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Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1c3b5e9 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #55737 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/55737) diff --git a/old/55737-0.txt b/old/55737-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index a45695a..0000000 --- a/old/55737-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5743 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Queen Zixi of Ix, by L. Frank Baum - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Queen Zixi of Ix - Or, the Story of the Magic Cloak - -Author: L. Frank Baum - -Release Date: October 13, 2017 [EBook #55737] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK QUEEN ZIXI OF IX *** - - - - -Produced by Mary Glenn Krause, David Edwards, Eric Gjovaag, -Sharon Joiner, Stephen Hutcheson, Carol Spears, University -of Alberta, University of Texas, University of Michigan -and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images -made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.) - - - - - - -[Illustration: WEAVING THE MAGIC CLOAK.] - - - - - QUEEN ZIXI OF IX - Or, the Story of the Magic Cloak - - - BY - L. FRANK BAUM - AUTHOR OF “THE WIZARD OF OZ” - - WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY - FREDERICK RICHARDSON - - [Illustration: Cameo of Queen Zixi] - - TORONTO - THE COPP, CLARK COMPANY - LIMITED - 1905 - - Copyright, 1904, 1905, by - L. FRANK BAUM - All Rights Reserved - _Published October, 1905_ - - PRESS OF BRAUNWORTH & CO. - BOOKBINDERS AND PRINTERS, BROOKLYN, N. Y. - - FULL PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS IN THREE COLORS - BY THE DE VINNE PRESS - - - TO MY SON - FRANK JOSLYN BAUM - - - - - CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER I. - The Weaving of the Magic Cloak 3 - - - CHAPTER II. - The Book of Laws 17 - - - CHAPTER III. - The Gift of the Magic Cloak 29 - - - CHAPTER IV. - King Bud of Noland 43 - - - CHAPTER V. - Princess Fluff 55 - - - CHAPTER VI. - Bud Dispenses Justice 67 - - - CHAPTER VII. - The Wings of Aunt Rivette 81 - - - CHAPTER VIII. - The Royal Reception 93 - - - CHAPTER IX. - Jikki has a Wish Granted 107 - - - CHAPTER X. - The Counselors Wear the Magic Cloak 117 - - - CHAPTER XI. - The Witch-Queen 137 - - - CHAPTER XII. - Zixi Disguises Herself 149 - - - CHAPTER XIII. - Tullydub Rescues the Kingdom 158 - - - CHAPTER XIV. - The Rout of the Army of Ix 173 - - - CHAPTER XV. - The Theft of the Magic Cloak 181 - - - CHAPTER XVI. - The Plain Above the Clouds 198 - - - CHAPTER XVII. - The Descent of the Roly-Rogues 205 - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - The Conquest of Noland 214 - - - CHAPTER XIX. - The Bravery of Aunt Rivette 227 - - - CHAPTER XX. - In the Palace of the Witch-Queen 240 - - - CHAPTER XXI. - The Search for the Magic Cloak 251 - - - CHAPTER XXII. - Ruffles Carries the Silver Vial 271 - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - The Destruction of the Monsters 279 - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - The Sailorman’s Return 289 - - - CHAPTER XXV. - The Fairy-Queen 298 - - - - - QUEEN ZIXI OF IX; - OR, THE STORY OF THE MAGIC CLOAK. - - - - - Chapter I. - THE WEAVING OF THE MAGIC CLOAK. - - -The fairies assembled one moonlit night in a pretty clearing of the -ancient forest of Burzee. - -The clearing was in the form of a circle, and all around stood giant oak -and fir trees, while in the center the grass grew green and soft as -velvet. If any mortal had ever penetrated so far into the great forest, -and could have looked upon the fairy circle by daylight, he might -perhaps have seen a tiny path worn in the grass by the feet of the -dancing elves. For here, during the full of the moon, the famous fairy -band, ruled by good Queen Lulea, loved to dance and make merry while the -silvery rays flooded the clearing and caused their gauzy wings to -sparkle with every color of the rainbow. - -On this especial night, however, they were not dancing. For the queen -had seated herself upon a little green mound, and while her band -clustered about her she began to address the fairies in a tone of -discontent. - -“I am tired of dancing, my dears,” said she. “Every evening since the -moon grew big and round we have come here to frisk about and laugh and -disport ourselves; and although those are good things to keep the heart -light, one may grow weary even of merrymaking. So I ask you to suggest -some new way to divert both me and yourselves during this night.” - -“That is a hard task,” answered one pretty sprite, opening and folding -her wings slowly—as a lady toys with her fan. “We have lived through so -many ages that we long ago exhausted everything that might be considered -a novelty, and of all our recreations nothing gives us such continued -pleasure as dancing.” - -“But I do not care to dance to-night!” replied Lulea, with a little -frown. - -“We might create something, by virtue of our fairy powers,” suggested -one who reclined at the feet of the queen. - -“Ah, that is just the idea!” exclaimed the dainty Lulea, with -brightening countenance. “Let us create something. But what?” - -“I have heard,” remarked another member of the band, “of a thinking-cap -having been made by some fairies in America. And whatever mortal wore -this thinking-cap was able to conceive the most noble and beautiful -thoughts.” - -“That was indeed a worthy creation,” cried the little queen. “What -became of the cap?” - -“The man who received it was so afraid some one else would get it and be -able to think the same exquisite thoughts as himself that he hid it -safely away—so safely that he himself never could think afterward where -he had placed it.” - -“How unfortunate! But we must not make another thinking-cap, lest it -meet a like fate. Cannot you suggest something, else?” - -“I have heard,” said another, “of certain fairies who created a pair of -enchanted boots, which would always carry their mortal wearer away from -danger—and never into it.” - -“What a great boon to those blundering mortals!” cried the queen. “And -whatever became of the boots?” - -“They came at last into the possession of a great general who did not -know their powers. So he wore them into battle one day, and immediately -ran away, followed by all his men, and the fight was won by the enemy.” - -“But did not the general escape danger?” - -“Yes—at the expense of his reputation. So he retired to a farm and wore -out the boots tramping up and down a country road and trying to decide -why he had suddenly become such a coward.” - -“The boots were worn by the wrong man, surely,” said the queen; “and -that is why they proved a curse rather than a blessing. But we want no -enchanted boots. Think of something else.” - -“Suppose we weave a magic cloak,” proposed Espa, a sweet little fairy -who had not before spoken. - -“A cloak? Indeed, we might easily weave that,” returned the queen. “But -what sort of magic powers must it possess?” - -“Let its wearer have any wish instantly fulfilled,” said Espa, brightly. - -[Illustration: “‘SUPPOSE WE WEAVE A MAGIC CLOAK.’”] - -But at this there arose quite a murmur of protest on all sides, which -the queen immediately silenced with a wave of her royal hand. - -“Our sister did not think of the probable consequences of what she -suggested,” declared Lulea, smiling into the downcast face of little -Espa, who seemed to feel rebuked by the disapproval of the others. “An -instant’s reflection would enable her to see that such power would give -the cloak’s mortal wearer as many privileges as we ourselves possess. -And I suppose you intended the magic cloak for a mortal wearer?” she -inquired. - -“Yes,” answered Espa, shyly; “that was my intention.” - -“But the idea is good, nevertheless,” continued the queen, “and I -propose we devote this evening to weaving the magic cloak. Only, its -magic shall give to its wearer the fulfilment of but one wish; and I am -quite sure that even that should prove a great boon to the helpless -mortals.” - -“Suppose more than one person wears the cloak,” one of the band said; -“which then shall have the one wish fulfilled?” - -The queen devoted a moment to thought, and then replied: - -“Each possessor of the magic cloak may have one wish granted, provided -the cloak is not stolen from its last wearer. In that case the magic -power will not be exercised on behalf of the thief.” - -“But should there not be a limit to the number of the cloak’s wearers?” -asked the fairy lying at the queen’s feet. - -“I think not. If used properly our gift will prove of great value to -mortals. And if we find it is misused we can at any time take back the -cloak and revoke its magic power. So now, if we are all agreed upon this -novel amusement, let us set to work.” - -At these words the fairies sprang up eagerly; and their queen, smiling -upon them, waved her wand toward the center of the clearing. At once a -beautiful fairy loom appeared in the space. It was not such a loom as -mortals use. It consisted of a large and a small ring of gold, supported -by a tall pole of jasper. The entire band danced around it thrice, the -fairies carrying in each hand a silver shuttle wound with glossy -filaments finer than the finest silk. And the threads on each shuttle -appeared a different hue from those of all the other shuttles. - -At a sign from the queen they one and all approached the golden loom and -fastened an end of thread in its warp. Next moment they were gleefully -dancing hither and thither, while the silver shuttles flew swiftly from -hand to hand and the gossamer-like web began to grow upon the loom. - -Presently the queen herself took part in the sport, and the thread she -wove into the fabric was the magical one which was destined to give the -cloak its wondrous power. - -Long and swiftly the fairy band worked beneath the old moon’s rays, -while their feet tripped gracefully over the grass and their joyous -laughter tinkled like silver bells and awoke the echoes of the grim -forest surrounding them. And at last they paused and threw themselves -upon the green with little sighs of content. For the shuttles and loom -had vanished; the work was complete; and Queen Lulea stood upon the -mound holding in her hand the magic cloak. - -The garment was as beautiful as it was marvelous—each and every hue of -the rainbow glinted and sparkled from the soft folds; and while it was -light in weight as swan’s-down, its strength was so great that the -fabric was well-nigh indestructible. - -The fairy band regarded it with great satisfaction, for every one had -assisted in its manufacture and could admire with pardonable pride its -glossy folds. - -“It is very lovely, indeed!” cried little Espa. “But to whom shall we -present it?” - -The question aroused a dozen suggestions, each fairy seeming to favor a -different mortal. Every member of this band, as you doubtless know, was -the unseen guardian of some man or woman or child in the great world -beyond the forest, and it was but natural that each should wish her own -ward have the magic cloak. - -While they thus disputed, another fairy joined them and pressed to the -side of the queen. - -“Welcome, Ereol,” said Lulea. “You are late.” - -The new-comer was very lovely in appearance, and with her fluffy golden -hair and clear blue eyes was marvelously fair to look upon. In a low, -grave voice she answered the queen: - -“Yes, your Majesty, I am late. But I could not help it. The old King of -Noland, whose guardian I have been since his birth, has passed away this -evening, and I could not bear to leave him until the end came.” - -“So the old king is dead at last!” said the queen, thoughtfully. “He was -a good man, but woefully uninteresting; and he must have wearied you -greatly at times, my sweet Ereol.” - -[Illustration: “‘YES, YOUR MAJESTY, I AM LATE.’”] - -“All mortals are, I think, wearisome,” returned the fairy, with a sigh. - -“And who is the new King of Noland?” asked Lulea. - -“There is none,” answered Ereol. “The old king died without a single -relative to succeed to his throne, and his five high counselors were in -a great dilemma when I came away.” - -“Well, my dear, you may rest and enjoy yourself for a period, in order -to regain your old lightsome spirits. By and by I will appoint you -guardian to some newly born babe, that your duties may be less arduous. -But I am sorry you were not with us to-night, for we have had rare -sport. See! we have woven a magic cloak.” - -Ereol examined the garment with pleasure. - -“And who is to wear it?” she asked. - -Then again arose the good-natured dispute as to which mortal in all the -world should possess the magic cloak. Finally the queen, laughing at the -arguments of her band, said to them: - -“Come! Let us leave the decision to the Man in the Moon. He has been -watching us with a great deal of amusement, and once, I am sure, I -caught him winking at us in quite a roguish way.” - -At this every head was turned toward the moon; and then a man’s face, -full-bearded and wrinkled, but with a jolly look upon the rough -features, appeared sharply defined upon the moon’s broad surface. - -“So I’m to decide another dispute, eh?” said he, in a clear voice. -“Well, my dears, what is it this time?” - -“We wish you to say what mortal shall wear the magic cloak which I and -the ladies of my court have woven,” replied Queen Lulea. - -“Give it to the first unhappy person you meet,” said the Man in the -Moon. “The happy mortals have no need of magic cloaks.” And with this -advice the friendly face of the Man in the Moon faded away until only -the outlines remained visible against the silver disk. - -The queen clapped her hands delightedly. - -[Illustration: “‘GIVE IT TO THE FIRST UNHAPPY PERSON YOU MEET.’”] - -“Our Man in the Moon is very wise,” she declared; “and we shall follow -his suggestion. Go, Ereol, since you are free for a time, and carry the -magic cloak to Noland. And the first person you meet who is really -unhappy, be it man, woman, or child, shall receive from you the cloak as -a gift from our fairy band.” - -Ereol bowed, and folded the cloak over her arm. - -“Come, my children,” continued Lulea; “the moon is hiding behind the -tree-tops, and it is time for us to depart.” - -[Illustration: “SAID THE MAN IN THE MOON.”] - -A moment later the fairies had disappeared, and the clearing wherein -they had danced and woven the magic cloak lay shrouded in deepest gloom. - -[Illustration: JIKKI.] - - - - - Chapter II. - THE BOOK OF LAWS. - - -On this same night great confusion and excitement prevailed among the -five high counselors of the kingdom of Noland. The old king was dead and -there was none to succeed him as ruler of the country. He had outlived -every one of his relatives, and since the crown had been in this one -family for generations, it puzzled the high counselors to decide upon a -fitting successor. - -These five high counselors were very important men. It was said that -they ruled the kingdom while the king ruled them; which made it quite -easy for the king and rather difficult for the people. The chief -counselor was named Tullydub. He was old and very pompous, and had a -great respect for the laws of the land. The next in rank was Tollydob, -the lord high general of the king’s army. The third was Tillydib, the -lord high purse-bearer. The fourth was Tallydab, the lord high steward. -And the fifth and last of the high counselors was Tellydeb, the lord -high executioner. - -These five had been careful not to tell the people when the old king had -become ill, for they feared being annoyed by many foolish questions. -They sat in a big room next the bed-chamber of the king, in the royal -palace of Nole,—which is the capital city of Noland,—and kept every one -out except the king’s physician, who was half blind and wholly dumb and -could not gossip with outsiders had he wanted to. And while the high -counselors sat and waited for the king to recover or die, as he might -choose, Jikki waited upon them and brought them their meals. - -Jikki was the king’s valet and principal servant. He was as old as any -of the five high counselors; but they were all fat, whereas Jikki was -wonderfully lean and thin; and the counselors were solemn and dignified, -whereas Jikki was terribly nervous and very talkative. - -“Beg pardon, my masters,” he would say every five minutes, “but do you -think his Majesty will get well?” And then, before any of the high -counselors could collect themselves to answer, he continued: “Beg -pardon, but do you think his Majesty will die?” And the next moment he -would say: “Beg pardon, but do you think his Majesty is any better or -any worse?” - -And all this was so annoying to the high counselors that several times -one of them took up some object in the room with the intention of -hurling it at Jikki’s head; but before he could throw it the old servant -had nervously turned away and left the room. - -Tellydeb, the lord high executioner, would often sigh: “I wish there -were some law that would permit me to chop off Jikki’s head.” But then -Tullydub, the chief counselor, would say gloomily; “There is no law but -the king’s will, and he insists that Jikki be allowed to live.” - -So they were forced to bear with Jikki as best they could; but after the -king breathed his last breath the old servant became more nervous and -annoying than ever. - -Hearing that the king was dead, Jikki made a rush for the door of the -bell-tower, but tripped over the foot of Tollydob and fell upon the -marble floor so violently that his bones rattled, and he picked himself -up half dazed by the fall. - -“Where are you going?” asked Tollydob. - -“To toll the bell for the king’s death,” answered Jikki. - -[Illustration: “‘WHERE ARE YOU GOING?’ ASKED TOLLYDOB.”] - -“Well, remain here until we give you permission to go,” commanded the -lord high general. - -“But the bell ought to be tolled!” said Jikki. - -“Be silent!” growled the lord high purse-bearer. “We know what ought to -be done and what ought not to be done.” - -But this was not strictly true. In fact, the five high counselors did -not know what ought to be done under these strange circumstances. - -If they told the people the king was dead, and did not immediately -appoint his successor, then the whole population would lose faith in -them and fall to fighting and quarreling among themselves as to who -should become king; and that would never in the world do. - -No; it was evident that a new king must be chosen before they told the -people that the old king was dead. - -But whom should they choose for the new king? That was the important -question. - -While they talked of these matters, the ever-active Jikki kept rushing -in and saying: - -“Hadn’t I better toll the bell?” - -“No!” they would shout in a chorus; and then Jikki would rush out again. - -So they sat and thought and counseled together during the whole long -night, and by morning they were no nearer a solution of the problem than -before. - -At daybreak Jikki stuck his head into the room and said: - -“Hadn’t I better—” - -“No!” they all shouted in a breath. - -“Very well,” returned Jikki; “I was only going to ask if I hadn’t better -get you some breakfast.” - -“Yes!” they cried, again in one breath. - -“And shall I toll the bell?” - -“No!” they screamed; and the lord high steward threw an inkstand that -hit the door several seconds after Jikki had closed it and disappeared. - -While they were at breakfast they again discussed their future action in -the choice of a king; and finally the chief counselor had a thought that -caused him to start so suddenly that he nearly choked. - -“The book!” he gasped, staring at his brother counselors in a rather -wild manner. - -“What book?” asked the lord high general. - -“The book of laws,” answered the chief counselor. - -“I never knew there was such a thing,” remarked the lord high -executioner, looking puzzled. “I always thought the king’s will was the -law.” - -“So it was! So it was when we had a king,” answered Tullydub, excitedly. -“But this book of laws was written years ago, and was meant to be used -when the king was absent, or ill, or asleep.” - -[Illustration: “‘NO!’ THEY ALL SHOUTED IN A BREATH.”] - -For a moment there was silence. - -“Have you ever read the book?” then asked Tillydib. - -“No; but I will fetch it at once, and we shall see if there is not a law -to help us out of our difficulty.” - -So the chief counselor brought the book—a huge old volume that had a -musty smell to it and was locked together with a silver padlock. Then -the key had to be found, which was no easy task; but finally the great -book of laws lay open upon the table, and all the five periwigs of the -five fat counselors were bent over it at once. - -Long and earnestly they searched the pages, but it was not until after -noon that Tullydub suddenly placed his broad thumb upon a passage and -shouted: - -“I have it! I have it!” - -“What is it? Read it! Read it aloud!” cried the others. - -[Illustration: “SO THE CHIEF COUNSELOR BROUGHT THE BOOK.”] - -[Illustration: “SUDDENLY PLACING HIS BROAD THUMB ON A PASSAGE, HE -SHOUTED ‘I HAVE IT! I HAVE IT!’”] - -Just then Jikki rushed into the room and asked: - -“Shall I toll the bell?” - -“No!” they yelled, glaring at him; so Jikki ran out, shaking his head -dolefully. - -Then Tullydub adjusted his spectacles and leaned over the book, reading -aloud the following words: - -“In case the king dies, and there is no one to succeed him, the chief -counselor of the kingdom shall go at sunrise to the eastward gate of the -city of Nole and count the persons who enter through such gate as soon -as it is opened by the guards. And the forty-seventh person that so -enters, be it man, woman, or child, rich or poor, humble or noble, shall -immediately be proclaimed king or queen, as the case may be, and shall -rule all the kingdom of Noland forever after, so long as he or she may -live. And if any one in all the kingdom of Nole shall refuse to obey the -slightest wish of the new ruler, such person shall at once be put to -death. This is the law.” - -Then all the five high counselors heaved a deep sigh of relief and -repeated together the words: - -“This is the law.” - -“But it’s a strange law, nevertheless,” remarked the lord high -purse-bearer. “I wish I knew who will be the forty-seventh person to -enter the east gate to-morrow at sunrise.” - -“We must wait and see,” answered the lord high general. “And I will have -my army assembled and marshaled at the gateway, that the new ruler of -Noland may be welcomed in a truly kingly manner, as well as to keep the -people in order when they hear the strange news.” - -“Beg pardon!” exclaimed Jikki, looking in at the doorway, “but shall I -toll the bell?” - -“No, you numskull!” retorted Tullydub, angrily. “If the bell is tolled -the people will be told, and they must not know that the old king is -dead until the forty-seventh person enters the east gateway to-morrow -morning!” - - - - - Chapter III. - THE GIFT OF THE MAGIC CLOAK. - - -Nearly two days’ journey from the city of Nole, yet still within the -borders of the great kingdom of Noland, was a little village lying at -the edge of a broad river. It consisted of a cluster of houses of the -humblest description, for the people of this village were all poor and -lived in simple fashion. Yet one house appeared to be somewhat better -than the others, for it stood on the river-bank and had been built by -the ferryman whose business it was to carry all travelers across the -river. And, as many traveled that way, the ferryman was able in time to -erect a very comfortable cottage, and to buy good furniture for it, and -to clothe warmly and neatly his two children. - -One of these children was a little girl named Margaret, who was called -“Meg” by the villagers and “Fluff” by the ferryman her father, because -her hair was so soft and fluffy. - -Her brother, who was two years younger, was named Timothy; but Margaret -had always called him “Bud,” because she could not say “brother” more -plainly when first she began to talk; so nearly every one who knew -Timothy called him Bud, as little Meg did. - -These children had lost their mother when very young, and the big -ferryman had tried to be both mother and father to them, and had reared -them very gently and lovingly. They were good children, and were liked -by every one in the village. - -But one day a terrible misfortune befell them. The ferryman tried to -cross the river for a passenger one very stormy night; but he never -reached the other shore. When the storm subsided and morning came they -found his body lying on the river-bank, and the two children were left -alone in the world. - -The news was carried by travelers to the city of Nole, where the -ferryman’s only sister lived; and a few days afterward the woman came to -the village and took charge of her orphaned niece and nephew. - -She was not a bad-hearted woman, this Aunt Rivette; but she had worked -hard all her life, and had a stern face and a stern voice. She thought -the only way to make children behave was to box their ears every now and -then; so poor Meg, who had been well-nigh heart-broken at her dear -father’s loss, had still more occasion for tears after Aunt Rivette came -to the village. - -As for Bud, he was so impudent and ill-mannered to the old lady that she -felt obliged to switch him; and afterward the boy became surly and -silent, and neither wept nor answered his aunt a single word. It hurt -Margaret dreadfully to see her little brother whipped, and she soon -became so unhappy at the sorrowful circumstances in which she and her -brother found themselves that she sobbed from morning till night and -knew no comfort. - -Aunt Rivette, who was a laundress in the city of Nole, decided she would -take Meg and Bud back home with her. - -“The boy can carry water for my tubs, and the girl can help me with the -ironing,” she said. - -So she sold all the heavier articles of furniture that the cottage -contained, as well as the cottage itself; and all the remainder of her -dead brother’s belongings she loaded upon the back of the little donkey -she had ridden on her journey from Nole. It made such a pile of packages -that the load seemed bigger than the donkey himself; but he was a strong -little animal, and made no complaint of his burden. - -All this being accomplished, they set out one morning for Nole, Aunt -Rivette leading the donkey by the bridle with one hand and little Bud -with the other, while Margaret followed behind, weeping anew at this sad -parting with her old home and all she had so long loved. - -It was a hard journey. The old woman soon became cross and fretful, and -scolded the little ones at almost every step. When Bud stumbled, as he -often did, for he was unused to walking very far, Aunt Rivette would box -his ears or shake him violently by the arm or tell him he was “a -good-for-nothing little beggar.” And Bud would turn upon her with a -revengeful look in his big eyes, but say not a word. The woman paid no -attention to Meg, who continued to follow the donkey with tearful eyes -and drooping head. - -[Illustration: “IT WAS A HARD JOURNEY.”] - -The first night they obtained shelter at a farm-house. But in the -morning it was found that the boy’s feet were so swollen and sore from -the long walk of the day before that he could not stand upon them. So -Aunt Rivette, scolding fretfully at his weakness, perched Bud among the -bundles atop the donkey’s back, and in this way they journeyed the -second day, the woman walking ahead and leading the donkey, and Margaret -following behind. - -The laundress had hoped to reach the city of Nole at the close of this -day; but the overburdened donkey would not walk very fast, so nightfall -found them still a two-hours’ journey from the city gates, and they were -forced to stop at a small inn. - -But this inn was already overflowing with travelers, and the landlord -could give them no beds, nor even a room. - -“You can sleep in the stable if you like,” said he. “There is plenty of -hay to lie down upon.” - -So they were obliged to content themselves with this poor accommodation. - -The old woman aroused them at the first streaks of daybreak the next -morning, and while she fastened the packages to the donkey’s back -Margaret stood in the stable yard and shivered in the cold morning air. - -The little girl felt that she had never been more unhappy than at that -moment, and when she thought of her kind father and the happy home she -had once known, her sobs broke out afresh, and she leaned against the -stable door and wept as if her little heart would break. - -[Illustration: “OVER THE YOUTH’S ARM LAY FOLDED THE MAGIC CLOAK.”] - -Suddenly some one touched her arm, and she looked up to see a tall and -handsome youth standing before her. It was none other than Ereol the -fairy, who had assumed this form for her appearance among mortals; and -over the youth’s arm lay folded the magic cloak that had been woven the -evening before in the fairy circle of Burzee. - -“Are you very unhappy, my dear?” asked Ereol, in kindly tones. - -“I am the most unhappy person in all the world!” replied the girl, -beginning to sob afresh. - -“Then,” said Ereol, “I will present you with this magic cloak, which has -been woven by the fairies. And while you wear it you may have your first -wish granted; and if you give it freely to any other mortal, that person -may also have one wish granted. So use the cloak wisely, and guard it as -a great treasure.” - -Saying this the fairy messenger spread the folds of the cloak and threw -the brilliant-hued garment over the shoulders of the girl. - -[Illustration: “‘WHAT! PUNISH ME, YOU RASCALLY FELLOW! WE’LL SEE ABOUT -THAT.’”] - -Just then Aunt Rivette led the donkey from the stable, and seeing the -beautiful cloak which the child wore, she stopped short and demanded: - -“Where did you get that?” - -“This stranger gave it to me,” answered Meg, pointing to the youth. - -“Take it off! Take it off this minute and give it me—or I will whip you -soundly!” cried the woman. - -“Stop!” said Ereol, sternly. “The cloak belongs to this child alone, and -if you dare take it from her I will punish you severely.” - -“What! Punish me! Punish me, you rascally fellow! We’ll see about that.” - -“We will, indeed,” returned Ereol, more calmly. “The cloak is a gift -from the fairies; and you dare not anger them, for your punishment would -be swift and terrible.” - -Now no one feared to provoke the mysterious fairies more than Aunt -Rivette; but she suspected the youth was not telling her the truth, so -she rushed upon Ereol and struck at him with her upraised cane. But, to -her amazement, the form of the youth vanished quickly into air, and -then, indeed, she knew it was a fairy that had spoken to her. - -“You may keep your cloak,” she said to Margaret, with a little shiver of -fear. “I would not touch it for the world!” - -The girl was very proud of her glittering garment, and when Bud was -perched upon the donkey’s back and the old woman began trudging along -the road to the city, Meg followed after with much lighter steps than -before. - -Presently the sun rose over the horizon, and its splendid rays shone -upon the cloak and made it glisten gorgeously. - -“Ah, me!” sighed the little girl, half aloud. “I wish I could be happy -again!” - -Then her childish heart gave a bound of delight, and she laughed aloud -and brushed from her eyes the last tear she was destined to shed for -many a day. For, though she spoke thoughtlessly, the magic cloak quickly -granted to its first wearer the fulfilment of her wish. - -Aunt Rivette turned upon her in surprise. - -“What’s the matter with you?” she asked suspiciously, for she had not -heard the girl laugh since her father’s death. - -[Illustration: “‘AH, ME!’ SIGHED THE LITTLE GIRL, HALF ALOUD.”] - -“Why, the sun is shining,” answered Meg, laughing again. “And the air is -sweet and fresh, and the trees are green and beautiful, and the whole -world is very pleasant and delightful.” And then she danced lightly -along the dusty road and broke into a verse of a pretty song she had -learned at her father’s knee. - -The old woman scowled and trudged on again; Bud looked down at his merry -sister and grinned from pure sympathy with her high spirits; and the -donkey stopped and turned his head to look solemnly at the laughing girl -behind him. - -“Come along!” cried the laundress, jerking at the bridle; “every one is -passing us upon the road, and we must hurry to get home before noon.” - -It was true. A good many travelers, some on horseback and some on foot, -had passed them by since the sun rose; and although the east gate of the -city of Nole was now in sight, they were obliged to take their places in -the long line that sought entrance at the gate. - - - - - Chapter IV. - KING BUD OF NOLAND. - - -The five high counselors of the kingdom of Noland were both eager and -anxious upon this important morning. Long before sunrise Tollydob, the -lord high general, had assembled his army at the east gate of the city; -and the soldiers stood in two long lines beside the entrance, looking -very impressive in their uniforms. And all the people, noting this -unusual display, gathered around at the gate to see what was going to -happen. - -Of course no one knew what was going to happen; not even the chief -counselor nor his brother counselors. They could only obey the law and -abide by the results. - -Finally the sun arose and the east gate of the city was thrown open. -There were a few people waiting outside, and they promptly entered. - -“One, two, three, four, five, six!” counted the chief counselor, in a -loud voice. - -The people were much surprised at hearing this, and began to question -one another with perplexed looks. Even the soldiers were mystified. - -[Illustration: “A RAGGED, LIMPING PEDDLER ENTERED THE GATE.”] - -“Seven, eight, nine!” continued the chief counselor, still counting -those who came in. - -A breathless hush fell upon the assemblage. - -Something very important and mysterious was going on; that was evident. -But what? - -They could only wait and find out. - -“Ten, eleven!” counted Tullydub, and then heaved a deep sigh. For a -famous nobleman had just entered the gate, and the chief counselor could -not help wishing he had been number forty-seven. - -So the counting went on, and the people became more and more interested -and excited. - -When the number had reached thirty-one a strange thing happened. A loud -“boom!” sounded through the stillness, and then another, and another. -Some one was tolling the great bell in the palace bell-tower, and people -began saying to one another in awed whispers that the old king must be -dead. - -The five high counselors, filled with furious anger but absolutely -helpless, as they could not leave the gate, lifted up their five chubby -fists and shook them violently in the direction of the bell-tower. - -Poor Jikki, finding himself left alone in the palace, could no longer -resist the temptation to toll the bell; and it continued to peal out its -dull, solemn tones while the chief counselor stood by the gate and -shouted: - -“Thirty-two, thirty-three, thirty-four!” - -Only the mystery of this action could have kept the people quiet when -they learned from the bell that their old king was dead. - -But now they began to guess that the scene at the east gate promised -more of interest than anything they might learn at the palace; so they -stood very quiet, and Jikki’s disobedience of orders did no great harm -to the plans of the five high counselors. - -When Tullydub had counted up to forty the excitement redoubled, for -every one could see big drops of perspiration standing upon the chief -counselor’s brow, and all the other high counselors, who stood just -behind him, were trembling violently with nervousness. - -A ragged, limping peddler entered the gate. - -“Forty-five!” shouted Tullydub. - -Then came Aunt Rivette, dragging at the bridle of the donkey. - -“Forty-six!” screamed Tullydub. - -And now Bud rode through the gate, perched among the bundles on the -donkey’s back and looking composedly upon the throng of anxious faces -that greeted him. - -[Illustration: “‘FORTY-SEVEN!’ CRIED THE CHIEF COUNSELOR. ‘LONG LIVE THE -NEW KING OF NOLAND!’”] - -“_Forty-seven!_” cried the chief counselor; and then in his loudest -voice he continued: - -“Long live the new King of Noland!” - -All the high counselors prostrated themselves in the dusty road before -the donkey. The old woman was thrust back in the crowd by a soldier, -where she stood staring in amazement, and Margaret, clothed in her -beautiful cloak, stepped to the donkey’s side and looked first at her -brother and then at the group of periwigged men, who bobbed their heads -in the dust before him and shouted: - -“Long live the king!” - -Then, while the crowd still wondered, the lord high counselor arose and -took from a soldier a golden crown set with brilliants, a jeweled -scepter, and a robe of ermine. Advancing to Bud, he placed the crown -upon the boy’s head and the scepter in his hand, while over his -shoulders he threw the ermine robe. - -The crown fell over Bud’s ears, but he pushed it back upon his head, so -it would stay there; and as the kingly robe spread over all the bundles -on the donkey’s back and quite covered them, the boy really presented a -very imposing appearance. - -The people quickly rose to the spirit of the occasion. What mattered it -if the old king was dead, now that a new king was already before them? -They broke into a sudden cheer, and, joyously waving their hats and -bonnets above their heads, joined eagerly in the cry: - -“Long live the King of Noland!” - -Aunt Rivette was fairly stupefied. Such a thing was too wonderful to be -believed. A man in the crowd snatched the bonnet from the old woman’s -head, and said to her brusquely: - -“Why don’t you greet the new king? Are you a traitor to your country?” - -So she also waved her bonnet and screamed: “Long live the king!” But she -hardly knew what she was doing or why she did it. - -Meantime the high counselors had risen from their knees and now stood -around the donkey. - -“May it please your Serene Majesty to condescend to tell us who this -young lady is?” asked Tullydub, bowing respectfully. - -“That’s my sister Fluff,” said Bud, who was enjoying his new position -very much. All the counselors, at this, bowed low to Margaret. - -[Illustration: “SO SHE ALSO WAVED HER BONNET AND SCREAMED: ‘LONG LIVE -THE KING!’”] - -“A horse for the Princess Fluff!” cried the lord high general; and the -next moment she was mounted upon a handsome white palfrey, where, with -her fluffy golden hair and smiling face and the magnificent cloak -flowing from her shoulders, she looked every inch a princess. The people -cheered her, too; for it was long since any girl or woman had occupied -the palace of the King of Noland, and she was so pretty and sweet that -every one loved her immediately. - -[Illustration: “‘MAY IT PLEASE YOUR SERENE MAJESTY TO TELL US WHO THIS -YOUNG LADY IS?’ ASKED TULLYDUB, RESPECTFULLY.”] - -And now the king’s chariot drove up, with its six prancing steeds, and -Bud was lifted from the back of the donkey and placed in the high seat -of the chariot. - -Again the people shouted joyful greetings; the band struck up a gay -march tune, and then the royal procession started for the palace. - -First came Tollydob and the officers; then the king’s chariot, -surrounded by soldiers; then the four high counselors upon black horses, -riding two on each side of Princess Fluff; and, finally, the band of -musicians and the remainder of the royal army. - -It was an imposing sight, and the people followed after with cheers and -rejoicings, while the lord high purse-bearer tossed silver coins from -his pouch for any one to catch who could. - -A message had been sent to warn Jikki that the new king was coming, so -he stopped tolling the death knell, and instead rang out a glorious -chime of welcome. - -As for old Rivette finding herself and the donkey alike deserted, she -once more seized the bridle and led the patient beast to her humble -dwelling; and it was just as she reached her door that King Bud of -Noland, amid the cheers and shouts of thousands, entered for the first -time the royal palace of Nole. - -[Illustration: “‘I WANT SOME NEW CLOTHES, AND SO DOES MY SISTER,’ BUD -ANNOUNCED, AS BOLDLY AS POSSIBLE.”] - - - - - Chapter V. - PRINCESS FLUFF. - - -Now when the new king had entered the palace with his sister, the chief -counselor stood upon a golden balcony with the great book in his hand, -and read aloud, to all the people who were gathered below, the law in -regard to choosing a new king, and the severe penalty in case any -refused to obey his slightest wish. And the people were glad enough to -have a change of rulers, and pleased that so young a king had been given -them. So they accepted both the law and the new king cheerfully, and -soon dispersed to their homes to talk over the wonderful events of the -day. - -Bud and Meg were ushered into beautifully furnished rooms on the second -floor of the palace, and old Jikki, finding that he had a new master to -serve, flew about in his usual nervous manner, and brought the children -the most delicious breakfast they had ever eaten in their lives. - -Bud had been so surprised at his reception at the gate and the sudden -change in his condition that as yet he had not been able to collect his -thoughts. His principal idea was that he was in a dream, and he kept -waiting until he should wake up. But the breakfast was very real and -entirely satisfying, and he began to wonder if he could be dreaming, -after all. - -The old servant, when he carried away the dishes, bowed low to Bud and -said: “Beg pardon, your Majesty! But the lord high counselor desires to -know the king’s will.” - -Bud stared at him a moment thoughtfully. - -“Tell him I want to be left alone to talk with my sister Fluff,” he -replied. - -Jikki again bowed low and withdrew, closing the door behind him, and -then the children looked at each other solemnly, until Meg burst into a -merry laugh. - -“Oh, Bud!” she cried, “think of it! I’m the royal Princess Fluff, and -you’re the King of all Noland! Isn’t it funny!” And then she danced -about the room in great delight. - -Bud answered her seriously. - -“What does it all mean, Fluff?” he said. “We’re only poor children, you -know; so I can’t really be a king. And I wouldn’t be surprised if Aunt -Rivette came in any minute and boxed my ears.” - -“Nonsense!” laughed Margaret. “Didn’t you hear what that fat, periwigged -man said about the law? The old king is dead, and some one else had to -be king, you know; and the forty-seventh person who entered the east -gate was you, Bud, and so by law you are the king of all this great -country. Don’t you see?” - -Bud shook his head and looked at his sister. - -“No, I don’t see,” he said. “But if you say it’s all right, Fluff, why, -it must be all right.” - -“Of course it’s all right,” declared the girl, throwing off her pretty -cloak and placing it on a chair. “You’re the rightful king, and can do -whatever you please; and I’m the rightful princess, because I’m your -sister; so I can do whatever _I_ please. Don’t you see, Bud?” - -“But, look here, Fluff,” returned her brother, “if you’re a princess, -why do you wear that old gray dress and those patched-up shoes? Father -used to tell us that princesses always wore the loveliest dresses.” - -Meg looked at herself and sighed. - -“I really ought to have some new dresses, Bud. And I suppose if you -order them they will be ready in no time. And you must have some new -clothes, too, for your jacket is ragged and soiled.” - -“Do you really think it’s true, Fluff?” he asked anxiously. - -“Of course it’s true. Look at your kingly robe, and your golden crown, -and that stick with all those jewels in it!”—meaning the scepter. -“They’re true enough, aren’t they?” - -Bud nodded. - -“Call in that old man,” he said. “I’ll order something, and see if he -obeys me. If he does, then I’ll believe I’m really a king.” - -“But now listen, Bud,” said Meg, gravely; “don’t you let these folks see -you’re afraid, or that you’re not sure whether you’re a king or not. -Order them around and make them afraid of _you_. That’s what the kings -do in all the stories I ever read.” - -“I will,” replied Bud. “I’ll order them around. So you call in that old -donkey with the silver buttons all over him.” - -“Here’s a bell-rope,” said Meg; “I’ll pull it.” - -Instantly Jikki entered and bowed low to each of the children. - -“What’s your name?” asked Bud. - -“Jikki, your gracious Majesty.” - -“Who are you?” - -“Your Majesty’s valet, if you please,” answered Jikki. - -“Oh!” said Bud. He didn’t know what a valet was, but he wasn’t going to -tell Jikki so. - -“I want some new clothes, and so does my sister,” Bud announced, as -boldly as possible. - -“Certainly, your Majesty. I’ll send the lord high steward here at once.” - -With this he bowed and rushed away, and presently Tallydab, the lord -high steward, entered the room and with a low bow presented himself -respectfully before the children. - -“I beg your Majesty to command me,” said Tallydab, gravely. - -Bud was a little awed by his appearance, but he resolved to be brave. - -“We want some new clothes,” he said. - -“They are already ordered, your Majesty, and will be here presently.” - -“Oh!” said Bud, and stopped short. - -“I have ordered twenty suits for your Majesty and forty gowns for the -princess,” continued Tallydab; “and I hope these will content your -Majesty and the princess until you have time to select a larger -assortment.” - -“Oh!” said Bud, greatly amazed. - -“I have also selected seven maidens, the most noble in all the land, to -wait upon the princess. They are even now awaiting her Highness in her -own apartments.” - -Meg clapped her hands delightedly. - -“I’ll go to them at once,” she cried. - -“Has your Majesty any further commands?” asked Tallydab. “If not your -five high counselors would like to confer with you in regard to your new -duties and responsibilities.” - -“Send ’em in,” said Bud, promptly; and while Margaret went to meet her -new maids the king held his first conference with his high counselors. - -[Illustration: “‘I HAVE ORDERED TWENTY SUITS FOR YOUR MAJESTY AND FORTY -GOWNS FOR THE PRINCESS.’”] - -In answer to Tallydab’s summons the other four periwigs, pompous and -solemn, filed into the room and stood in a row before Bud, who looked -upon them with a sensation of awe. - -“Your Majesty,” began the venerable Tullydub, in a grave voice, “we are -here to instruct you, with your gracious consent, in your new and -important duties.” - -Bud shifted uneasily in his chair. It all seemed so unreal and -absurd—this kingly title and polite deference bestowed upon a poor boy -by five dignified and periwigged men—that it was hard for Bud to curb -his suspicion that all was not right. - -“See here, all of you,” said he, suddenly, “is this thing a joke? tell -me, is it a joke?” - -“A joke?” echoed all of the five counselors, in several degrees of -shocked and horrified tones; and Tellydeb, the lord high executioner, -added reproachfully: - -“Could we, by any chance, have the temerity to joke with your mighty and -glorious Majesty?” - -“That’s just it,” answered the boy. “I am not a mighty and glorious -Majesty. I’m just Bud, the ferryman’s son, and you know it.” - -“You are Bud, the ferryman’s son, to be sure,” agreed the chief -counselor, bowing courteously; “but by the decrees of fate and the just -and unalterable laws of the land you are now become absolute ruler of -the great kingdom of Noland; therefore all that dwell therein are your -loyal and obedient servants.” - -[Illustration: “‘A JOKE?’ ECHOED ALL OF THE FIVE COUNSELORS, IN SEVERAL -DEGREES OF SHOCKED AND HORRIFIED TONES.”] - -Bud thought this over. - -“Are you sure there’s no mistake?” he asked, with hesitation. - -“There _can_ be no mistake,” returned old Tullydub, firmly; “for we, the -five high counselors of the kingdom, have ourselves interpreted and -carried out the laws of the land, and the people, your subjects, have -approved our action.” - -“Then,” said Bud, “I suppose I’ll have to be king whether I want to or -not.” - -“Your Majesty speaks but the truth,” returned the chief counselor, with -a sigh. “With or without your consent, you are the king. It is the law.” -And all the others chanted in a chorus: - -“It is the law.” - -Bud felt much relieved. He had no notion whatever of refusing to be a -king. If there was no mistake, and he was really the powerful monarch of -Noland, then there ought to be no end of fun and freedom for him during -the rest of his life. To be his own master; to have plenty of money; to -live in a palace and order people around as he pleased—all this seemed -to the poor and friendless boy of yesterday to be quite the most -delightful fate that could possibly overtake one. - -So lost did he become in thoughts of the marvelous existence opening -before him that he paid scant attention to the droning speeches of the -five aged counselors, who were endeavoring to acquaint him with the -condition of affairs in his new kingdom, and to instruct him in his many -and difficult duties as its future ruler. - -For a full hour he sat quiet and motionless, and they thought he was -listening to these dreary affairs of state; but suddenly he jumped up -and astonished the dignitaries by exclaiming: - -“See here; you just fix up things to suit yourselves. I’m going to find -Fluff.” And with no heed to protests, the new king ran from the room and -slammed the door behind him. - -[Illustration: “A MAN CAME IN LEADING A BOY BY THE ARM AND HOLDING A -SWITCH IN HIS OTHER HAND.”] - - - - - Chapter VI. - BUD DISPENSES JUSTICE. - - -The next day the funeral of the old king took place, and the new king -rode in the grand procession in a fine chariot, clothed in black velvet -embroidered with silver. Not knowing how to act in his new position, Bud -sat still and did nothing at all, which was just what was expected of -him. - -But when they returned from the funeral he was ushered into the great -throne-room of the palace and seated on the golden throne; and then the -chief counselor informed him that he must listen to the grievances of -his people and receive the homage of the noblemen of Noland. - -Fluff sat on a stool beside the king, and the five high counselors stood -back of him in a circle; and then the doors were thrown open and all the -noblemen of the country crowded in. One by one they kissed first the -king’s hand and then the princess’s hand, and vowed they would always -serve them faithfully. - -Bud did not like this ceremony. He whispered to Fluff that it made him -tired. - -“I want to go upstairs and play,” he said to the lord high steward. “I -don’t see why I can’t.” - -“Very soon your Majesty may go. Just now it is your duty to hear the -grievances of your people,” answered Tallydab, gently. - -“What’s the matter with ’em?” asked Bud, crossly. “Why don’t they keep -out of trouble?” - -“I do not know, your Majesty; but there are always disputes among the -people.” - -“But that isn’t the king’s fault, is it?” said Bud. - -“No, your Majesty; but it’s the king’s place to settle these disputes, -for he has the supreme power.” - -“Well, tell ’em to hurry up and get it over with,” said the boy, -restlessly. - -Then a venerable old man came in leading a boy by the arm and holding a -switch in his other hand. - -“Your Majesty,” began the man, having first humbly bowed to the floor -before the king, “my son, whom I have brought here with me, insists upon -running away from home, and I wish you would tell me what to do with -him.” - -“Why do you run away?” Bud asked the boy. - -“Because he whips me,” was the answer. - -Bud turned to the man. - -“Why do you whip the boy?” he inquired. - -“Because he runs away,” said the man. - -For a minute Bud looked puzzled. - -“Well, if any one whipped me, I’d run away, too,” he said at last. “And -if the boy isn’t whipped or abused he ought to stay at home and be good. -But it’s none of my business, anyhow.” - -“Oh, your Majesty!” cried the chief counselor, “it really must be your -business. You’re the king, you know; and everybody’s business is the -king’s.” - -“That isn’t fair,” said Bud, sulkily. “I’ve got my own business to -attend to, and I want to go upstairs and play.” - -But now Princess Fluff leaned toward the young king and whispered -something in his ear which made his face brighten. - -“See here!” exclaimed Bud, “the first time this man whips the boy again, -or the first time the boy runs away, I order my lord high executioner to -give them both a good switching. Now let them go home and try to behave -themselves.” - -[Illustration: “NEXT CAME TWO OLD WOMEN, AND BETWEEN THEM THEY LED A -COW.”] - -Every one applauded his decision, and Bud also thought with satisfaction -that he had hit upon a good way out of the difficulty. - -Next came two old women, one very fat and the other very thin; and -between them they led a cow, the fat woman having a rope around one horn -and the thin woman a rope around the other horn. Each woman claimed she -owned the cow, and they quarreled so loudly and so long that the lord -high executioner had to tie a bandage over their mouths. When peace was -thus restored the high counselor said: - -“Now, your Majesty, please decide which of these two women owns the -cow.” - -“I can’t,” said Bud, helplessly. - -“Oh, your Majesty, but you must!” cried all the five high counselors. - -Then Meg whispered to the king again, and the boy nodded. The children -had always lived in a little village where there were plenty of cows, -and the girl thought she knew a way to decide which of the claimants -owned this animal. - -“Send one of the women away,” said Bud. So they led the lean woman to a -little room near by and locked her in. - -“Bring a pail and a milking-stool,” ordered the king. - -When they were brought, Bud turned to the fat woman and ordered the -bandage taken from her mouth. - -“The cow’s mine! It’s my cow! I own it!” she screamed, the moment she -could speak. - -“Hold!” said the king. “If the cow belongs to you, let me see you milk -her.” - -“Certainly, your Majesty, certainly!” she cried; and seizing the pail -and the stool, she ran up to the left side of the cow, placed the stool, -and sat down upon it. But before she could touch the cow the animal -suddenly gave a wild kick that sent the startled woman in a heap upon -the floor, with her head stuck fast in the milk-pail. Then the cow moved -forward a few steps and looked blandly around. - -Two of the guards picked the woman up and pulled the pail from her head. - -“What’s the matter?” asked Bud. - -“She’s frightened, of course,” whimpered the woman, “and I’ll be black -and blue by to-morrow morning, your Majesty. Any cow would kick in such -a place as this.” - -“Put this woman in the room and fetch the other woman here,” commanded -the king. - -So the lean woman was brought out and ordered to milk the cow. - -[Illustration: “THE ANIMAL SUDDENLY GAVE A WILD KICK THAT SENT THE -STARTLED WOMAN IN A HEAP UPON THE FLOOR, WITH HER HEAD STUCK FAST IN THE -MILK-PAIL.”] - -She took the stool in one hand and the pail in the other, and, -approaching the cow softly on the _right_ side, patted the animal gently -and said to it: “So, Boss! So-o-o-o, Bossie, my darlin’! Good Bossie! -Nice Bossie!” - -The cow turned her head to look at the lean woman, and made no objection -when she sat down and began milking. - -In a moment the king said: - -“The cow is yours! Take her and go home!” - -Then all the courtiers and people—and even the five high -counselors—applauded the king enthusiastically; and the chief counselor -lifted up his hands and said: - -“Another Solomon has come to rule us!” - -And the people applauded again, till Bud looked very proud and quite red -in the face with satisfaction. - -“Tell me,” he said to the woman, who was about to lead the cow away, -“tell me, where did you get such a nice faithful Bossie as that?” - -“Must I tell you the truth?” asked the woman. - -“Of course,” said Bud. - -“Then, your Majesty,” she returned, “I stole her from that fat woman you -have locked up in that room. But no one can take the cow from me now, -for the king has given her to me.” - -At this a sudden hush fell on the room, and Bud looked redder than ever. - -“Then how did it happen that you could milk the cow and she couldn’t?” -demanded the king, angrily. - -“Why, she doesn’t understand cows, and I do,” answered the woman. “Good -day, your Majesty. Much obliged, I’m sure!” - -And she walked away with the cow, leaving the king and Princess Fluff -and all the people much embarrassed. - -“Have we any cows in the royal stables?” asked Bud, turning to Tullydub. - -“Certainly, your Majesty; there are several,” answered the chief -counselor. - -“Then,” said Bud, “give one of them to the fat woman and send her home. -I’ve done all the judging I am going to do to-day, and now I’ll take my -sister upstairs to play.” - -“Hold on! Hold on!” cried a shrill voice. “I demand justice! Justice of -the king! Justice of the law! Justice to the king’s aunt.” - -Bud looked down the room and saw Aunt Rivette struggling with some of -the guards. Then she broke away from them and rushed to the throne, -crying again: - -“Justice, your Majesty!” - -“What’s the matter with you?” asked Bud. - -“Matter? Everything’s the matter with me. Aren’t you the new king?” - -“Yes,” said Bud. “That’s what I am.” - -“Am I not your aunt? Am I not your aunt?” - -“Yes,” said Bud, again. - -“Well, why am I left to live in a hut and dress in rags? Doesn’t the law -say that every blood relation of the king shall live in a royal palace?” - -“Does it?” asked Bud, turning to Tullydub. - -“The law says so, your Majesty.” - -“And must I have that old crosspatch around me all the time?” wailed the -new king. - -“Crosspatch yourself!” screamed Aunt Rivette, shaking her fist at Bud. -“I’ll teach you to crosspatch me when I get you alone!” - -Bud shuddered. Then he turned again to Tullydub. - -“The king can do what he likes, can’t he?” the boy asked. - -“Certainly, your Majesty.” - -“Then let the lord high executioner step forward!” - -[Illustration: “‘THEN LET THE LORD HIGH EXECUTIONER STEP FORWARD!’”] - -“Oh, Bud! What are you going to do?” said Fluff, seizing him tightly by -the arm. - -“You let me alone!” answered Bud. “I’m not going to be a king for -nothing. And Aunt Rivette whipped me once—sixteen hard switches! I -counted ’em.” - -The executioner was now bowing before him. - -“Get a switch,” commanded the king. - -The executioner brought a long, slender birch bough. - -“Now,” said Bud, “you give Aunt Rivette sixteen good switches.” - -“Oh, don’t! Don’t, Bud!” pleaded Meg. - -Aunt Rivette fell on her knees, pale and trembling. In agony she raised -her hands. - -“I’ll never do it again! Let me off, your Majesty!” she screamed. “Let -me off this once! I’ll never do it again! Never! Never!” - -“All right,” said Bud, with a cheery smile. “I’ll let you off this time. -But if you don’t behave, or if you interfere with me or Fluff, I’ll have -the lord high executioner take charge of you. Just remember I’m the -king, and then we’ll get along all right. Now you may go upstairs if you -wish to and pick out a room on the top story. Fluff and I are going to -play.” - -With this he laid his crown carefully on the seat of the throne and -threw off his ermine robe. - -“Come on, Fluff! We’ve had enough business for to-day,” he said, and -dragged the laughing princess from the room, while Aunt Rivette meekly -followed the lord high steward up the stairs to a comfortable apartment -just underneath the roof. - -She was very well satisfied at last; and very soon she sent for the lord -high purse-bearer and demanded money with which to buy some fine clothes -for herself. - -This was given her willingly, for the law provided for the comfort of -every relative of the king, and knowing this, Aunt Rivette fully -intended to be the most comfortable woman in the kingdom of Noland. - - - - - Chapter VII. - THE WINGS OF AUNT RIVETTE. - - -Bud and Meg had plenty to occupy them in looking over and admiring their -new possessions. First they went to the princess’s rooms, where Fluff -ordered her seven maids to spread out all the beautiful gowns she had -received. And forty of them made quite an imposing show, I assure you. -They were all dainty and sweet and