need to advertise it. That’s where the Brownies step in.”He gave his orders, and the Brownies with the realization that there was not a moment to be lost ran with all possible speed for the long rope which they had used in hauling up the mine-sprites in the basket. This they brought to the opening, tripping and sprawling over it in the eagerness and anxiety they displayed.They stood in a line, and lowered the rope down into the pit.Assorted diamonds“Slip the noose at the end of the rope under your arms,” shouted King Stanislaus to Dragonfel, “and we will pull you up.”The water was nearly over Dragonfel’s head by this time, and he had ceased his cries for help, for whenever he opened his mouth he choked and strangled. He heard the welcome words of the king as in a dream, but half unconscious as he was he reached out, and caught the rope, tightened his grip upon it. He discovered the slip-noose at the end, and with his senses fast leaving him had just enough strength left to adjust this under both his arms. When the Brownies felt the rope growtaut they began to haul away with might and main. Around the pit now there were willing minds and itching fingers. Some fell over with their exertions, but in a trice they were up again to contribute all the strength they had to the work. “Pull away, boys!” shouted King Stanislaus encouragingly, with his own royal digits wound tightly around the rope. “A long pull, a strong pull, and a pull all together! That’s the ticket! Hurray! We’ll soon have him up.”Dragonfel rescuedHis words incited them so that through undue effort they suddenly lost their balance and sprawled over backward like ten-pins.Like a shot Dragonfel fell back into the water again, almost dragging after him a half-dozen Brownies who still clung tothe rope. But others quickly grasped them by the legs, and prevented them from going over into the pit until a fresh hold of the rope was secured, and another attempt was made.“Avast there, messmates!” cried the Sailor. “Give an old salt a chance at the fore-clutch on the hawser, and the old pirate will soon come up from the bottom of the sea!”This time the Brownies were successful, and they pulled Dragonfel to the brink, and rolled him over to a place of temporary safety.Water poured from his drenched form, and with a groan he relapsed into unconsciousness.The Brownies looked first at him, and then at each other. Though no one said a word, all had the same thought.Soon Dragonfel would revive, and then what would happen? They had saved their foe, but to what purpose? If by any chance they should escape the present dreadful danger they were in they would still be in the wicked enchanter’s power.How would he use it?NEARING A FINISHCHAPTER XXIDAND THEY LIVED HAPPILYEVER AFTERDragonfelhad been rescued by the Brownies at a crucial time when perhaps they might have been justified in trying to save themselves instead.The water kept on swiftly rising, and it forced them out of the positions they occupied to ledges and pockets higher up on the rocks. To these all were forced to retreat, and the still senseless enchanter was carried after them by some of his cowardly, frightened followers who would have left him behind if it had not been for the stern command of King Stanislaus.Still higher and higher rose the water till they were again threatened in their new places of refuge, and it soonbecame evident that something had to be done, and that quickly.There was but one passage-way through which the water was not pouring like that of a swift mill-race, and this was the one in which the Brownies had been trapped.As the water ascended they were forced into it, and they continued on through it well knowing from bitter experience that the huge boulder effectually blocked the exit, and would hold them powerless until finally they were submerged by the relentless flood.ConversationBut still they went on, hoping against hope, until they came to the boulder. It was still in place, and though they exerted all their strength in trying to remove it they could not budge it to even the extent of a millionth of an inch.Brownies used sticks as levers, and the demons employed brute force, but all their efforts proved in vain.“It’s no use,” at last said King Stanislaus, wiping his perspiring brow. “It looks as though this would be the end.”A sudden thought entered Florimel’s head—a wild, foolishthought perhaps, but not any more so than when he had aimed his magic arrow at the crescent moon.