Part 19 (1/2)

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They could now see and hear each other, and when some one swimming in the water called for help there were those on debris who reached over and pulled their exhausted comrade on board.

They shouted at each other in the dark, and by using their feet as paddles contrived at last to bring whatever they floated on close together. Then King Stanislaus, who with Prince Florimel was a-straddle of a log, with much anxiety began to take an inventory of the band.

To his infinite relief no one was missing but the Dude, but this misfortune in itself was enough to dampen their spirits, for the companion who had been carried off by the gigantic bird was very much beloved.

”Aye, aye!” growled the Sailor, c.o.c.king his weather-eye out through the slats of the hen-coop. ”We're all here, even to Euphrosyne's dove!”

Thus on they went without further mishap, a queer-looking flotilla, keeping in as close proximity to each other as they could, using both hands and feet for paddles, and adopting many ingenious devices to complete the voyage so disastrously begun.

And a day dawned, then another, but at nightfall of the second they glimpsed far off a sh.o.r.e-line with a single towering mountain which they knew to be Dragonfel's enchanted country.

They were neither hungry nor thirsty, for Brownies if need be can go without food or water a long time.

Much heartened by what they beheld, they redoubled their efforts to reach the sh.o.r.e, which grew plainer and plainer, until finally they could distinguish an immense glittering structure that looked more like a prison than a palace, built as it was in the gloomy shadow of the mountain.

Though it gleamed and flashed and shone in a thousand and one different places, where its myriad jewels caught the light, it seemed a cheerless, inhospitable place, and they were depressed by the sight of it.

The galleon that Dragonfel had used to convey his captives to his country was lying at anchor well in toward the sh.o.r.e, with no one evidently on board, but not feeling sure of this the Brownies made a wide detour, choosing for a landing a sheltered cove that would screen them from observing eyes.

As they drew closer to the land some strange companions had they--queer creatures who had obtruded themselves upon the Brownies during the storm, and forced their society upon unwilling hosts--a motley gathering from air, sea, and undersea that occupied choice places upon the flotsam and jetsam to which the little fellows so precariously clung with amazing vim.

There were comical-looking, long-legged, long-billed cranes and herons, and squat-flappered, web-footed penguins. The walrus and seal were there, as well as formidable members of the finny tribe, some of which had swords so sharp that the discreet Brownies kept a most respectful distance from them. Crustaceans too were represented, with here a lobster slyly nipping a sprite's toe with his claws, and there a turtle tweaking another's cap.

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But when the Brownies reached shoal water, and some began to wade toward sh.o.r.e, these false whilom friends deserted them, and dived into the deep, or flew off in the air.

Then when they were safe at last on land they stretched their weary, stiff, cramped legs and arms, or raced about the sand to get the sluggish blood once more pulsing through their veins.

King Stanislaus stood apart from all the rest, and watched their joyous antics with an expression of deep thought on his august countenance. It was plain to be seen that he was greatly troubled in his mind.

Now that they had succeeded in reaching Dragonfel's country what steps should be taken in the effort to recover Queen t.i.tania and her companions? It was not to be conceived that the wicked enchanter would give them up without a bitter struggle.

The problem confronting the Brownie band was one that required the most careful consideration. A single false step might ruin all.

While the monarch pondered over what was best to be done his eye abstractedly roved to the Brownies who now had gathered in a circle on the beach, and who were scanning with much interest something in the sky.

The Policeman involuntarily had pointed his club toward it, and the Sailor was trying to get a better view through his spy-gla.s.s.

The royal eye at once turned upward in the direction in which all the others were gazing, and like everyone else was held spellbound with surprise.

Far overhead there was an immense bird slowly dropping with stationary wings outspread down toward them. It stood out clearly outlined in silhouette against the dark night-sky.

But it was not this bird, remarkable in itself, that created such intense excitement on the part of all.

Its great sharp talons held in a firm grip an object that they recognized at once, with the result that delight and consternation were mingled on their faces.

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