of rich material, suitable for all -occasions, and of all colors and shades. Of course there were none with -trains, for Margaret, although a princess, was only a little girl; but -the gowns were gay with bright ribbons and jeweled buttons and clasps; -and each one had its hat and hosiery and slippers to match. - -After admiring the dresses for a time, they looked at Bud’s new -clothes—twenty suits of velvets, brocades, and finely woven cloths. Some -had diamonds and precious gems sewn on them for ornaments, while others -were plain; but the poorest suit there was finer than the boy had ever -dreamed of possessing. - -There were also many articles of apparel to go with these suits, such as -shoes with diamond buckles, silken stockings, neck laces, and fine -linen; and there was a beautiful little sword, with a gold scabbard and -a jeweled hilt, that the little king could wear on state occasions. - -However, when the children had examined the gowns and suits to their -satisfaction, they began looking for other amusement. - -“Do you know, Fluff,” said the boy, “there isn’t a single toy or -plaything in this whole palace?” - -“I suppose the old king didn’t care for playthings,” replied Fluff, -thoughtfully. - -Just then there was a knock at the door, and Aunt Rivette came hobbling -into the room. Her wrinkled old face was full of eagerness, and in her -hands she clasped the purse of golden coins the lord high purse-bearer -had given her. - -“See what I’ve got!” she cried, holding out the purse. “And I’m going to -buy the finest clothes in all the kingdom! And ride in the king’s -carriage! And have a man to wait upon me! And make Mammy Skib and -Mistress Kappleson and all the other neighbors wild with jealousy!” - -[Illustration: “AFTER ADMIRING THE DRESSES FOR A TIME, THEY LOOKED AT -BUD’S NEW CLOTHES.”] - -“I don’t care,” said Bud. - -“Why, you owe everything to me!” cried Aunt Rivette. “If I hadn’t -brought you to Nole on the donkey’s back, you wouldn’t have been the -forty-seventh person to enter the gate.” - -“That’s true,” said Meg. - -But Bud was angry. - -“I know it’s true,” he said; “but look here, you mustn’t bother us. Just -keep out of our way, please, and let me alone, and then I won’t care how -many new dresses you buy.” - -“I’m going to spend every piece of this gold!” she exclaimed, clasping -the purse with her wrinkled hands. “But I don’t like to go through the -streets in this poor dress. Won’t you lend me your cloak, Meg, until I -get back?” - -“Of course I will,” returned the girl; and going to the closet, she -brought out the magic cloak the fairy had given her and threw it over -Aunt Rivette’s shoulders. For she was sorry for the old woman, and this -was the prettiest cloak she had. - -[Illustration: “ALMOST BEFORE SHE KNEW IT, AUNT RIVETTE HAD DESCENDED TO -THE ROOF OF THE ROYAL STABLES.”] - -So old Rivette, feeling very proud and anxious to spend her money, left -the palace and walked as fast as her tottering legs would carry her down -the street in the direction of the shops. “I’ll buy a yellow silk,” she -mumbled to herself, half aloud, “and a white velvet, and a purple -brocade, and a sky-blue bonnet with crimson plumes! And won’t the -neighbors stare then? Oh, dear! If I could only walk faster! And the -shops are so far! I wish I could fly!” - -Now she was wearing the magic cloak when she expressed this wish, and no -sooner had she spoken than two great feathery wings appeared, fastened -to her shoulders. - -The old woman stopped short, turned her head, and saw the wings; and -then she gave a scream and a jump and began waving her arms frantically. - -The wings flopped at the same time, raising her slowly from the ground, -and she began to soar gracefully above the heads of the astonished -people, who thronged the streets below. - -“Stop! Help! Murder!” shrieked Rivette, kicking her feet in great -agitation, and at the same time flopping nervously her new wings. “Save -me, some one! Save me!” - -“Why don’t you save yourself?” asked a man below. “Stop flying, if you -want to reach the earth again!” - -This struck old Rivette as a sensible suggestion. She was quite a -distance in the air by this time; but she tried to hold her wings steady -and not flop them, and the result was that she began to float slowly -downward. Then, with horror, she saw she was sinking directly upon the -branches of a prickly-pear tree; so she screamed and began flying again, -and the swift movement of her wings sent her high into the air. - -So great was her terror that she nearly fainted; but she shut her eyes -so that she might not see how high up she was, and held her wings rigid -and began gracefully to float downward again. - -By and by she opened her eyes and found one of her sleeves was just -missing the sharp point of a lightning-rod on a tower of the palace. So -she began struggling and flopping anew, and, almost before she knew it, -Aunt Rivette had descended to the roof of the royal stables. Here she -sat down and began to weep and wail, while a great crowd gathered below -and watched her. - -[Illustration: “‘HELP! GET A LADDER!’ WAILED THE OLD WOMAN.”] - -“Get a ladder! _Please_ get a ladder!” begged old Rivette. “If you -don’t, I shall fall and break my neck.” - -By this time Bud and Fluff had come out to see what caused the -excitement; and, to their amazement they found their old aunt perched -high up on the stable roof, with two great wings growing out from her -back. - -For a moment they could not understand what had happened. Then Margaret -cried: - -“Oh, Bud, I let her wear the magic cloak! She must have made a wish!” - -“Help! Help! Get a ladder!” wailed the old woman, catching sight of her -nephew and niece. - -“Well, you _are_ a bird, Aunt Rivette!” shouted Bud, gleefully, for he -was in a teasing mood. “You don’t need a ladder! I don’t see why you -can’t fly down the same way you flew up.” And all the people shouted: -“Yes, yes! The king is right! Fly down!” - -Just then Rivette’s feet began to slip on the sloping roof; so she made -a wild struggle to save herself, and the result was that she fluttered -her wings in just exactly the right way to sink down gradually to the -ground. - -“You’ll be all right as soon as you know how to use your wings,” said -Bud, with a laugh. “But where did you get ’em, anyhow?” - -“I don’t know,” said Aunt Rivette, much relieved to be on earth again, -and rather pleased to have attracted so much attention. “Are the wings -pretty?” - -“They are perfectly lovely!” cried Fluff, clapping her hands in glee. -“Why, Aunt Rivette, I do believe you must be the only person in all the -world who can fly!” - -[Illustration: “‘WHY, AUNT RIVETTE, I DO BELIEVE YOU MUST BE THE ONLY -PERSON IN ALL THE WORLD WHO CAN FLY!’”] - -“But I think you look like an overgrown buzzard,” said Bud. - -Now it happened that all this praise, and the wondering looks of the -people, did a great deal to reconcile Rivette to her new wings. Indeed, -she began to feel a certain pride and distinction in them; and, finding -she had through all the excitement retained her grasp on the purse of -gold, she now wrapped the magic cloak around her and walked away to the -shops, followed by a crowd of men, women, and children. - - - - - Chapter VIII. - THE ROYAL RECEPTION. - - -As for the king and Princess Fluff, they returned to the palace and -dressed themselves in some of their prettiest garments, telling Jikki to -have two ponies saddled and ready for them to ride upon. - -“We really _must_ have some toys,” said Meg, with decision; “and now -that we are rich, there is no reason why we can’t buy what we want.” - -“That’s true,” answered Bud. “The old king hadn’t anything to play with. -Poor old man! I wonder what he did to amuse himself.” - -They mounted their ponies, and, followed by the chief counselor and the -lord high purse-bearer in one of the state carriages, and a guard of -soldiers for escort, they rode down the streets of the city on a -pleasure-jaunt, amid the shouts of the loyal populace. - -By and by Bud saw a toy-shop in one of the streets, and he and Fluff -slipped down from their ponies and went inside to examine the toys. It -was a well-stocked shop, and there were rows upon rows of beautiful -dolls on the shelves, which attracted Margaret’s attention at once. - -“Oh, Bud,” she exclaimed, “I must have one of these dollies!” - -“Take your choice,” said her brother, calmly, although his own heart was -beating with delight at the sight of all the toys arranged before him. - -“I don’t know which to choose,” sighed the little princess, looking from -one doll to another with longing and indecision. - -“We’ll take ’em all,” declared Bud. - -“All! What—all these rows of dollies?” she gasped. - -“Why not?” asked the king. Then he turned to the men who kept the shop -and said: - -“Call in that old fellow who carries the money.” - -When the lord high purse-bearer appeared, Bud said to him: - -“Pay the man for all these dolls; and for this—and this—and this—and -this!” and he began picking out the prettiest toys in all the shop, in -the most reckless way you can imagine. - -[Illustration: “‘WE’LL TAKE ’EM ALL,’ DECLARED BUD.”] - -The soldiers loaded the carriage down with Meg’s dolls, and a big cart -was filled with Bud’s toys. Then the purse-bearer paid the bill, -although he sighed deeply several times while counting out the money. -But the new king paid no attention to old Tillydib; and when the -treasures were all secured the children mounted their ponies and rode -joyfully back to the palace, followed in a procession by the carriage -filled with dolls, and the cart loaded with toys, while Tullydub and -Tillydib, being unable to ride in the carriage, trotted along at the -rear on foot. - -Bud had the toys and dolls all carried upstairs into a big room, and -then he ordered everybody to keep out while he and Fluff arranged their -playthings around the room and upon the tables and chairs, besides -littering the floor so that they could hardly find a clear place large -enough for some of their romping games. - -“After all,” he said to his sister, “it’s a good thing to be a king!” - -“Or even a princess,” added Meg, busily dressing and arranging her -dolls. - -They made Jikki bring their dinner to them in the “play-room,” as Bud -called it; but neither of the children could spare much time to eat, -their treasures being all so new and delightful. - -Soon after dusk, while Jikki was lighting the candles, the chief -counselor came to the door to say that the king must be ready to attend -the royal reception in five minutes. - -“I won’t,” said Bud. “I just won’t.” - -“But you _must_, your Majesty!” declared old Tullydub. - -“Am I not the king?” demanded Bud, looking up from where he was -arranging an army of wooden soldiers. - -“Certainly, your Majesty,” was the reply. - -“And isn’t the king’s will the law?” continued Bud. - -“Certainly, your Majesty!” - -“Well, if that is so, just understand that I won’t come. Go away and let -me alone!” - -“But the people expect your Majesty to attend the royal reception,” -protested old Tullydub, greatly astonished. “It is the usual custom, you -know; and they would be greatly disappointed if your Majesty did not -appear.” - -“I don’t care,” said Bud. “You get out of here and let me alone!” - -“But, your Majesty—” - -The king threw a toy cannon at his chief counselor, and the old man -ducked to escape it, and then quickly closed the door. - -“Bud,” said the princess, softly, “you were just saying it’s great fun -to be a king.” - -“So it is,” he answered promptly. - -[Illustration: “THE KING THREW A TOY CANNON AT HIS CHIEF COUNSELOR.”] - -“But father used to tell us,” continued the girl, trying a red hat on a -brown-haired doll, “that people in this world always have to pay for any -good thing they get.” - -“What do you mean?” said Bud, with surprise. - -“I mean if you’re going to be the king, and wear fine clothes, and eat -lovely dinners, and live in a palace, and have countless servants, and -all the playthings you want, and your own way in everything and with -everybody—then you ought to be willing to pay for all these pleasures.” - -“How? But how _can_ I pay for them?” demanded Bud, staring at her. - -“By attending the royal receptions, and doing all the disagreeable -things the king is expected to do,” she answered. - -Bud thought about it for a minute. Then he got up, walked over to his -sister, and kissed her. - -“I b’lieve you’re right, Fluff,” he said, with a sigh. “I’ll go to that -reception to-night, and take it as I would take a dose of medicine.” - -“Of course you will!” returned Fluff, looking up at him brightly; “and -I’ll go with you! The dolls can wait til to-morrow. Have Jikki brush -your hair, and I’ll get my maids to dress me!” - -Old Tullydub was wondering how he might best explain the king’s absence -to the throng of courtiers gathered to attend the royal reception, when, -to his surprise and relief, his Majesty entered the room, accompanied by -the Princess Fluff. The king wore a velvet suit trimmed with gold lace, -and at his side hung the beautiful jeweled sword. Meg was dressed in a -soft white silken gown, and looked as sweet and fair as a lily. - -The courtiers and their ladies, who were all wearing their most handsome -and becoming apparel, received their little king with great respect, and -several of the wealthiest and most noble among them came up to Bud to -converse with him. - -But the king did not know what to say to these great personages, and so -the royal reception began to be a very stupid affair. - -Fluff saw that all the people were standing in stiff rows and looking at -one another uneasily, so she went to Bud and whispered to him. - -“Is there a band of musicians in the palace?” the king inquired of -Tellydeb, who stood near. - -“Yes, your Majesty.” - -“Send for them, then,” commanded Bud. - -Presently the musicians appeared, and the king ordered them to play a -waltz. But the chief counselor rushed up and exclaimed: - -“Oh, your Majesty! This is against all rule and custom!” - -“Silence!” said Bud, angrily. “_I’ll_ make the rules and customs in this -kingdom hereafter. We’re going to have a dance.” - -“But it’s so dreadful—so unconventional, your Majesty! It’s so—what -shall I call it?” - -“Here! I’ve had enough of this,” declared Bud. “You go and stand in that -corner, with your face to the wall, till I tell you to sit down,” he -added, remembering a time when his father, the ferryman, had inflicted a -like punishment upon him. - -Somewhat to his surprise, Tullydub at once obeyed the command, and then -Bud made his first speech to the people. - -“We’re going to have a dance,” he said; “so pitch in and have a good -time. If there’s anything you want, ask for it. You’re all welcome to -stay as long as you please and go home when you get ready.” - -This seemed to please the company, for every one applauded the king’s -speech. Then the musicians began to play, and the people were soon -dancing and enjoying themselves greatly. - -Princess Fluff had a good many partners that evening, but Bud did not -care to dance—he preferred to look on; and, after a time, he brought old -Tullydub out of his corner, and made the chief counselor promise to be -good and not annoy him again. - -“But it is my duty to counsel the king,” protested the old man, -solemnly. - -“When I want your advice I’ll ask for it,” said Bud. - -While Tullydub stood beside the throne, looking somewhat sulky and -disagreeable, the door opened and Aunt Rivette entered the -reception-room. She was clothed in a handsome gown of bright-green -velvet, trimmed with red and yellow flowers, and the wings stuck out -from the folds at her back in a way that was truly wonderful. - -Aunt Rivette seemed in an amiable mood. She smiled and curtsied to all -the people, who stopped dancing to stare at her, and she even fluttered -her wings once or twice to show that she was proud of being unlike all -the others present. - -[Illustration: “ONE SCREAMED ‘MURDER!’ AND THE OTHER ‘HELP!’”] - -Bud had to laugh at her, she looked so funny; and then a mischievous -thought came to him, and he commanded old Tullydub to dance with her. - -“But I don’t dance, your Majesty!” exclaimed the horrified chief -counselor. - -“Try it; I’m sure you can dance,” returned Bud. “If you don’t know how, -it’s time you learned.” - -So the poor man was forced to place his arm about Aunt Rivette’s waist -and to whirl her around in a waltz. The old woman knew as little about -dancing as did Tullydub, and they were exceedingly awkward, bumping into -every one they came near. Presently Aunt Rivette’s feet slipped, and she -would have tumbled upon the floor with the chief counselor had she not -begun to flutter her wings wildly. - -So, instead of falling, she rose gradually into the air, carrying -Tullydub with her; for they clung to each other in terror, and one -screamed “Murder!” and the other “Help!” in their loudest voices. - -Bud laughed until the tears stood in his eyes; but Aunt Rivette, after -bumping both her own head and that of the chief counselor against the -ceiling several times, finally managed to control the action of her -wings and to descend to the floor again. - -As soon as he was released, old Tullydub fled from the room; and Aunt -Rivette, vowing she would dance no more, seated herself beside Bud and -watched the revel until nearly midnight, when the couriers and their -ladies dispersed to their own homes declaring that they had never -enjoyed a more delightful evening. - -[Illustration: “JIKKI HAD TO DESCEND THE STAIRS CAUTIOUSLY.”] - - - - - Chapter IX. - JIKKI HAS A WISH GRANTED. - - -Next morning Aunt Rivette summoned Jikki to her room, and said: - -“Take these shoes and clean and polish them; and carry down this tray of -breakfast dishes; and send this hat to the milliner to have the feathers -curled; and return this cloak to the Princess Fluff, with my -compliments, and say I’m much obliged for the loan of it.” - -Poor Jikki hardly knew how to manage so many orders. He took the shoes -in his left hand, and the tray of dishes he balanced upon the other -upraised palm. But the hat and cloak were too many for him. So Aunt -Rivette, calling him “a stupid idiot,”—probably because he had no more -hands,—set the plumed hat upon Jikki’s head and spread the cloak over -his shoulders, and ordered him to make haste away. - -Jikki was glad enough to go, for the fluttering of Aunt Rivette’s wings -made him nervous; but he had to descend the stairs cautiously, for the -hat was tipped nearly over his eyes, and if he stumbled he would be sure -to spill the tray of dishes. - -He reached the first landing of the broad stairs in safety, but at the -second landing the hat joggled forward so that he could see nothing at -all, and one of the shoes dropped from his hand. - -“Dear me!” sighed the old man; “I wonder what I shall do now? If I pick -up the shoe I shall drop the dishes; and I can’t set down this tray -because I’m blinded by this terrible hat! Dear—dear! If I’m to be at the -beck and call of that old woman, and serve the new king at the same -time, I shall have my hands full. My hands, in fact, are full now. I -really wish I had half a dozen servants to wait on _me_!” - -Jikki knew nothing at all about the magic power of the cloak that fell -from his shoulders; so his astonishment was profound when some one -seized the shoe from his left hand and some one else removed the tray -from his right hand, and still another person snatched the plumed hat -from his head. - -But then he saw, bowing and smirking before him, six young men, who -looked as much alike as peas in the same pod, and all of whom wore very -neat and handsome liveries of wine-color, with silver buttons on their -coats. - -Jikki blinked and stared at these people, and rubbed his eyes to make -sure he was awake. - -“Who are you?” he managed to ask. - -“We are your half a dozen servants, sir,” answered the young men, -speaking all together and bowing again. - -Jikki gasped and raised his hands with sudden amazement as he gazed in -wonder upon the row of six smart servants. - -“But—what—are you doing here?” he stammered. - -“We are here to