“Stand back, all of you!” he shouted.He took one of the four arrows that were in the quiver, and placed it in the bow. Then he aimed it at the rock, and pulled the cord, making no particular attempt at a display of strength which he realized fully could not accomplish his purpose.But to the infinite delight and astonishment of all a strange thing happened, that made the eyes pop in from every head.The arrow struck the base of the rock, which at the moment of contact burst into hundreds of jagged pieces that flew up into the air. As these fell they formed a series of steps that were as good as any mason could have planned.The arrow struckThey ascended these steps with all possible haste up into the open, where the blue sky was above them, and where they could breathe freely the air that never before had seemed so sweet and pure.Looking around they could note the ravages of the flood, forwith it there had come a mighty tidal wave from the sea, with abnormally high water that had changed the low marshlands into lakes, and had swollen the small creeks to roaring, rushing rivers.Whisper to the policemanJust then a vivacious little mine-sprite found an opportunity to whisper to the Policeman:“This is leap-year, officer, and, to speak freely, I loved you at first sight.”“Well,” said the Policeman, with his usual composure, “to speak even more freely, your love at second sight is not returned.”“I would be willing,” she said, “to fly with you to parts unknown.”“That’s the trouble,” said the Policeman. “No parts are unknown to the Brownies. The world was our oyster, and we’ve opened it. We’re just as well known in Timbuctoo as Tarrytown!”There was an angry swell that caused Dragonfel’s galleon to toss violently up and down, but it still held secure to itsanchor, and formed a picture inviting to a sailor’s eye.The enchanter was laid upon the greensward by those who bore him, and he stirred uneasily, while his hand sought his forehead. Then he opened his eyes, and unsteadily tried to get on his feet, in which effort others sprang to his assistance.“Where am I?” he asked, as dazed and puzzled he looked around. “What has happened?”His gaze took in the Brownies, and, in spite of all they had just done for him, it was not a reassuring one. But somehow they feared him no longer, for they felt that no matter what further villainy he might attempt they were more than a match for him.But before some one could answer Dragonfel Euphrosyne, the Goddess of Mirth, suddenly appeared in their midst, though no one could tell just how or from whence she came.“Meddlesome spirit that you are,” she said sternly, addressing her words to the crestfallen enchanter, “you can no longer trouble the Brownies. Your commission to do evil has expired.”“How so?” he demanded. “I made application for a renewal.”“Yes,” she said, “but, through an error in the date, you were too late.”“Too late?” he repeated blankly.“Yes, by thirteen seconds,” she announced triumphantly, “and Beelzebub refuses to renew the policy.”“Great Scott!” ejaculated Dragonfel, with much chagrin. “This comes of trying to run business without an almanac!”“Henceforth you will be compelled to be good,” said Euphrosyne.“Yes,” said Dragonfel, in a rather shamefaced manner. “Itmay come rather hard at first, but I suppose I will get used to it in time. As a matter of fact, I’m growing rather tired of being bad. There’s nothing to it, after all. The only thing one gets from being bad is a lack of respect in the community.”Somewhat repentant“I see you’re somewhat repentant,” said Euphrosyne encouragingly. “It’s a little late, of course, but still it’s better late than never. You understand, don’t you, that after this you’re to let the Brownies alone?”“I should say I will let them alone,” coincided Dragonfel heartily. “The Brownies are too much for me. They have beaten me at every point. Even if I were disposed to do them further mischief I am placed in a rather delicate situation. I owe my life to the Brownies.”“There is one thing on which I insist,” spoke up King Stanislaus.“You must do something for these poor mine-sprites.”“I will see that they are restored to their parents from whom they were stolen,” asserted Dragonfel hastily. “Furthermore they shall all be given handsome dowries, with a beautiful solitaire diamond of a half-dozen karats more or less for each, so that when the right young man comes along the engagement-ring will be easy.”Here the mine-sprite who had expressed her preference for the Policeman gave him a coy glance, but he twirled his club, and looked the other way.Dragonfel eating“It’s too bad about your palace,” said the Dude to Dragonfel.“Oh, don’t trouble yourself about that,” said the enchanter cheerfully. “I never did like its style of architecture, anyhow.I’ll soon have it rebuilt, and give the Union scale for labor, with double pay for over-time. The palace was a rather tame affair anyway, I ran too much to the emerald, topaz, and turquoise in its composition. I’ll make more use of the sapphire, the ruby and cornelian, in the makeup of the new structure; and those columns, I always felt a little weak over them, as they were only imitation chalcedony, the real thing goes in the next one, if I have to import it from Palestine.” The glances the Brownies exchanged showed they felt that they had struck a master in his line.It is said, that some of the Brownies, to this day, annually celebrate their deliverance from the mine, and the reformation of Dragonfel, by proudly parading half the night, bearing the implements they had to use while in captivity.ParadingSo delighted was King Stanislaus over the general outcome that his blithe spirits found expression in a jolly song that was a great favorite of his, and the Brownies