wait upon you, sir, as is our duty,” they answered -respectfully. - -Jikki rubbed his left ear, as was his custom when perplexed; and then he -thought it all over. And the more he thought the more perplexed he -became. - -“I don’t understand!” he finally said, in a weak voice. - -[Illustration: “‘YOU WISHED FOR US, AND HERE WE ARE,’ DECLARED THE -SIX.”] - -“You wished for us, and here we are,” declared the six, once more bowing -low before him. - -“I know,” said Jikki. “But I’ve often wished for many other things—and -never got a single one of the wishes before!” - -The young men did not attempt to explain this curious fact. They stood -in a straight row before their master, as if awaiting his orders. One -held the shoe Jikki had dropped, another its mate, still another the -plumed hat, and a fourth the tray of dishes. - -“You see,” remarked Jikki, shaking his head sadly at the six, “I’m only -a servant myself.” - -“You are our master, sir!” announced the young men, their voices blended -into one. - -“I wish,” said Jikki, solemnly, “you were all back where you came from!” -And then he paused to see if his wish also would be fulfilled. But no; -the magic cloak conferred the fulfilment of but one wish upon its -wearer, and the half a dozen servants remained standing rigidly before -him. - -Jikki arose with a sigh. - -“Come downstairs to my private room,” he said, “and we’ll talk the -matter over.” - -So they descended the grand stairway to the main hall of the grand -palace, Jikki going first and his servants following at a respectful -distance. Just off the hall Jikki had a pleasant room where he could sit -when not employed, and into this he led the six. - -After all, he considered, it would not be a bad thing to have half a -dozen servants; they would save his old legs from many a tiresome -errand. But just as they reached the hall a new thought struck him and -he turned suddenly upon his followers: - -“See here!” he exclaimed. “How much wages do you fellows expect?” - -“We expect no wages at all, sir,” they answered. - -“What! nothing at all!” Jikki was so startled that he scarcely had -strength remaining to stagger into his private room and sink into a -chair. - -“No wages! Six servants, and no wages to pay!” he muttered. “Why, it’s -wonderful—marvelous—astounding!” - -Then he thought to himself: “I’ll try ’em, and see if they’ll really -work.” And aloud he asked: - -“How can I tell you apart—one from another?” - -Each servant raised his right arm and pointed to a silver badge upon his -left breast; and then Jikki discovered that they were all numbered, from -“one” up to “six.” - -“Ah! very good!” said Jikki. “Now, number six, take this shoe into the -boot-room, and clean and polish it.” - -Number six bowed and glided from the room as swiftly and silently as if -he were obeying a command of the King of Noland. - -“Number five,” continued Jikki, “take this tray to the kitchen.” Number -five obeyed instantly, and Jikki chuckled with delight. - -“Number two, take this to the milliner in Royal Street, and have the -feathers curled.” - -Number two bowed and departed almost before the words had left Jikki’s -mouth; and then the king’s valet regarded the remaining three in some -perplexity. - -“Half a dozen servants is almost too many,” he thought. “It will keep me -busy to keep them busy. I should have wished for only one—or two at the -most.” - -Just then he remembered something. - -“Number four,” said he, “go after number two and tell the milliner that -the hat belongs to Madam Rivette, the king’s aunt.” - -And a few moments later, when the remaining two servants, standing -upright before him, had begun to make him nervous, Jikki cried out: - -“Number three, take this other shoe down to the boot-room and tell -number six to clean and polish it also.” - -This left but one of the six unoccupied, and Jikki was wondering what to -do with him when a bell rang. - -“That’s the king’s bell,” said Jikki. - -“I am not the king’s servant; I am here only to wait upon you,” said -number one, without moving to answer the bell. - -“Then I must go myself,” sighed the valet, and rushed away to obey the -king’s summons. - -Scarcely had he disappeared when Tollydob, the lord high general, -entered the room and said in a gruff voice: - -“Where is Jikki? Where’s that rascal Jikki?” - -Number one, standing stiffly at one end of the room, made no reply. - -“Answer me, you scoundrel!” roared the old general. “Where’s Jikki?” - -Still number one stood silent, and this so enraged old Tollydob that he -raised his cane and aimed a furious blow at the young man. The cane -seemed to pass directly through the fellow, and it struck the wall -behind so forcibly that it split into two parts. - -This amazed Tollydob. He stared a moment at the silent servant, and then -turned his back upon him and sat down in Jikki’s chair. Here his eyes -fell upon the magic cloak, which the king’s valet had thrown down. - -Tollydob, attracted by the gorgeous coloring and soft texture of the -garment, picked up the cloak and threw it over his shoulders; and then -he walked to a mirror and began admiring his reflection. - -While thus engaged, Jikki returned, and the valet was so startled at -seeing the lord high general that he never noticed the cloak at all. - -“His Majesty has asked to see your Highness,” said Jikki; “and I was -about to go in search of you.” - -“I’ll go to the king at once,” answered Tollydob, and as he walked away -Jikki suddenly noticed that he was wearing the cloak. “Oho!” thought the -valet, “he has gone off with the Princess Fluff’s pretty cloak; but when -he returns from the king’s chamber I’ll get it again and send number one -to carry it to its rightful owner.” - - - - - Chapter X. - THE COUNSELORS WEAR THE MAGIC CLOAK. - - -When Tollydob, still wearing the magic cloak, had bowed before the king, -Bud asked: - -“How many men are there in the royal army, general?” - -“Seven thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven, may it please your -gracious Majesty,” returned Tollydob—“that is, without counting myself.” - -“And do they obey your orders promptly?” inquired Bud, who felt a little -doubt on this point. - -“Yes, indeed!” answered the general, proudly. “They are terribly afraid -of my anger.” - -“And yet you’re a very small man to command so large an army,” said the -king. - -The lord high general flushed with shame; for, although he was both old -and fat, he was so short of stature that he stood but a trifle taller -than Bud himself. And, like all short men, he was very sensitive about -his height. - -“I’m a terrible fighter, your Majesty,” declared Tollydob, earnestly; -“and when I’m on horseback my small size is little noticed. -Nevertheless,” he added, with a sigh, “it is a good thing to be tall. I -wish I were ten feet high.” - -No sooner were the words spoken than Bud gave a cry of astonishment; for -the general’s head shot suddenly upward until his gorgeous hat struck -the ceiling and was jammed down tightly over the startled man’s eyes and -nose. - -The room was just ten feet high, and Tollydob was now ten feet tall; but -for a time the old general could not think what had happened to him, and -Bud, observing for the first time that Tollydob wore the magic cloak, -began to shriek with laughter at the comical result of the old man’s -wish. - -Hearing the king laugh, the general tore the hat from his head and -looked at himself in mingled terror and admiration. - -From being a very small man he had suddenly become a giant, and the -change was so great that Tollydob might well be amazed. - -[Illustration: “‘I WISH I WERE TEN FEET HIGH.’”] - -“What has happened, your Majesty?” he asked in a trembling voice. - -“Why, don’t you see, you were wearing my sister’s magic cloak,” said -Bud, still laughing at the big man’s woeful face; “and it grants to -every wearer the fulfillment of one wish.” - -“Only one?” inquired poor Tollydob. “I’d like to be a little smaller, I -confess.” - -“It can’t be helped now,” said Bud. “You wished to be ten feet tall, and -there you are! And there you’ll have to stay, Tollydob, whether you like -it or not. But I’m very proud of you. You must be the greatest general -in all the world, you know!” - -Tollydob brightened up at this, and tried to sit down in a chair: but it -crushed to pieces under his weight; so he sighed and remained standing. -Then he threw the magic cloak upon the floor, with a little shudder at -its fairy powers, and said: - -“If I’d only known, I might have become just six feet tall instead of -ten!” - -“Never mind,” said Bud, consolingly. “If we ever have a war, you will -strike terror into the ranks of the enemy, and every one in Noland will -admire you immensely. Hereafter you will be not only the lord high -general, but the lord _very_ high general.” - -So Tollydob went away to show himself to the chief counselor; and he had -to stoop very low to pass through the doorway. - -When Jikki saw the gigantic man coming out of the king’s chamber, he -gave a scream and fled in terror; and, strange to say, this effect was -very agreeable to the lord high general, who loved to make people fear -him. - -Bud ran to tell Fluff of the curious thing that had happened to his -general; and so it was that when the lord high executioner entered the -palace there was no one around to receive him. He made his way into the -king’s chamber, and there he found the magic cloak lying upon the floor. - -“I’ve seen the Princess Fluff wearing this,” thought the lord high -executioner; “so it must belong to her. I’ll take it to her rooms, for -it is far too pretty to be lying around in this careless way, and Jikki -ought to be scolded for allowing it.” - -So Tellydeb picked up the cloak and laid it over his arm; then he -admired the bright hues that ran through the fabric, and presently his -curiosity got the better of him; he decided to try it on and see how he -would look in it. - -While thus employed the sound of a girl’s sweet laughter fell upon -Tellydeb’s ears, seeming to come from a far distance. - -“The princess must be in the royal gardens,” he said to himself. “I’ll -go there and find her.” - -So the lord high executioner walked through the great hall, still -wearing the cloak, and finally came to the back of the palace and passed -a doorway leading into the gardens. All was quiet here, save for the -song of the birds as they fluttered among the trees; but at the other -end of the garden Tellydeb caught a glimpse of a white gown, which he -suspected might be that of the little princess. - -He walked along the paths slowly, enjoying the scent of the flowers and -the peacefulness of the scene; for the lord high executioner was a -gentle-natured man and delighted in beautiful sights. - -After a time he reached a fruit-orchard, and saw hanging far up in a big -tree a fine red apple. Tellydeb paused and looked at this longingly. - -“I wish I could reach that apple!” he said, with a sigh, as he extended -his arm upward. - -Instantly the arm stretched toward the apple, which was at least forty -feet away from the lord high executioner; and while the astonished man -eyed his elongated arm in surprise, the hand clutched the apple, plucked -it, and drew it back to him; and there he stood—the apple in his hand, -and his arm apparently the same as it had been before he accomplished -the wonderful feat. - -[Illustration: “‘I WISH I COULD REACH THAT APPLE!’ HE SAID, WITH A SIGH, -AS HE EXTENDED HIS ARM UPWARD.”] - -For a moment the counselor was overcome with fear. The cloak dropped -unnoticed from his shoulders and fell upon the graveled walk, while -Tellydeb sank upon a bench and shivered. - -“It—it was like magic!” he murmured. “I but reached out my hand—so—it -went nearly to the top of the tree, and—” - -Here he gave a cry of wonder, for again his arm stretched the distance -and touched the topmost branches of the tree. He drew it back hastily, -and turned to see if any one had observed him. But this part of the -garden was deserted, so the old man eagerly tested his new -accomplishment. - -He plucked a rose from a bush a dozen yards to the right, and having -smelled its odor he placed it in a vase that stood twenty feet to his -left. Then he noted a fountain far across a hedge, and reaching the -distance easily, dipped his hand in the splashing water. It was all very -amazing, this sudden power to reach a great distance, and the lord high -executioner was so pleased with the faculty that when he discovered old -Jikki standing in the palace doorway, he laughingly fetched him a box on -the ear that sent the valet scampering away to his room in amazed -terror. - -Said Tellydeb to himself: “Now I’ll go home and show my wife what a -surprising gift I have acquired.” - -So he left the garden; and not long afterward old Tallydab, the lord -high steward, came walking down the path, followed by his little dog -Ruffles. I am not certain whether it was because his coat was so shaggy -or his temper so uncertain that Tallydab’s dog was named Ruffles; but -the name fitted well both the looks and the disposition of the tiny -animal. Nevertheless, the lord high steward was very fond of his dog, -which followed him everywhere except to the king’s council-chamber; and -often the old man would tell Ruffles his troubles and worries, and talk -to the dog just as one would to a person. - -To-day, as they came slowly down the garden-walk, Tallydab noticed a -splendid cloak lying upon the path. - -“How very beautiful!” he exclaimed, as he stooped to pick it up. “I have -never seen anything like this since the Princess Fluff first rode into -Nole beside her brother the king. Isn’t it a lovely cloak, Ruffles?” - -The dog gave a subdued yelp and wagged his stubby tail. - -“How do I look in it, Ruffles?” continued the lord high steward, -wrapping the folds of the magic cloak about him; “how do I look in such -gorgeous apparel?” - -The dog stopped wagging its tail and looked up at its master earnestly. - -“How do I look?” again said Tallydab. “I declare, I wish you could -talk!” - -“You look perfectly ridiculous,” replied the dog, in a rather harsh -voice. - -The lord high steward jumped nearly three feet in the air, so startled -was he by Ruffles’s reply. Then he bent down, a hand on each knee, and -regarded the dog curiously. - -“I thought, at first, you had spoken!” said he. - -“What caused you to change your mind?” asked Ruffles, peevishly. “I -_did_ speak—I _am_ speaking. Can’t you believe it?” - -The lord high steward drew a deep sigh of conviction. - -[Illustration: “‘YOU LOOK PERFECTLY RIDICULOUS!’ REPLIED THE DOG.”] - -“I believe it!” he made answer. “I have always declared you were a -wonderful dog, and now you prove I am right. Why, you are the only dog I -ever heard of who could talk!” - -“Except in fairy tales,” said Ruffles, calmly. “Don’t forget the fairy -tales.” - -“I don’t forget,” replied Tallydab. “But this isn’t a fairy tale, -Ruffles. It’s real life in the kingdom of Noland.” - -“To be sure,” answered Ruffles. “But see here, my dear master: now that -I am, at last, able to talk, please allow me to ask you for something -decent to eat. I’d like a good meal for once, just to see what it is -like.” - -“A good meal!” exclaimed the steward. “Why, my friend, don’t I give you -a big bone every day?” - -“You do,” said the dog; “and I nearly break my teeth on it, trying to -crack it to get a little marrow. Whatever induces people to give their -dogs bones instead of meat?” - -“Why, I thought you liked bones!” protested Tallydab, sitting on the -bench and looking at his dog in astonishment. - -“Well, I don’t. I prefer something to eat—something good and wholesome, -such as you eat yourself,” growled Ruffles. - -The lord high steward gave a laugh. - -[Illustration: “‘WHY, I THOUGHT YOU LIKED BONES!’ PROTESTED TALLYDAB, -SITTING ON THE BENCH AND LOOKING AT HIS DOG IN ASTONISHMENT.”] - -“Why,” said he, “don’t you remember that old Mother Hubbard?” - -“Ah! that _was_ a fairy tale,” interrupted Ruffles, impatiently. “And -there wasn’t even a bone in her cupboard, after all. Don’t mention -Mother Hubbard to me, if you want to retain my friendship.” - -“And that reminds me,” resumed the steward with a scowl, “that a few -minutes ago you said I looked ridiculous in this lovely cloak.” - -“You do!” said Ruffles, with a sniff. “It is a girl’s cloak, and not fit -for a wrinkled old man like you.” - -“I believe you are right,” answered Tallydab, with a sigh; and he -removed the cloak from his shoulders and hung it over the back of the -garden seat. “In regard to the meat that you so long for,” he added, “if -you will follow me to the royal kitchen I will see that you have all you -desire.” - -“Spoken like a good friend!” exclaimed the dog. “Let us go at once.” - -So they passed down the garden to the kitchen door, and the magic cloak, -which had wrought such wonderful things that day, still remained -neglectfully cast aside. - -It was growing dusk when old Tillydib, the lord high purse-bearer, stole -into the garden and sat upon the bench to smoke his pipe in peace. All -the afternoon he had been worried by people with bills for this thing or -that, and the royal purse was very light indeed when Tillydib had at -last managed to escape to the garden. - -“If this keeps up,” he reflected, “there will be no money left; and then -I’m sure I don’t know what will become of us all!” - -The air was chilly. The old counselor shivered a little, and noting the -cloak that lay over the back of the seat, drew it about his shoulders. - -“It will be five months,” he muttered half aloud, “before we can tax the -people for more money; and before five months are up the king and his -counselors may all starve to death—even in this splendid palace! -Heigh-ho! I wish the royal purse would always remain full, no matter how -much money I drew from it!” - -The big purse, which had lain lightly on his knee, now slid off and -pulled heavily upon the golden chain which the old man wore around his -neck to fasten the purse to him securely. - -Aroused from his anxious thoughts, Tillydib lifted the purse to his lap -again, and was astonished to feel its weight. He opened the clasp and -saw that the huge sack was actually running over with gold pieces. - -[Illustration: “‘I WISH THE ROYAL PURSE WOULD ALWAYS REMAIN FULL, NO -MATTER HOW MUCH MONEY I DREW FROM IT!’”] - -“Now, where on earth did all this wealth come from?” he exclaimed, -shaking his head in a puzzled way. “I’ll go at once and pay some of the -creditors who are waiting for me.” - -So he ran to the royal treasury, which was a front room in the palace, -and began paying every one who presented an account. He expected -presently to empty the purse; but no matter how heavily he drew upon the -contents, it remained ever as full as in the beginning. - -“It must be,” thought the old man, when the last bill had been paid, -“that my idle wish has in some mysterious way been granted.” - -But he did not know he owed his good fortune to the magic cloak, which -he still wore. - -As he was leaving the room, he met the king and Princess Fluff, who were -just come from dinner; and the girl exclaimed: - -“Why, there is my cloak! Where did you get it, Tillydib?” - -“I found it in the garden,” answered the lord high purse-bearer; “but -take it, if it is yours. And here is something to repay you for the loan -of it;” and he poured into her hands a heap of glittering gold. - -“Oh, thank you!” cried Fluff; and taking the precious cloak she dropped -the gold into it and carried it to her room. - -“I’ll never lend it again unless it is really necessary,” she said to -herself. “It was very careless of Aunt Rivette to leave my fairy cloak -in the garden.” - -And then after carefully folding it and wrapping it up she locked it in -a drawer, and hid the key where no one but herself could find it. - -[Illustration: “THIS WAS THE MOMENT QUAVO HAD EAGERLY AWAITED.”] - - - - - Chapter XI. - THE WITCH-QUEEN. - - -It is not very far from the kingdom of Noland to the kingdom of Ix. If -you followed the steps of Quavo the minstrel, you would climb the sides -of a steep mountain-range, and go down on the other side, and cross a -broad and swift river, and pick your way through a dark forest. You -would then have reached the land of Ix and would find an easy path into -the big city. - -But even before one came to the city he would see the high marble towers -of Queen Zixi’s magnificent palace, and pause to wonder at its beauty. - -Quavo the minstrel had been playing his harp in the city of Nole, and -his eyes were sharp; so he had seen many things to gossip and sing -about, and therefore never doubted he would be warmly welcomed by Queen -Zixi. - -He reached the marble palace about dusk, one evening, and was bidden to -the feast which was about to be served. - -A long table ran down the length of the lofty hall built in the center -of the palace; and this table was covered with gold and silver platters -bearing many kinds of meats and fruits and vegetables, while tall, -ornamented stands contained sweets and delicacies to tickle the palate. - -At the head of the table, on a jeweled throne, sat Queen Zixi herself, a -vision of radiant beauty and charming grace. - -Her hair was yellow as spun gold, and her wondrous eyes raven black in -hue. Her skin was fair as a lily, save where her cheek was faintly -tinted with a flush of rose-color. - -Dainty and lovely, indeed, was the Queen of Ix in appearance; yet none -of her lords or attendants cast more than a passing glance upon her -beauty. For they were used to seeing her thus. - -There were graybeards at her table this evening who could remember the -queen’s rare beauty since they were boys; ay, and who had been told by -their fathers and grandfathers of Queen Zixi’s loveliness when they also -were mere children. In fact, no one in Ix had ever heard of the time -when the land was not ruled by this same queen, or when she was not in -appearance as young and fair as she was to-day. Which easily proves she -was not an ordinary person at all. - -And I may as well tell you here that Queen Zixi, despite the fact that -she looked to be no more than sixteen, was in reality six hundred and -eighty-three years of age, and had prolonged her life in this -extraordinary way by means of the arts of witchcraft. - -I do not mean by this that she was an evil person. She had always ruled -her kingdom wisely and liberally, and the people of Ix made no manner of -complaint against their queen. If there were a war, she led her armies -in person, clad in golden mail and helmet; and in years of peace she -taught them to sow and reap grain, and to fashion many useful articles -of metal, and to build strong and substantial houses. Nor were her taxes -ever more than the people could bear. - -Yet, for all this, Zixi was more feared than loved; for every one -remembered she was a witch, and also knew she was hundreds of years old. -So, no matter how amiable their queen might be, she was always treated -with extreme respect, and folks weighed well their words when they -conversed with her. - -[Illustration: “‘STOP!’ CRIED THE QUEEN, WITH SUDDEN EXCITEMENT.”] - -Next the queen, on both sides of the table, sat her most favored nobles -and their ladies; farther down were the rich merchants and officers of -the army; and at the lower end were servants and members of the -household. For this was the custom in the land of Ix. - -Quavo the harpist sat near the lower end; and, when all had been -comfortably fed, the queen called upon him for a song. This was the -moment Quavo had eagerly awaited. He took his harp, seated himself in a -niche of the wall, and, according to the manner of ancient minstrels, he -sang of the things he had seen in other lands, thus serving his hearers -with the news of the day as well as pleasing them with his music. This -is the way he began: - - “Of Noland now a tale I’ll sing, - Where reigns a strangely youthful king— - A boy, who has by chance alone - Been called to sit upon a throne. - His sister shares his luck, and she - The fairies’ friend is said to be; - For they did mystic arts invoke - And weave for her a magic cloak - Which grants its wearer—thus I’m told— - Gifts more precious far than gold. - - “She’s but to wish, and her desire - Quite instantly she will acquire; - And when she lends it to her friends, - The favor unto them extends. - - “For one who wears the cloak can fly - Like any eagle in the sky. - And one did wish, by sudden freak, - His dog be granted power to speak; - And now the beast can talk as well - As I, and also read and spell. - And—” - -“Stop!” cried the queen, with sudden excitement. “Do you lie, minstrel, -or are you speaking the truth?” - -Secretly glad that his news was received thus eagerly, Quavo continued -to twang the harp as he replied in verse: - - “Now may I die at break of day, - If false is any word I say.” - -“And what is this cloak like—and who owns it?” demanded the queen, -impetuously. - -Sang the minstrel: - - “The cloak belongs to Princess Fluff; - ’Tis woven of some secret stuff - Which makes it gleam with splendor bright - That fills beholders with delight.” - -Thereafter the beautiful Zixi remained lost in thought, her dainty chin -resting within the hollow of her hand and her eyes dreamily fixed upon -the minstrel. - -[Illustration: “SHE MADE A SOLEMN VOW THAT SHE WOULD SECURE THE MAGIC -CLOAK WITHIN A YEAR.”] - -And Quavo, judging that his news had brought him into rare favor, told -more and more wonderful tales of the magic cloak, some of which were -true, while others were mere inventions of his own; for newsmongers, as -every one knows, were ever unable to stick to facts since the world -began. - -All the courtiers and officers and servants listened with wide eyes and -parted lips to the song, marveling greatly at what they had heard. And -when it was finally ended, and the evening far spent, Queen Zixi threw a -golden chain to the minstrel as a reward and left the hall, attended by -her maidens. - -Throughout the night which followed, she tossed sleeplessly upon her -bed, thinking of the magic cloak and longing to possess it. And when the -morning sun rose over the horizon, she made a solemn vow that she would -secure the magic cloak within a year, even if it cost her the half of -her kingdom. - -Now the reason for this rash vow, showing Zixi’s intense desire to -possess the cloak, was very peculiar. Although she had been an adept at -witchcraft for more than six hundred years, and was able to retain her -health and remain in appearance young and beautiful, there was one thing -her art was unable to deceive, and that one thing was a mirror. - -[Illustration: “QUEEN ZIXI LEFT THE HALL ATTENDED BY HER MAIDENS.”] - -To mortal eyes Zixi was charming and attractive; yet her reflection in a -mirror showed to her an ugly old hag, bald of head, wrinkled, with -toothless gums and withered, sunken cheeks. - -For this reason the queen had no mirror of any sort about the palace. -Even from her own dressing-room the mirror had been banished, and she -depended upon her maids and hair-dressers to make her look as lovely as -possible. She knew she was beautiful in appearance to others; her maids -declared it continually, and in all eyes she truly read admiration. - -But Zixi wanted to admire herself; and that was impossible so long as -the cold mirrors showed her reflection to be the old hag others would -also have seen had not her arts of witchcraft deceived them. - -Everything else a woman and a queen might desire Zixi was able to obtain -by her arts. Yet the one thing she could _not_ have made her very -unhappy. - -As I have already said, she was not a bad queen. She used her knowledge -of sorcery to please her own fancy or to benefit her kingdom, but never -to injure any one else. So she may be forgiven for wanting to see a -beautiful girl reflected in a mirror, instead of a haggard old woman in -her six hundred and eighty-fourth year. - -Zixi had given up all hope of ever accomplishing her object until she -heard of the magic cloak. The powers of witches are somewhat limited; -but she knew that the powers of fairies are boundless. So if the magic -cloak could grant any human wish, as Quavo’s song had told her was the -case, she would manage to secure it and would at once wish for a -reflection in the mirror of the same features all others beheld—and then -she would become happy and content. - - - - - Chapter XII. - ZIXI DISGUISES HERSELF. - - -Now, as might be expected, Queen Zixi lost no time in endeavoring to -secure the magic cloak. The people of Ix were not on friendly terms with -the people of Noland; so she could not visit Princess Fluff openly; and -she knew it was useless to try to borrow so priceless a treasure as a -cloak which had been the gift of the fairies. But one way remained to -her—to steal the precious robe. - -So she began her preparations by telling her people she would be absent -from Ix for a month, and then she retired to her own room and mixed, by -the rules of witchcraft, a black mess in a silver kettle, and boiled it -until it was as thick as molasses. Of this inky mixture she swallowed -two teaspoonfuls every hour for six hours, muttering an incantation each -time. At the end of the six hours her golden hair had become brown and -her black eyes had become blue; and this was quite sufficient to -disguise the pretty queen so that no one would recognize her. Then she -took off her richly embroidered queenly robes, and hung them up in a -closet, putting on a simple gingham dress, a white apron, and a plain -hat such as common people of her country wore. - -[Illustration: “OF THIS INKY MIXTURE SHE SWALLOWED TWO TEASPOONFULS -EVERY HOUR FOR SIX HOURS.”] - -When these preparations had been made, Zixi slipped out the back door of -the palace and walked through the city to the forest; and, although she -met many people, no one suspected that she was the queen. - -It was rough walking in the forest; but she got through at last, and -reached the bank of the river. Here a fisherman was found, who consented -to ferry her across in his boat; and afterward Zixi climbed the high -mountain and came down the other side into the kingdom of Noland. - -She rented a neat little cottage just at the north gateway of the city -of Nole, and by the next morning there was a sign over the doorway which -announced: - - MISS TRUST’S - ACADEMY OF WITCHERY - FOR YOUNG LADIES. - -Then Zixi had printed on green paper a lot of handbills which read as -follows: - - Miss Trust, - - A pupil of the celebrated Professor Hatrack of Hooktown-on-the-Creek, - is now located at Woodbine Villa (North Gateway of Nole), and is - prepared to teach the young ladies of this city the _Arts of - Witchcraft_ according to the most modern and approved methods. Terms - moderate. References required. - -These handbills she hired a little boy to carry to all the aristocratic -houses in Nole, and to leave one on each door-step. Several were left on -the different door-steps of the palace, and one of these came to the -notice of Princess Fluff. - -“How funny!” she exclaimed on reading it. “I’ll go, and take all my -eight maids with me. It will be no end of fun to learn to be a witch.” - -Many other people in Nole applied for instruction in “Miss Trust’s -Academy,” but Zixi told them all she had no vacancies. When, however, -Fluff and her maids arrived, she welcomed them with the utmost -cordiality, and consented to give them their first lesson at once. - -When she had seated them in her parlor, Zixi said: - - “If you wish to be a witch, - You must speak an incantation: - You must with deliberation - Say: ‘The when of why is which!’” - -“What does that mean?” asked Fluff. - -“No one knows,” answered Zixi; “and therefore it is a fine incantation. -Now, all the class will please repeat after me the following words: - - “Erig-a-ma-role, erig-a-ma-ree; - Jig-ger-nut, jog-ger-nit, que-jig-ger-ee. - Sim-mer-kin, sam-mer-kin, sem-mer-ga-roo; - Zil-li-pop, zel-li-pop, lol-li-pop-loo!” - -They tried to do this, but their tongues stumbled constantly over the -syllables, and one of the maids began to laugh. - -“Stop laughing, please!” cried Zixi, rapping her ruler on the table. -“This is no laughing matter, I assure you, young ladies. The science of -witchcraft is a solemn and serious study, and I cannot teach it you -unless you behave.” - -“But what’s it all about?” asked Fluff. - -“I’ll explain what it’s about to-morrow,” said Zixi, with dignity. “Now, -here are two important incantations which you must learn by heart before -you come to to-morrow’s lesson. If you can speak them correctly and -rapidly, and above all very distinctly, I will then allow you to perform -a wonderful witchery.” - -She handed them each a slip of paper on which were written the -incantations, as follows: - - Incantation No. 1. - (To be spoken only in the presence of a black cat.) - - This is that, and that is this; - Bliss is blest, and blest is bliss. - Who is that, and what is who; - Shed is shod, and shud is shoe! - - Incantation No. 2. - (To be spoken when the clock strikes twelve.) - - What is which, and which is what; - Pat is pet, and pit is pat; - Hid is hide, and hod is hid; - Did is deed, and done is did! - -“Now, there is one thing more,” continued Zixi; “and this is very -important. You must each wear the handsomest and most splendid cloak you -can secure when you come to me to-morrow morning.” - -This request made Princess Fluff thoughtful all the way home, for she at -once remembered her magic cloak, and wondered if the strange Miss Trust -knew she possessed it. - -She asked Bud about it that night, and the young king said: - -“I’m afraid this witch-woman is some one trying to get hold of your -magic cloak. I would advise you not to wear it when she is around, or, -more than likely, she may steal it.” - -[Illustration: “‘NOW, THERE IS ONE THING MORE,’ CONTINUED ZIXI, ‘AND -THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.’”] - -So Fluff did not wear her magic cloak the next day, but selected in its -place a pretty blue cape edged with gold. When she and her maids reached -the cottage, Zixi cried out angrily: - -“That is not your handsomest cloak. Go home at once and get the other -one!” - -“I won’t,” said Fluff, shortly. - -“You must! You must!” insisted the witch-woman. “I can teach you nothing -unless you wear the other cloak.” - -“How did you know I had another cloak?” asked the princess, -suspiciously. - -“By witchcraft, perhaps,” said Zixi, mildly. “If you want to be a witch -you must wear it.” - -“I don’t want to be a witch,” declared Fluff. “Come, girls, come; let’s -go home at once.” - -“Wait—wait!” implored Zixi, eagerly. “If you’ll get the cloak I will -teach you the most wonderful things in the world! I will make you the -most powerful witch that ever lived!” - -“I don’t believe you,” replied Fluff; and then she marched back to the -palace with all her maids. - -But Zixi knew her plot had failed; so she locked up the cottage and went -back again to Ix, climbing the mountain and crossing the river and -threading the forest with angry thoughts and harsh words. - -[Illustration: “‘THAT IS NOT YOUR HANDSOMEST CLOAK. GO HOME AT ONCE AND -GET THE OTHER ONE!’”] - -Yet the queen was more determined than ever to secure the magic cloak. -As soon as she had reëntered her palace and by more incantations had -again transformed her hair to yellow and her eyes to black and dressed -herself in her royal robes, she summoned her generals and counselors and -told them to make ready to war upon the kingdom of Noland. - - - - - Chapter XIII. - TULLYDUB RESCUES THE KINGDOM. - - -All soldiers love to fight; so when the army of Ix learned that they -were to go to war, they rejoiced exceedingly over the news. - -They polished up their swords and battle-axes, and sewed all the missing -buttons on their uniforms, and mended their socks, and had their hair -cut, and were ready to march as soon as the queen was ready to have them -start. - -King Bud of Noland had an army of seven thousand seven hundred and -seventy-seven men, besides a general ten feet high; but the Queen of Ix -had an army more than twice as big, and she decided to lead it in -person, so that when she had conquered the city of Nole she herself -could seize the precious magic cloak which she so greatly coveted. - -[Illustration: “QUEEN ZIXI RODE OUT AT THE HEAD OF HER ARMY, CLAD IN A -SUIT OF MAIL.”] - -Therefore Queen Zixi rode out at the head of her army, clad in a suit of -mail, with a glittering helmet upon her head that was surmounted by a -flowing white plume. And all the soldiers cheered their queen and had no -doubt at all that she would win a glorious victory. - -Quavo the minstrel, who wandered constantly about, was on his way to -Noland again; and while Queen Zixi’s army was cutting a path through the -forest and making a bridge to cross the river, he came speedily by a -little-known path to the city of Nole, where he told Tullydub, the lord -high counselor, what was threatening his king. - -So, trembling with terror, Tullydub hastened to the palace and called a -meeting of the five high counselors in the king’s antechamber. - -When all were assembled, together with Bud and Fluff, the old man told -his news and cried: - -“We shall all be slaughtered and our kingdom sacked and destroyed, for -the army of Ix is twice as big as our own—yes, twice as big!” - -“Oh, pooh! What of that?” said Tollydob, scornfully; “have they a -general as tall as I am?” - -“Certainly not,” said the chief counselor. “Who ever saw a man as tall -as you are?” - -“Then I’ll fight and conquer them!” declared Tollydob, rising and -walking about the room, so that all might see where his head just grazed -the ceiling. - -“But you can’t, general; you can’t fight an army by yourself!” -remonstrated Tullydub, excitedly. “And being so big, you are a better -mark for their arrows and axes.” - -At this the general sat down rather suddenly and grew pale. - -“Perhaps we can buy them off,” remarked the lord high purse-bearer, -jingling the purse that now never became empty. - -“No, I’m afraid not,” sighed Tullydub. “Quavo the minstrel said they -were bent upon conquest, and were resolved upon a battle.” - -“And their queen is a witch,” added Tallydab, nervously. “We must not -forget that.” - -“A witch!” exclaimed Princess Fluff, with sudden interest. “What does -she look like?” - -But all shook their heads at the question, and Tullydub explained: - -“None of us has ever seen her, for we have never been friendly with the -people of Ix. But from all reports, Queen Zixi is both young and -beautiful.” - -[Illustration: “THE GENERAL SAT DOWN SUDDENLY AND GREW PALE.”] - -“Maybe it’s the one who wanted to teach me witchcraft in order to steal -my magic cloak!” said Fluff, with sudden excitement. “And when she found -she couldn’t steal it, she went back after her army.” - -“What magic cloak do you refer to?” asked Tullydub. - -“Why, the one the fairies gave me,” replied Fluff. - -“Is it of gorgeous colors with golden threads running through it?” asked -the lord high general, now thoroughly interested. - -“Yes,” said the princess, “the very same.” - -“And what peculiar powers does it possess?” - -“Why, it grants its wearer the fulfillment of one wish,” she answered. - -All the high counselors regarded her earnestly. - -“Then that was the cloak I wore when I wished to be ten feet high!” said -Tollydob. - -“And I wore it when I wished I could reach the apple,” said Tellydeb. - -“And I wore it when I wished that my dog Ruffles could speak,” said -Tallydab. - -“And I wore it when I wished the royal purse would always remain full,” -said Tillydib. - -“I did not know that,” remarked Fluff, thoughtfully. “But I’ll never -forget that I lent it to Aunt Rivette, and that was the time she wished -she could fly!” - -“Why, it’s wonderful!” cried old Tullydub. “Has it granted you, also, a -wish?” - -“Yes,” said Fluff, brightly. “And I’ve been happy ever since.” - -“And has your brother, the king, had a wish?” Tullydub inquired eagerly. - -“No,” said Bud. “I can still have mine.” - -“Then why doesn’t your Majesty wear the cloak and wish that your army -shall conquer the Queen of Ix’s?” asked the lord high counselor. - -“I’m saving my wish,” answered Bud, “and it won’t be that, either.” - -“But unless something