all joined in the chorus. The words follow:I’M RULER OF THE BROWNIE BAND!King StanislausI’m ruler of the Brownie band,Most favored of personages;I sway my sceptre o’er a landNot found upon hist’ry’s pages;I take my nightly promenadeBy anarchists unmolested;On me no bomb or hand grenadeHas ever by them been tested!If you could only see me dine,You’d find me extremely placid;I never fear a dish of mineIs seasoned with prussic acid!BrowniesOh, you’re all right!King StanislausEh, I didn’t catch it quite;Repeat it, please! I didn’t understand.BrowniesWhy, you, you, you, you! You’re all right!King StanislausAnd so is the Brownie band!King StanislausI need no sabre, lance, or spearTo guard me whene’er I slumber;My people kneel, but not thro’ fear;Love governs the entire number.My slightest wish they all obey;I never use any axes;I always let them have their way;They don’t have to pay high taxes;No undertaker need apply;I’m not for embalmment crazy;My subjects cry as I pass by,“The Brownie king is a daisy!”BrowniesOh, you’re all right, etc.The refrain was so rollicking and infectious that when it was repeated Dragonfel and his followers could not keep from joining in with the Brownies, and they lustily roared out the words with a right good will.The delayed wedding of Prince Florimel and Queen Titania was celebrated very soon after in the fairy-palace with all the joy and happiness that can come to such a momentous occasion.The weddingBrownies and fairies vied with each other in having a good time, and the walls rang with their innocent merry-making. Everyone said that King Stanislaus was the life of the party.Dragonfel and his followers participated in the festivities, this time unfeared, and to the strains of a Brownie orchestra they mingled with others in the dance. Dragonfel even triedto do the fox-trot with Dame Drusilda, which greatly delighted Euphrosyne who was among those present.Having a good timeIn place of the useless, cumbersome presents he had first brought the enchanter gave the bride the more appropriate and useful gift of a dozen bushels of precious stones.So in this wonderful country King Florimel and his beautifulqueen are still living and ruling wisely, and, to make their happiness complete, there are little children round them.To these King Florimel will leave the heritage of the magic bow and arrows, for life has glided smoothly on, and the time has never beenso grave or distressing, as to necessitate their use. But should that time ever come the king has full confidence in his ex-fairy godmother’s gift.To the palace the Brownies come frequently, and it is needless to say that they are welcome, just as they are welcome everywhere.But they cannot be there as often as King Florimel would like them to be because their kindly spirit takes them over the whole world to promote peace, good humor, and good will to all human kind.END
D
DISASTER TODRAGONFEL
Dragonfel’smine was flooded, and as the water kept pouring in from all sides, there was no escape for the unfortunates who were in its chambers.
The passage which was mainly used in a descent to the mine had become a raging river impossible to withstand so deep was it and with a current so strong.
The way by which the Brownies had entered the mine was blocked by the giant boulder which could only be removed by the pressure of a secret spring from the outside. The boulder had brought captivity to the band, and now it threatened even direr results, for those several tons of stone stubbornly barred the way to safety.
It was evident that the violent disturbances deep down inthe earth which had caused the earthquake and volcano were likewise responsible for the flood.
The water came in streams from the entrances, cracks, and fissures until the main-shaft was transformed into a lake that constantly grew deeper, and through this with shrieks and screams all plunged, fleeing hither and thither, but with no definite point in their dazed minds.Dragonfel and his followers in particular lost their heads, and their fear and cowardice were indeed pitiable. All their bravado had deserted them, and from the blustering bullies they had been they became sorry, trembling wretches vainly beseeching help and voicing the terror at their hearts in wild, unearthly cries.But, though the Brownies were alarmed like all the rest, they still retained their presence of mind, and under the cool-headed direction of King Stanislaus they at once set about to do certain things, with the hope that a way would afterward befound to get them out of all danger, helping hands were busy.Prince Florimel assisted Titania, Dame Drusilda, Violet, and Daffodil to a ledge that was still out of the reach of the advancing waters, charging them most earnestly to remain there, after which he ran back, and added his efforts to those of his companions.
The water came in streams from the entrances, cracks, and fissures until the main-shaft was transformed into a lake that constantly grew deeper, and through this with shrieks and screams all plunged, fleeing hither and thither, but with no definite point in their dazed minds.
Dragonfel and his followers in particular lost their heads, and their fear and cowardice were indeed pitiable. All their bravado had deserted them, and from the blustering bullies they had been they became sorry, trembling wretches vainly beseeching help and voicing the terror at their hearts in wild, unearthly cries.
But, though the Brownies were alarmed like all the rest, they still retained their presence of mind, and under the cool-headed direction of King Stanislaus they at once set about to do certain things, with the hope that a way would afterward befound to get them out of all danger, helping hands were busy.
Prince Florimel assisted Titania, Dame Drusilda, Violet, and Daffodil to a ledge that was still out of the reach of the advancing waters, charging them most earnestly to remain there, after which he ran back, and added his efforts to those of his companions.
Rescue
The little mine-sprites were most in need of aid, and to them the Brownies devoted the work of rescue. They were all in great peril of drowning, and though it seemed that such a fate could only be delayed for a time, they started to remove the poor, frightened creatures to places as far beyond the rapidly encroaching waters as possible.
In the basket
Brownies scaled the walls and lodged themselves in a pocket up to which they hauled with great effort a number of mine-sprites in one of the large baskets that were used in loading the jewels before they were carted away.
Others of the terrified sprites sought refuge by climbing overthe Brownies’ willing backs to a temporary refuge high among the rocks.
The Irishman, Scotchman, and German put three in a wheelbarrow, and started to trundle them off, but to their great dismay it turned over, and spilled them out. Assistance, however,was quickly rendered, and with the mine-sprites back in the wheelbarrow they continued on their way.Still the waters rose, and the excitement increased.Dragonfel in the most abject terror stormed and shouted at his followers, issuing angry commands for them to exert themselves to do something, but they were allhelpless, and his words were wasted on the air to no purpose.
The Irishman, Scotchman, and German put three in a wheelbarrow, and started to trundle them off, but to their great dismay it turned over, and spilled them out. Assistance, however,was quickly rendered, and with the mine-sprites back in the wheelbarrow they continued on their way.
Still the waters rose, and the excitement increased.
Dragonfel in the most abject terror stormed and shouted at his followers, issuing angry commands for them to exert themselves to do something, but they were allhelpless, and his words were wasted on the air to no purpose.
They were too frightened to be of assistance, even if it had been possible to render it, though in cases where one was overcome there were those who attempted the work of resuscitation.The wicked enchanter ran about like a maniac, with little or no thought of where he was going, until suddenly with a shriek of fright he plunged into a circular pit that had been dug deep into the earth for a distance of perhaps fifty feet.There was sufficient water at the bottom of the pit to break his severe fall, which was fortunate for him, as otherwise it would have resulted in his end.He was stunned and dazed, but in nowise injured beyond some bruises, and he frantically reached up and clutched ajagged point of rock by which he pulled himself out of the water that was nearly to his neck and promising him more.The horror of his situation was at once made plain to him. Beyond this rock there was nothing by which he could maintain even the slightest hold, and the waters which were steadily rising would soon submerge him and end all.His evil scheming had led to his own undoing, and in causing misfortune to so many he had brought upon himself the most terrible misfortune of all.Looking up helplessly he could see a number of the Brownies trying to peer down at him through the darkness. They lay flat on their stomachs, and leaned as far out over the hole as prudence would permit.“Help! help!” screamed Dragonfel, in a frenzy of fear. “Save me! save me!”His piteous cries were heard by all the Brownies, and they looked at each other in doubt and uncertainty. When the monster whom they had every reason to fear had met with the mishap which now made him powerless it was not to be gainsaid that a feeling of great relief was experienced by one and all. No matter what harm might come to them from other sources, certainly his power to injure them was gone.“Why should we help him?” said one of the Brownies. “He has harmed us all he could.”“If he drowns,” said another, “he will never have a chance to do so again.” But King Stanislaus looked very grave.“No matter how much he has wronged us,” he said decidedly, “he needs our help, so we must give it.”“But he is our enemy,” objected the Policeman.“That makes no difference,” said His Majesty. “He will drown if we do not aid him.”“If we save him,” said Uncle Sam, “he will only make trouble for us again.”“We must not think of that,” said King Stanislaus. “He’s in distress, and doesn’t need to advertise it. That’s where the Brownies step in.”He gave his orders, and the Brownies with the realization that there was not a moment to be lost ran with all possible speed for the long rope which they had used in hauling up the mine-sprites in the basket. This they brought to the opening, tripping and sprawling over it in the eagerness and anxiety they displayed.They stood in a line, and lowered the rope down into the pit.
They were too frightened to be of assistance, even if it had been possible to render it, though in cases where one was overcome there were those who attempted the work of resuscitation.
The wicked enchanter ran about like a maniac, with little or no thought of where he was going, until suddenly with a shriek of fright he plunged into a circular pit that had been dug deep into the earth for a distance of perhaps fifty feet.
There was sufficient water at the bottom of the pit to break his severe fall, which was fortunate for him, as otherwise it would have resulted in his end.
He was stunned and dazed, but in nowise injured beyond some bruises, and he frantically reached up and clutched ajagged point of rock by which he pulled himself out of the water that was nearly to his neck and promising him more.
The horror of his situation was at once made plain to him. Beyond this rock there was nothing by which he could maintain even the slightest hold, and the waters which were steadily rising would soon submerge him and end all.
His evil scheming had led to his own undoing, and in causing misfortune to so many he had brought upon himself the most terrible misfortune of all.
Looking up helplessly he could see a number of the Brownies trying to peer down at him through the darkness. They lay flat on their stomachs, and leaned as far out over the hole as prudence would permit.
“Help! help!” screamed Dragonfel, in a frenzy of fear. “Save me! save me!”
His piteous cries were heard by all the Brownies, and they looked at each other in doubt and uncertainty. When the monster whom they had every reason to fear had met with the mishap which now made him powerless it was not to be gainsaid that a feeling of great relief was experienced by one and all. No matter what harm might come to them from other sources, certainly his power to injure them was gone.
“Why should we help him?” said one of the Brownies. “He has harmed us all he could.”
“If he drowns,” said another, “he will never have a chance to do so again.” But King Stanislaus looked very grave.
“No matter how much he has wronged us,” he said decidedly, “he needs our help, so we must give it.”
“But he is our enemy,” objected the Policeman.
“That makes no difference,” said His Majesty. “He will drown if we do not aid him.”
“If we save him,” said Uncle Sam, “he will only make trouble for us again.”
“We must not think of that,” said King Stanislaus. “He’s in distress, and doesn’t need to advertise it. That’s where the Brownies step in.”
He gave his orders, and the Brownies with the realization that there was not a moment to be lost ran with all possible speed for the long rope which they had used in hauling up the mine-sprites in the basket. This they brought to the opening, tripping and sprawling over it in the eagerness and anxiety they displayed.
They stood in a line, and lowered the rope down into the pit.
Assorted diamonds
“Slip the noose at the end of the rope under your arms,” shouted King Stanislaus to Dragonfel, “and we will pull you up.”
The water was nearly over Dragonfel’s head by this time, and he had ceased his cries for help, for whenever he opened his mouth he choked and strangled. He heard the welcome words of the king as in a dream, but half unconscious as he was he reached out, and caught the rope, tightened his grip upon it. He discovered the slip-noose at the end, and with his senses fast leaving him had just enough strength left to adjust this under both his arms. When the Brownies felt the rope growtaut they began to haul away with might and main. Around the pit now there were willing minds and itching fingers. Some fell over with their exertions, but in a trice they were up again to contribute all the strength they had to the work. “Pull away, boys!” shouted King Stanislaus encouragingly, with his own royal digits wound tightly around the rope. “A long pull, a strong pull, and a pull all together! That’s the ticket! Hurray! We’ll soon have him up.”
Dragonfel rescued
His words incited them so that through undue effort they suddenly lost their balance and sprawled over backward like ten-pins.
Like a shot Dragonfel fell back into the water again, almost dragging after him a half-dozen Brownies who still clung tothe rope. But others quickly grasped them by the legs, and prevented them from going over into the pit until a fresh hold of the rope was secured, and another attempt was made.
“Avast there, messmates!” cried the Sailor. “Give an old salt a chance at the fore-clutch on the hawser, and the old pirate will soon come up from the bottom of the sea!”
This time the Brownies were successful, and they pulled Dragonfel to the brink, and rolled him over to a place of temporary safety.
Water poured from his drenched form, and with a groan he relapsed into unconsciousness.
The Brownies looked first at him, and then at each other. Though no one said a word, all had the same thought.
Soon Dragonfel would revive, and then what would happen? They had saved their foe, but to what purpose? If by any chance they should escape the present dreadful danger they were in they would still be in the wicked enchanter’s power.
How would he use it?
NEARING A FINISH
D
AND THEY LIVED HAPPILYEVER AFTER
Dragonfelhad been rescued by the Brownies at a crucial time when perhaps they might have been justified in trying to save themselves instead.
The water kept on swiftly rising, and it forced them out of the positions they occupied to ledges and pockets higher up on the rocks. To these all were forced to retreat, and the still senseless enchanter was carried after them by some of his cowardly, frightened followers who would have left him behind if it had not been for the stern command of King Stanislaus.
Still higher and higher rose the water till they were again threatened in their new places of refuge, and it soonbecame evident that something had to be done, and that quickly.
There was but one passage-way through which the water was not pouring like that of a swift mill-race, and this was the one in which the Brownies had been trapped.
As the water ascended they were forced into it, and they continued on through it well knowing from bitter experience that the huge boulder effectually blocked the exit, and would hold them powerless until finally they were submerged by the relentless flood.
Conversation
But still they went on, hoping against hope, until they came to the boulder. It was still in place, and though they exerted all their strength in trying to remove it they could not budge it to even the extent of a millionth of an inch.
Brownies used sticks as levers, and the demons employed brute force, but all their efforts proved in vain.
“It’s no use,” at last said King Stanislaus, wiping his perspiring brow. “It looks as though this would be the end.”
A sudden thought entered Florimel’s head—a wild, foolishthought perhaps, but not any more so than when he had aimed his magic arrow at the crescent moon.
“Stand back, all of you!” he shouted.He took one of the four arrows that were in the quiver, and placed it in the bow. Then he aimed it at the rock, and pulled the cord, making no particular attempt at a display of strength which he realized fully could not accomplish his purpose.But to the infinite delight and astonishment of all a strange thing happened, that made the eyes pop in from every head.The arrow struck the base of the rock, which at the moment of contact burst into hundreds of jagged pieces that flew up into the air. As these fell they formed a series of steps that were as good as any mason could have planned.The arrow struckThey ascended these steps with all possible haste up into the open, where the blue sky was above them, and where they could breathe freely the air that never before had seemed so sweet and pure.Looking around they could note the ravages of the flood, forwith it there had come a mighty tidal wave from the sea, with abnormally high water that had changed the low marshlands into lakes, and had swollen the small creeks to roaring, rushing rivers.
“Stand back, all of you!” he shouted.
He took one of the four arrows that were in the quiver, and placed it in the bow. Then he aimed it at the rock, and pulled the cord, making no particular attempt at a display of strength which he realized fully could not accomplish his purpose.
But to the infinite delight and astonishment of all a strange thing happened, that made the eyes pop in from every head.
The arrow struck the base of the rock, which at the moment of contact burst into hundreds of jagged pieces that flew up into the air. As these fell they formed a series of steps that were as good as any mason could have planned.
The arrow struck
They ascended these steps with all possible haste up into the open, where the blue sky was above them, and where they could breathe freely the air that never before had seemed so sweet and pure.
Looking around they could note the ravages of the flood, forwith it there had come a mighty tidal wave from the sea, with abnormally high water that had changed the low marshlands into lakes, and had swollen the small creeks to roaring, rushing rivers.
Whisper to the policeman
Just then a vivacious little mine-sprite found an opportunity to whisper to the Policeman:
“This is leap-year, officer, and, to speak freely, I loved you at first sight.”
“Well,” said the Policeman, with his usual composure, “to speak even more freely, your love at second sight is not returned.”
“I would be willing,” she said, “to fly with you to parts unknown.”
“That’s the trouble,” said the Policeman. “No parts are unknown to the Brownies. The world was our oyster, and we’ve opened it. We’re just as well known in Timbuctoo as Tarrytown!”
There was an angry swell that caused Dragonfel’s galleon to toss violently up and down, but it still held secure to itsanchor, and formed a picture inviting to a sailor’s eye.
The enchanter was laid upon the greensward by those who bore him, and he stirred uneasily, while his hand sought his forehead. Then he opened his eyes, and unsteadily tried to get on his feet, in which effort others sprang to his assistance.
“Where am I?” he asked, as dazed and puzzled he looked around. “What has happened?”
His gaze took in the Brownies, and, in spite of all they had just done for him, it was not a reassuring one. But somehow they feared him no longer, for they felt that no matter what further villainy he might attempt they were more than a match for him.
But before some one could answer Dragonfel Euphrosyne, the Goddess of Mirth, suddenly appeared in their midst, though no one could tell just how or from whence she came.
“Meddlesome spirit that you are,” she said sternly, addressing her words to the crestfallen enchanter, “you can no longer trouble the Brownies. Your commission to do evil has expired.”
“How so?” he demanded. “I made application for a renewal.”
“Yes,” she said, “but, through an error in the date, you were too late.”
“Too late?” he repeated blankly.
“Yes, by thirteen seconds,” she announced triumphantly, “and Beelzebub refuses to renew the policy.”
“Great Scott!” ejaculated Dragonfel, with much chagrin. “This comes of trying to run business without an almanac!”
“Henceforth you will be compelled to be good,” said Euphrosyne.
“Yes,” said Dragonfel, in a rather shamefaced manner. “Itmay come rather hard at first, but I suppose I will get used to it in time. As a matter of fact, I’m growing rather tired of being bad. There’s nothing to it, after all. The only thing one gets from being bad is a lack of respect in the community.”
Somewhat repentant
“I see you’re somewhat repentant,” said Euphrosyne encouragingly. “It’s a little late, of course, but still it’s better late than never. You understand, don’t you, that after this you’re to let the Brownies alone?”
“I should say I will let them alone,” coincided Dragonfel heartily. “The Brownies are too much for me. They have beaten me at every point. Even if I were disposed to do them further mischief I am placed in a rather delicate situation. I owe my life to the Brownies.”
“There is one thing on which I insist,” spoke up King Stanislaus.“You must do something for these poor mine-sprites.”
“I will see that they are restored to their parents from whom they were stolen,” asserted Dragonfel hastily. “Furthermore they shall all be given handsome dowries, with a beautiful solitaire diamond of a half-dozen karats more or less for each, so that when the right young man comes along the engagement-ring will be easy.”
Here the mine-sprite who had expressed her preference for the Policeman gave him a coy glance, but he twirled his club, and looked the other way.
Dragonfel eating
“It’s too bad about your palace,” said the Dude to Dragonfel.
“Oh, don’t trouble yourself about that,” said the enchanter cheerfully. “I never did like its style of architecture, anyhow.
I’ll soon have it rebuilt, and give the Union scale for labor, with double pay for over-time. The palace was a rather tame affair anyway, I ran too much to the emerald, topaz, and turquoise in its composition. I’ll make more use of the sapphire, the ruby and cornelian, in the makeup of the new structure; and those columns, I always felt a little weak over them, as they were only imitation chalcedony, the real thing goes in the next one, if I have to import it from Palestine.” The glances the Brownies exchanged showed they felt that they had struck a master in his line.
It is said, that some of the Brownies, to this day, annually celebrate their deliverance from the mine, and the reformation of Dragonfel, by proudly parading half the night, bearing the implements they had to use while in captivity.
Parading
So delighted was King Stanislaus over the general outcome that his blithe spirits found expression in a jolly song that was a great favorite of his, and the Brownies all joined in the chorus. The words follow:
King StanislausI’m ruler of the Brownie band,Most favored of personages;I sway my sceptre o’er a landNot found upon hist’ry’s pages;I take my nightly promenadeBy anarchists unmolested;On me no bomb or hand grenadeHas ever by them been tested!If you could only see me dine,You’d find me extremely placid;I never fear a dish of mineIs seasoned with prussic acid!BrowniesOh, you’re all right!King StanislausEh, I didn’t catch it quite;Repeat it, please! I didn’t understand.BrowniesWhy, you, you, you, you! You’re all right!King StanislausAnd so is the Brownie band!King StanislausI need no sabre, lance, or spearTo guard me whene’er I slumber;My people kneel, but not thro’ fear;Love governs the entire number.My slightest wish they all obey;I never use any axes;I always let them have their way;They don’t have to pay high taxes;No undertaker need apply;I’m not for embalmment crazy;My subjects cry as I pass by,“The Brownie king is a daisy!”BrowniesOh, you’re all right, etc.
King StanislausI’m ruler of the Brownie band,Most favored of personages;I sway my sceptre o’er a landNot found upon hist’ry’s pages;I take my nightly promenadeBy anarchists unmolested;On me no bomb or hand grenadeHas ever by them been tested!If you could only see me dine,You’d find me extremely placid;I never fear a dish of mineIs seasoned with prussic acid!BrowniesOh, you’re all right!King StanislausEh, I didn’t catch it quite;Repeat it, please! I didn’t understand.BrowniesWhy, you, you, you, you! You’re all right!King StanislausAnd so is the Brownie band!King StanislausI need no sabre, lance, or spearTo guard me whene’er I slumber;My people kneel, but not thro’ fear;Love governs the entire number.My slightest wish they all obey;I never use any axes;I always let them have their way;They don’t have to pay high taxes;No undertaker need apply;I’m not for embalmment crazy;My subjects cry as I pass by,“The Brownie king is a daisy!”BrowniesOh, you’re all right, etc.
King StanislausI’m ruler of the Brownie band,Most favored of personages;I sway my sceptre o’er a landNot found upon hist’ry’s pages;I take my nightly promenadeBy anarchists unmolested;On me no bomb or hand grenadeHas ever by them been tested!If you could only see me dine,You’d find me extremely placid;I never fear a dish of mineIs seasoned with prussic acid!
BrowniesOh, you’re all right!
King StanislausEh, I didn’t catch it quite;Repeat it, please! I didn’t understand.
BrowniesWhy, you, you, you, you! You’re all right!
King StanislausAnd so is the Brownie band!
King StanislausI need no sabre, lance, or spearTo guard me whene’er I slumber;My people kneel, but not thro’ fear;Love governs the entire number.My slightest wish they all obey;I never use any axes;I always let them have their way;They don’t have to pay high taxes;No undertaker need apply;I’m not for embalmment crazy;My subjects cry as I pass by,“The Brownie king is a daisy!”
BrowniesOh, you’re all right, etc.
The refrain was so rollicking and infectious that when it was repeated Dragonfel and his followers could not keep from joining in with the Brownies, and they lustily roared out the words with a right good will.
The delayed wedding of Prince Florimel and Queen Titania was celebrated very soon after in the fairy-palace with all the joy and happiness that can come to such a momentous occasion.
The wedding
Brownies and fairies vied with each other in having a good time, and the walls rang with their innocent merry-making. Everyone said that King Stanislaus was the life of the party.
Dragonfel and his followers participated in the festivities, this time unfeared, and to the strains of a Brownie orchestra they mingled with others in the dance. Dragonfel even triedto do the fox-trot with Dame Drusilda, which greatly delighted Euphrosyne who was among those present.
Having a good time
In place of the useless, cumbersome presents he had first brought the enchanter gave the bride the more appropriate and useful gift of a dozen bushels of precious stones.
So in this wonderful country King Florimel and his beautifulqueen are still living and ruling wisely, and, to make their happiness complete, there are little children round them.To these King Florimel will leave the heritage of the magic bow and arrows, for life has glided smoothly on, and the time has never beenso grave or distressing, as to necessitate their use. But should that time ever come the king has full confidence in his ex-fairy godmother’s gift.To the palace the Brownies come frequently, and it is needless to say that they are welcome, just as they are welcome everywhere.But they cannot be there as often as King Florimel would like them to be because their kindly spirit takes them over the whole world to promote peace, good humor, and good will to all human kind.
So in this wonderful country King Florimel and his beautifulqueen are still living and ruling wisely, and, to make their happiness complete, there are little children round them.
To these King Florimel will leave the heritage of the magic bow and arrows, for life has glided smoothly on, and the time has never beenso grave or distressing, as to necessitate their use. But should that time ever come the king has full confidence in his ex-fairy godmother’s gift.
To the palace the Brownies come frequently, and it is needless to say that they are welcome, just as they are welcome everywhere.
But they cannot be there as often as King Florimel would like them to be because their kindly spirit takes them over the whole world to promote peace, good humor, and good will to all human kind.
END