is done we shall all be destroyed,” protested -Tullydub. - -“Then wear the cloak yourself,” said Bud. “You haven’t had a wish yet.” - -“Good!” cried the four other counselors; and the lord high general -added: “That will surely save us from any further worry.” - -“I’ll fetch the cloak at once,” said Fluff, and she ran quickly from the -room to get it. - -“Supposing,” Tullydub remarked hesitatingly, “the magic power shouldn’t -work?” - -“Oh, but it will!” answered the general. - -“I’m sure it will,” said the steward. - -“I know it will,” declared the purse-bearer. - -“It cannot fail,” affirmed the executioner; “remember what it has -already done for us!” - -Then Fluff arrived with the cloak; and, after considering carefully how -he would speak his wish, the lord high counselor drew the cloak over his -shoulders and said solemnly: - -“I wish that we shall be able to defeat our enemies, and drive them all -from the kingdom of Noland.” - -[Illustration: “THE LORD HIGH COUNSELOR DREW THE CLOAK OVER HIS -SHOULDERS.”] - -“Didn’t you make two wishes instead of one?” asked the princess, -anxiously. - -“Never mind,” said the general; “if we defeat them it will be easy -enough to drive them from our kingdom.” - -The lord high counselor removed the cloak and carefully refolded it. - -“If it grants my wish,” said he, thoughtfully, “it will indeed be lucky -for our country that the Princess Fluff came to live in the palace of -the king.” - - -The queen formed her men into a line of battle facing the army of Nole, -and they were so numerous in comparison with their enemies that even the -more timorous soldiers gained confidence, and stood up straight and -threw out their chests as if to show how brave they were. - -Then Queen Zixi, clad in her flashing mail and mounted upon her -magnificent white charger, rode slowly along the ranks, her white plume -nodding gracefully with the motion of the horse. - -And when she reached the center of the line she halted, and addressed -her army in a voice that sounded clear as the tones of a bell and -reached to every listening ear. - -“Soldiers of the land of Ix,” she began, “we are about to engage in a -great battle for conquest and glory. Before you lies the rich city of -Nole, and when you have defeated yonder army and gained the gates you -may divide among yourselves all the plunder of gold and silver and -jewels and precious stones that the place contains.” - -Hearing this, a great shout of joy arose from the soldiers, which Zixi -quickly silenced with a wave of her white hand. - -“For myself,” she continued, “I desire nothing more than a cloak that is -owned by the Princess Fluff. All else shall be given to my brave army.” - -“But—supposed we do not win the battle?” asked one of her generals, -anxiously. “What then do we gain?” - -“Nothing but disgrace,” answered the queen, haughtily. “But how can we -fail to win when I myself lead the assault? Queen Zixi of Ix has fought -a hundred battles and never yet met with defeat!” - -There was more cheering at this, for Zixi’s words were quite true. -Nevertheless, her soldiers did not like the look of that silent army of -Nole standing so steadfastly before the gates and facing the invaders -with calm determination. - -Zixi herself was somewhat disturbed at this sight, for she could not -guess what powers the magic cloak had given to the Nolanders. But in a -loud and undaunted voice she shouted the command to advance; and while -trumpets blared and drums rolled, the great army of Ix awoke to action -and marched steadily upon the men of Nole. - -Bud, who could not bear to remain shut up in his palace while all this -excitement was occurring outside the city gates, had slipped away from -Fluff and joined his gigantic general, Tollydob. He was, of course, -unused to war, and when he beheld the vast array of Zixi’s army he grew -fearful that the magic cloak might not be able to save his city from -conquest. - -Yet the five high counselors, who were all present, seemed not to worry -the least bit. - -“They’re very pretty soldiers to look at,” remarked old Tollydob, -complacently. “I’m really sorry to defeat them, they march so -beautifully.” - -“But do not let your kind-hearted admiration for the enemy interfere -with our plans,” said the lord high executioner, who was standing by -with his hands in his pockets. - -“Oh, I won’t!” answered the big general, with a laugh which was -succeeded by a frown. “Yet I can never resist admiring a fine soldier, -whether he fights for or against me. For instance, just look at that -handsome officer riding beside Queen Zixi—her chief general, I think. -Isn’t he sweet? He looks just like an apple, he is so round and wears -such a tight-fitting red jacket. Can’t you pick him for me, friend -Tellydeb?” - -[Illustration: “THE LORD HIGH EXECUTIONER SUDDENLY STRETCHED OUT HIS -LONG ARM, AND REACHED THE FAR-AWAY GENERAL OF IX, AND PULLED HIM FROM -HIS HORSE.”] - -“I’ll try.” And the lord high executioner suddenly stretched out his -long arm, and reached the far-away general of Ix, and pulled him from -the back of his horse. - -Then, amid the terrified cries that came from the opposing army, -Tellydeb dragged his victim swiftly over the ground until he was seized -by the men of Nole and firmly bound with cords. - -“Thank you, my friend,” said the general, again laughing and then -frowning. “Now get for me that pretty queen, if you please.” - -Once more the long arm of the lord high executioner shot out toward the -army of Ix. But Zixi’s keen eyes saw it coming, and instantly she -disappeared, her magical arts giving her power to become invisible. - -Tellydeb, puzzled to find the queen gone, seized another officer instead -of her and dragged him quickly over the intervening space to his own -side, where he was bound by the Nolanders and placed beside his -fellow-captive. - -Another cry of horror came from the army of Ix, and with one accord the -soldiers stopped short in their advance. Queen Zixi, appearing again in -their midst, called upon her wavering soldiers to charge quickly upon -the foe. - -But the men, bewildered and terrified, were deaf to her appeals. They -fled swiftly back, over the brow of the hill, and concealed themselves -in the wooded valley until the sun set. And it was far into the night -before Queen Zixi succeeded in restoring her line of battle. - - - - - Chapter XIV. - THE ROUT OF THE ARMY OF IX. - - -The next day was a busy one in the city of Nole. The ten-foot lord high -general marched his seven thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven men -out of the city gates and formed them in line of battle on the brow of a -hill. Then he asked Aunt Rivette to fly over the top of the mountain and -see where the enemy was located. - -The old woman gladly undertook the mission. She had by this time become -an expert flier, and, being proud to resemble a bird, she dressed -herself in flowing robes of as many colors as a poll-parrot could boast. -When she mounted into the air, streamers of green and yellow silk -floated behind her in quite a beautiful and interesting fashion, and she -was admired by all beholders. - -Aunt Rivette flew high above the mountain-top, and there she saw the -great army of Queen Zixi climbing up the slope on the other side. The -army also saw her, and stopped short in amazement at seeing a woman fly -like a bird. They had before this thought their queen sure of victory, -because she was a witch and possessed many wonderful arts; but now they -saw that the people of Noland could also do wonderful things, and it -speedily disheartened them. - -Zixi ordered them to shoot a thousand arrows at Aunt Rivette, but -quickly countermanded the order, as the old woman was too high to be -injured, and the arrows would have been wasted. - -When the army of Ix had climbed the mountain and was marching down again -toward Nole, the lord high steward sent his dog Ruffles to them to make -more mischief. Ruffles trotted soberly among the soldiers of Ix, and -once in a while he would pause and say in a loud voice: - -“The army of Noland will conquer you.” - -Then all the soldiers would look around to see who had spoken these -fearful words, but could see nothing but a little dog; and Ruffles would -pretend to be scratching his nose with his left hind foot, and would -look so innocent that they never for a moment suspected he could speak. - -[Illustration: “AND RUFFLES WOULD PRETEND TO BE SCRATCHING HIS NOSE WITH -HIS LEFT HIND FOOT.”] - -“We are surrounded by invisible foes!” cried the soldiers; and they -would have fled even then had not Queen Zixi called them cowards and -stubbornly declared that they only fancied they had heard the voices -speak. Some of them believed her, and some did not; but they decided to -remain and fight, since they had come so far to do so. - -Then they formed in line of battle again and marched boldly toward the -army of Noland. - -While they were still a good way off, and the generals were riding in -front of their soldiers, the lord high executioner suddenly stretched -out his long arm and pulled another general of Ix from his horse, as he -had done the day before, dragging him swiftly over the ground between -the opposing armies until he was seized by the men of Nole and tightly -bound with cords. - -The soldiers of Ix uttered murmurs of horror at this sight, and stopped -again. - -Immediately the long arm shot out, and pulled another general from their -ranks, and made him prisoner. - -Queen Zixi raved and stormed with anger; but the lord high executioner, -who was enjoying himself immensely, continued to grab officer after -officer and make them prisoners: and so far there had been no sign of -battle; not an arrow had been fired nor an ax swung. - -Then, to complete the amazement of the enemy, the gigantic ten-foot -general of the army of Nole stepped in front of his men and waved around -his head a flashing sword six feet in length, while he shouted in a -voice like a roar of thunder, that made the army of Ix tremble: - -“Forward, soldiers of Noland—forward! Destroy the enemy, and let none -escape!” - -[Illustration: “THE GIGANTIC TEN-FOOT GENERAL OF THE ARMY OF NOLE -STEPPED IN FRONT OF HIS MEN.”] - -[Illustration: “BUD WAS SO AMUSED AT THE SIGHT OF THE FLYING FOE THAT HE -ROLLED ON THE GROUND IN LAUGHTER.”] - -It was more than the army of Ix could bear. Filled with terror, the -soldiers threw down their arms and fled in a great panic, racing over -the mountain-top and down the other side and then scattering in every -direction, each man for himself and as if he feared the entire army of -Noland was at his heels. - -But it wasn’t. Not a soldier of Nole had moved in pursuit. Every one was -delighted at the easy victory, and King Bud was so amused at the sight -of the flying foe that he rolled on the ground in laughter, and even the -fierce-looking General Tollydob grinned in sympathy. - -Then, with bands playing and banners flying, the entire army marched -back into the city, and the war between Noland and Ix was over. - -[Illustration: “‘WHY DO YOU WAIL SO LOUDLY?’ SHE ASKED.”] - - - - - Chapter XV. - THE THEFT OF THE MAGIC CLOAK. - - -When the soldiers of Queen Zixi ran away, they fled in so many different -directions that the bewildered queen could not keep track of them. Her -horse, taking fright, dashed up the mountain-side and tossed Zixi into a -lilac-bush, after which he ran off and left her. - -One would think such a chain of misfortunes could not fail to daunt the -bravest. But Zixi had lived too many years to allow such trifles as -defeat and flight to ruin her nerves; so she calmly disentangled herself -from the lilac-bush and looked around to see where she was. - -It was very quiet and peaceful on this part of the mountain-side. Her -glittering army had disappeared to the last man. - -In the far distance she could see the spires and turreted palaces of the -city of Nole, and behind her was a thick grove of lilac-trees bearing -flowers in full bloom. - -This lilac-grove gave Zixi an idea. She pushed aside some of the -branches and entered the cool, shadowy avenues between the trees. - -The air was heavy with the scent of the violet flowers, and tiny -humming-birds were darting here and there to thrust their long bills -into the blossoms and draw out the honey for food. Butterflies there -were, too, and a few chipmunks perched high among the branches. But Zixi -walked on through the trees in deep thought, and presently she had laid -new plans. - -For since the magic cloak was so hard to get she wanted it more than -ever. - -By and by she gathered some bits of the lilac-bark, and dug some roots -from the ground. Next she caught six spotted butterflies, from the wings -of which she brushed off all the round, purple spots. Then she wandered -on until she came upon a little spring of water bubbling from the -ground, and filling a cup-shaped leaf of the tatti-plant from the -spring, she mixed her bark and roots and butterfly spots in the liquid -and boiled it carefully over a fire of twigs; for tatti-leaves will not -burn so long as there is water inside them. - -When her magical compound was ready, Zixi muttered an incantation and -drank it in a single draught. - -A few moments later the witch-queen had disappeared, and in her place -stood the likeness of a pretty young girl dressed in a simple white gown -with pink ribbons at the shoulders and a pink sash around her waist. Her -light-brown hair was gathered into two long braids that hung down her -back, and she had two big blue eyes that looked very innocent and sweet. -Besides these changes, both the nose and the mouth of the girl differed -in shape from those of Zixi; so that no one would have seen the -slightest resemblance between the two people, or between Miss Trust and -the girl who stood in the lilac-grove. - -The transformed witch-queen gave a sweet, rippling laugh, and glanced at -her reflection in the still waters of the spring. And then the girlish -face frowned, for the image glaring up at her was that of a wrinkled, -toothless old hag. - -“I really must have that cloak,” sighed the girl; and then she turned -and walked out of the lilac-grove and down the mountain-side toward the -city of Nole. - -The Princess Fluff was playing tennis with her maids in a courtyard of -the royal palace, when Jikki came to say that a girl wished to speak -with her Highness. - -“Send her here,” said Fluff. - -So the witch-queen came to her, in the guise of the fair young girl; and -bowing in a humble manner before the princess, she said: “Please, your -Highness, may I be one of your maids?” - -“Why, I have eight already!” answered Fluff, laughing. - -“But my father and mother are both dead; and I have come all the way -from my castle to beg you to let me wait upon you,” said the girl, -looking at the little princess with a pleading expression in her blue -eyes. - -“Who are you?” asked Fluff. - -“I am daughter of the Lord Hurrydole, and my name is Adlena,” replied -the girl, which was not altogether a falsehood, because one of her -ancestors had borne the name Hurrydole, and Adlena was one of her own -names. - -“Then, Adlena,” said Fluff, brightly, “you shall certainly be one of my -maids; for there is plenty of room in the palace, and the more girls I -have around me the happier I shall be.” - -So Queen Zixi, under the name of Adlena, became an inmate of the king’s -palace; and it was not many days before she learned where the magic -cloak was kept. For the princess gave her a key to a drawer and told her -to get from it a blue silk scarf she wished to wear, and directly under -the scarf lay the fairy garment. - -Adlena would have seized it at that moment had she dared; but Fluff was -in the same room, so she only said: “Please, princess, may I look at -that pretty cloak?” - -“Of course,” answered Fluff; “but handle it carefully, for it was given -me by the fairies.” - -So Adlena unfolded the cloak and looked at it very carefully, noting -exactly the manner in which it was woven. Then she folded it again, -arranged it in the drawer, and turned the key, which the princess -immediately attached to a chain which she always wore around her neck. - -That night, when the witch-queen was safely locked in her own room and -could not be disturbed, she called about her a great many of those -invisible imps that serve the most skilful witches, commanding them to -weave for her a cloak in the exact likeness of the one given Princess -Fluff by the fairies. - -Of course the imps had never seen the magic cloak; but Zixi described it -to them accurately, and before morning they had woven a garment so -closely resembling the original that the imitation was likely to deceive -any one. - -Only one thing was missing, and that was the golden thread woven by -Queen Lulea herself, and which gave the cloak its magic powers. - -Of course the imps of Zixi could not get this golden thread, nor could -they give any magical properties to the garment they had made at the -witch’s command; but they managed to give the cloak all of the many -brilliant colors of the original, and Zixi was quite satisfied. - -The next day Adlena wore this cloak while she walked in the garden. Very -soon Princess Fluff saw her and ran after the girl, crying indignantly: -“See here! What do you mean by wearing my cloak? Take it off instantly!” - -[Illustration: “‘WHICH IS MINE?’ SHE FINALLY ASKED, IN A STARTLED -VOICE.”] - -“It isn’t your cloak. It is one of my own,” replied the girl, calmly. - -“Nonsense! There can’t be two such cloaks in the world,” retorted Fluff. - -“But there are,” persisted Adlena. “How could I get the one in your -drawer when the key is around your own neck?” - -“I’m not sure I don’t know,” admitted the princess, beginning to be -puzzled. “But come with me into my rooms. If my fairy cloak is indeed in -the drawer, then I will believe you.” - -So they went to the drawer, and of course found the magic cloak, as the -cunning Zixi had planned. Fluff pulled it out and held the two up -together to compare them; and they seemed to be exactly alike. - -“I think yours is a little the longer,” said Adlena, and threw it over -the shoulders of the princess. “No, I think mine is the longer,” she -continued; and removing the magic cloak, put her own upon Fluff. They -seemed to be about the same length, but Adlena kept putting first one -and then the other upon the princess, until they were completely mixed, -and the child could not have told one from the other. - -“Which is mine?” she finally asked, in a startled voice. - -“This, of course,” answered Adlena, folding up the imitation cloak which -the imps had made, and putting it away in the drawer. - -Fluff never suspected the trick, so Zixi carried away the magic cloak -she had thus cleverly stolen; and she was so delighted with the success -of her stratagem that she could have screamed aloud for pure joy. - -As soon as she was alone and unobserved, the witch-queen slipped out of -the palace, and, carrying the magic cloak in a bundle under her arm, ran -down the streets of Nole and out through the gate in the wall and away -toward the mountain where the lilac-grove lay. - -“At last!” she kept saying to herself. “At last I shall see my own -beautiful reflection in a mirror, instead of that horrid old hag!” - -When she was safe in the grove she succeeded, by means of her -witchcraft, in transforming the girl Adlena back into the beautiful -woman known throughout the kingdom of Ix as Queen Zixi. And then she -lost no time in throwing the magic cloak over her shoulders. - -“I wish,” she cried in a loud voice, “that my reflection in every mirror -will hereafter show the same face and form as that in which I appear to -exist in the sight of all mortals!” - -Then she threw off the cloak and ran to the crystal spring, saying: -“Now, indeed, I shall at last see the lovely Queen Zixi!” - -But as she bent over the spring, she gave a sudden shriek of -disappointed rage; for glaring up at her from the glassy surface of the -water was the same fearful hag she had always seen as the reflection of -her likeness! - -The magic cloak would grant no wish to a person who had stolen it. - -Zixi, more wretched than she had ever been before in her life, threw -herself down upon her face in the lilac-grove and wept for more than an -hour, which is an exceedingly long time for tears to run from one’s -eyes. And when she finally arose, two tiny brooks flowed from the spot -and wound through the lilac-trees—one to the right and one to the left. - -Then, leaving the magic cloak—to possess which she had struggled so hard -and sinfully—lying unheeded upon the ground, the disappointed -witch-queen walked slowly away, and finally reached the bank of the -great river. - -[Illustration: “SHE THREW OFF THE CLOAK AND RAN TO THE CRYSTAL SPRING.”] - -Here she found a rugged old alligator who lay upon the bank, weeping -with such bitterness that the sight reminded Zixi of her own recent -outburst of sorrow. - -“Why do you weep, friend?” she asked, for her experience as a witch had -long since taught her the language of the beasts and birds and reptiles. - -“Because I cannot climb a tree,” answered the alligator. - -“But why do you wish to climb a tree?” she questioned, surprised. - -“Because I can’t,” returned the alligator, squeezing two more tears from -his eyes. - -“But that is very foolish!” exclaimed the witch-queen, scornfully. - -“Oh, I don’t know,” said the alligator. “It doesn’t strike me that it’s -much more foolish than the fancies some other people have.” - -“Perhaps not,” replied Zixi, more gently, and walked away in deep -thought. - -While she followed the river-bank, to find a ferry across, the dusk -fell, and presently a gray owl came out of a hollow in a tall tree and -sat upon a limb, wailing dismally. - -Zixi stopped and looked at the bird. - -“Why do you wail so loudly?” she asked. - -[Illustration: “‘BECAUSE I CANNOT CLIMB A TREE,’ ANSWERED THE -ALLIGATOR.”] - -“Because I cannot swim in the river like a fish,” answered the owl, and -it screeched so sadly that it made the queen shiver. - -“Why do you wish to swim?” she inquired. - -“Because I can’t,” said the owl, and buried its head under its wing with -a groan. - -“But that is absurd!” cried Zixi, with impatience. - -The owl had an ear out, and heard her. So it withdrew its head long -enough to retort: - -“I don’t think it’s any more absurd than the longings of some other -folks.” - -“Perhaps you are right,” said the queen, and hung her head as she walked -on. - -By and by she found a ferryman with a boat, and he agreed to row her -across the river. In one end of the boat crouched a little girl, the -ferryman’s daughter, and she sobbed continually, so that the sound of -the child’s grief finally attracted Zixi’s attention. - -“Why do you sob?” questioned the queen. - -“Because I want to be a man,” replied the child, trying to stifle her -sobs. - -“Why do you want to be a man?” asked Zixi, curiously. - -“Because I’m a little girl,” was the reply. - -This made Zixi angry. - -“You’re a little fool!” she exclaimed loudly. - -“There are other fools in the world,” said the child, and renewed her -sobs. - -[Illustration: “‘WHY DO YOU SOB?’ QUESTIONED THE QUEEN.”] - -Zixi did not reply, but she thought to herself: - -“We are all alike—the alligator, the owl, the girl, and the powerful -Queen of Ix. We long for what we cannot have, yet desire it not so much -because it would benefit us, as because it is beyond our reach. If I -call the others fools, I must also call myself a fool for wishing to see -the reflection of a beautiful girl in my mirror when I know it is -impossible. So hereafter I shall strive to be contented with my lot.” - -This was a wise resolution, and the witch-queen abided by it for many -years. She was not very bad, this Zixi; for it must be admitted that few -have the courage to acknowledge their faults and strive to correct them, -as she did. - - - - - Chapter XVI. - THE PLAIN ABOVE THE CLOUDS. - - -I have already mentioned how high the mountains were between Noland and -the land of Ix; but at the north of the city of Nole were mountains much -higher—so high, indeed, that they seemed to pierce the clouds, and it -was said the moon often stopped on the highest peak to rest. It was not -one single slope up from the lowlands; but first there was a high -mountain, with a level plain at the top; and then another high mountain, -rising from the level and capped with a second plain; and then another -mountain, and so on; which made them somewhat resemble a pair of stairs. -So that the people of Nole, who looked upon the North Mountains with -much pride, used to point them out as “The Giant’s Stairway,” forgetting -that no giant was ever big enough to use such an immense flight of -stairs. - -Many people had climbed the first mountain, and upon the plain at its -top flocks of sheep were fed; and two or three people boasted they had -climbed the second steep; but beyond that the mountains were all unknown -to the dwellers in the valley of Noland. As a matter of fact, no one -lived upon them; they were inhabited only by a few small animals and an -occasional vulture or eagle which nested in some rugged crag. - -But at the top of all was an enormous plain that lay far above the -clouds, and here the Roly-Rogues dwelt in great numbers. - -I must describe these Roly-Rogues to you, for they were unlike any other -people in all the world. Their bodies were as round as a ball—if you can -imagine a ball fully four feet in thickness at the middle. And their -muscles were as tough and elastic as india-rubber. They had heads and -arms resembling our own, and very short legs; and all these they could -withdraw into their ball-like bodies whenever they wished, very much as -a turtle withdraws its legs and head into its shell. - -The Roly-Rogues lived all by themselves in their country among the -clouds, and there were thousands and thousands of them. They were -quarrelsome by nature, but could seldom hurt one another; because, if -they fought, they would withdraw their arms and legs and heads into -their bodies, and roll themselves at one another with much fierceness. -But when they collided they would bounce apart again, and little harm -was done. - -In spite of their savage dispositions the Roly-Rogues had as yet done no -harm to any one but themselves, as they lived so high above the world -that other people knew nothing of their existence. Nor did they -themselves know, because of the clouds that floated between, of the -valleys which lay below them. - -But, as ill luck would have it, a few days after King Bud’s army had -defeated the army of Ix, one of the Roly-Rogues, while fighting with -another, rolled too near the edge of the plain whereon they dwelt, and -bounded down the mountain-side that faced Noland. Wind had scattered the -clouds, so his fellows immediately rolled themselves to the edge and -watched the luckless Roly-Rogue fly down the mountain, bounce across the -plain, and thence speed down the next mountain. By and by he became a -dot to their eyes, and then a mere speck; but as the clouds had just -rolled away for a few moments the Roly-Rogues could see, by straining -their eyes, the city of Nole lying in the valley far below. - -It seemed, from that distance, merely a toy city, but they knew it must -be a big place to show so far away; and since they had no cities of -their own, they became curious to visit the one they had just -discovered. - -The ruler of the Roly-Rogues, who was more quarrelsome than any of the -rest, had a talk with his chief men about visiting the unknown city. - -“We can roll down the mountain just as our brother did,” he argued. - -“But how in the world could we ever get back again?” said one of the -chiefs, sticking his head up to look with astonishment at the ruler. - -“We don’t want to get back,” said the other, excitedly. “Some one has -built many houses and palaces at the foot of the mountains, and we can -live in those, if they are big enough and if there are enough of them.” - -[Illustration: “ALL THE HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS OF ROLY-ROGUES THAT WERE -IN EXISTENCE ASSEMBLED UPON THE EDGE OF THEIR PLAIN, AND, AT THE WORD OF -THEIR RULER, HURLED THEMSELVES DOWN THE MOUNTAIN WITH TERRIBLE CRIES AND -WENT BOUNDING AWAY TOWARD THE PEACEFUL CITY OF NOLE.”] - -“Perhaps the people won’t let us,” suggested another chief, who was not -in favor of the expedition. - -“We will fight them and destroy them,” retorted the ruler, scowling at -the chief as if he would make him ashamed of his cowardice. - -“Then we must all go together,” said a third chief; “for, if only a few -go, we may find ourselves many times outnumbered and at last be -overcome.” - -“Every Roly-Rogue in the country shall go!” declared the ruler, who -brooked no opposition when once he had made up his mind to a thing. - -On the plain grew a grove of big thorn-trees, bearing thorns as long and -sharp as swords; so the ruler commanded each of his people to cut two of -the thorns, one for each hand, with which to attack whatever foes they -might meet when they reached the unknown valley. - -Then, on a certain day, all the hundreds and thousands of Roly-Rogues -that were in existence assembled upon the edge of their plain, and, at -the word of their ruler, hurled themselves down the mountain with -terrible cries and went bounding away toward the peaceful city of Nole. - - - - - Chapter XVII. - THE DESCENT OF THE ROLY-ROGUES. - - -King Bud and Princess Fluff were leading very happy and peaceful lives -in their beautiful palace. All wars and dangers seemed at an end, and -there was nothing to disturb their content. - -All the gold that was needed the royal purse-bearer was able to supply -from his overflowing purse. The gigantic General Tollydob became famous -throughout the world, and no nation dared attack the army of Noland. The -talking dog of old Tallydab made every one wonder, and people came many -miles to see Ruffles and hear him speak. It was said that all this good -fortune had been brought to Noland by the pretty Princess Fluff, who was -a favorite of the fairies; and the people loved her on this account as -well as for her bright and sunny disposition. - -[Illustration: “THE GREAT BALL STRUCK THE FIELD NEAR THEM.”] - -King Bud caused his subjects some little anxiety, to be sure; for they -never could tell what he was liable to do next, except that he was sure -to do something unexpected. But much is forgiven a king; and if Bud made -some pompous old nobleman stand on his head, to amuse a mob of people, -he would give him a good dinner afterward and fill his purse with gold -to make up for the indignity. Fluff often reproved her brother for such -pranks, but Bud’s soul was flooded with mischief, and it was hard for -him to resist letting a little of the surplus escape now and then. - -After all, the people were fairly content and prosperous, and no one was -at all prepared for the disasters soon to overtake them. - -One day, while King Bud was playing at ball with some of his courtiers -on a field outside the city gates, the first warning of trouble reached -him. Bud had batted a ball high into the air, and while looking upward -for it to descend he saw another ball bound from the plain at the top of -the North Mountains, fly into the air, and then sink gradually toward -him. As it approached, it grew bigger and bigger, until it assumed -mammoth proportions; and then, while the courtiers screamed in terror, -the great ball struck the field near them, bounced high into the air, -and came down directly upon the sharp point of one of the palace towers, -where it stuck fast with a yell that sounded almost human. - -For some moments Bud and his companions were motionless through surprise -and fear; then they rushed into the city and stood among the crowd of -people which had congregated at the foot of the tower to stare at the -big ball impaled upon its point. Once in a while, two arms, two short -legs, and a head would dart out from the ball and wiggle frantically, -and then the yell would be repeated and the head and limbs withdrawn -swiftly into the ball. - -It was all so curious that the people were justified in staring at it in -amazement; for certainly no one had ever seen or heard of a Roly-Rogue -before, or even known such a creature existed. - -Finally, as no one else could reach the steeple-top, Aunt Rivette flew -into the air and circled slowly around the ball. When next its head was -thrust out, she called: - -“Are you a mud-turtle or a man?” - -“I’ll show you which, if I get hold of you,” answered the Roly-Rogue, -fiercely. - -“Where did you come from?” asked Aunt Rivette, taking care the wiggling -arms did not grab her. - -[Illustration: “‘WHERE DID YOU COME FROM?’ ASKED AUNT RIVETTE.”] - -“That is none of your business,” said the RolyRogue. “But I didn’t -intend to come, that you may depend upon.” - -“Are you hurt?” she inquired, seeing that the struggles of the creature -made him spin around upon the steeple-point like a windmill. - -“No, I’m not hurt at all,” declared the Roly-Rogue; “but I’d like to -know how to get down.” - -“What would you do if we helped you to get free?” asked Aunt Rivette. - -“I’d fight every one of those idiots who are laughing at me down there!” -said the creature, its eyes flashing wickedly. - -“Then you’d best stay where you are,” returned old Rivette, who flew -back to earth again to tell Bud what the Roly-Rogue had said. - -“I believe that is the best place for him,” said Bud; “so we’ll let him -stay where he is. He’s not very ornamental, I must say, but he’s very -safe up there on top of the steeple.” - -“We might have him gilded,” proposed the old woman, “and then he’d look -better.” - -“I’ll think it over,” said the king, and he went away to finish his ball -game. - -The people talked and wondered about the queer creature on the steeple, -but no one could say where it came from or what it was; they were -naturally much puzzled. - -The next day was bright with sunshine; so, early in the forenoon, Bud -and Fluff had the royal cook fill their baskets with good things to eat, -and set out to picnic on the bank of the river that separated Noland -from the kingdom of Ix. They rode ponies, to reach the river sooner than -by walking; and their only companions were Tallydab, the lord high -steward, and his talking dog, Ruffles. - -It was after this picnic party had passed over the mountain, and were -securely hidden from any one in the city of Nole, that the ruler of the -Roly-Rogues and his thousands of followers hurled themselves down from -their land above the clouds and began bounding toward the plain below. - -The people first heard a roar that sounded like distant thunder; and -when they looked toward the North Mountains they saw the air black with -tiny bouncing balls that seemed to drop from the drifting clouds which -always had obscured the highest peak. - -But, although appearing small when first seen, these balls grew rapidly -larger as they came nearer; and then, with sharp reports like -pistol-shots, they began dropping upon the plain by dozens and hundreds -and then thousands. - -As soon as they touched the ground they bounded upward again, like -rubber balls the children throw upon the floor; but each bound was less -violent than the one preceding it, until finally within the streets of -the city and upon all the fields surrounding it lay the thousands of -Roly-Rogues that had fallen from the mountain-peak. - -At first they lay still, as if stunned by their swift journey and -collision with the hard earth; but after a few seconds they recovered, -thrust out their heads and limbs, and scrambled upon their flat feet. - -Then the savage Roly-Rogues uttered hoarse shouts of joy, for they were -safely arrived at the city they had seen from afar, and the audacious -adventure was a success. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - THE CONQUEST OF NOLAND. - - -It would be impossible to describe the amazement of the people of Nole -when the Roly-Rogues came upon them. - -Not only was the descent wholly unexpected, but the appearance of the -invaders was queer enough to strike terror to the stoutest heart. - -Their round bodies were supported by short, strong legs having broad, -flattened feet to keep them steady. Their arms were short, and the -fingers of their hands, while not long, were very powerful. - -But the heads were the most startling portions of these strange -creatures. They were flat and thick on the top, with leathery rolls -around their necks; so that, when the head was drawn in, its upper part -rounded out the surface of the ball. In this peculiar head the -Roly-Rogue had two big eyes as shiny as porcelain, a small stubby nose, -and a huge mouth. Their strange leather-like clothing fitted their -bodies closely and was of different colors—green, yellow, red, and -brown. - -Taken altogether, the Roly-Rogues were not pretty to look at; and -although their big eyes gave them a startled or astonished expression, -nothing seemed ever to startle or astonish them in the least. - -When they arrived in the valley of Nole, after their wonderful journey -down the mountains, they scrambled to their feet, extended their long -arms with the thorns clasped tight in their talon-like fingers, and -rushed in a furious crowd and with loud cries upon the terror-stricken -people. - -The soldiers of Tollydob’s brave army had not even time to seize their -weapons; for such a foe, coming upon them through the air, had never -been dreamed of. - -And the men of Nole, who might have resisted the enemy, were too much -frightened to do more than tremble violently and gasp with open mouths. -As for the women and children, they fled screaming into the houses and -bolted or locked the doors, which was doubtless the wisest thing they -could have done. - -[Illustration: “AS FOR THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN, THEY FLED SCREAMING INTO -THE HOUSES.”] - -General Tollydob was asleep when the calamity of this invasion occurred; -but hearing the shouts, he ran out of his mansion and met several of the -Roly-Rogues face to face. Without hesitation the brave general rushed -upon them; but two of the creatures promptly rolled themselves against -him from opposite directions, so that the ten-foot giant was crushed -between them until there was not a particle of breath left in his body. -No sooner did these release him than two other Roly-Rogues rolled toward -him; but Tollydob was not to be caught twice, so he gave a mighty jump -and jumped right over their heads, with the result that the balls -crashed against each other. - -This made the two Roly-Rogues so angry that they began to fight each -other savagely, and the general started to run away. But other foes -rolled after him, knocked him down, and stuck their thorns into him -until he yelled for mercy and promised to become their slave. - -Tullydub, the chief counselor, watched all this from his window, and it -frightened him so greatly that he crawled under his bed and hid, hoping -the creatures would not find him. But their big round eyes were sharp at -discovering things; so the Roly-Rogues had not been in Tullydub’s room -two minutes before he was dragged from beneath his bed, and prodded with -thorns until he promised obedience to the conquerors. - -The lord high purse-bearer, at the first alarm, dug a hole in the garden -of the royal palace and buried his purse so no one could find it but -himself. But he might have saved himself this trouble, for the -Roly-Rogues knew nothing of money or its uses, being accustomed to -seizing whatever they desired without a thought of rendering payment for -it. - -Having buried his purse, old Tillydib gave himself up to the invaders as -their prisoner; and this saved him the indignity of being conquered. - -[Illustration: “OTHER FOES ROLLED AFTER HIM AND KNOCKED HIM DOWN.”] - -The lord high executioner may really be credited with making the only -serious fight of the day; for when the Roly-Rogues came upon him, -Tellydeb seized his ax, and, before the enemy could come near, he -reached out his long arm and cleverly sliced the heads off several of -their round bodies. - -The others paused for a moment, being unused to such warfare and not -understanding how an arm could reach so far. - -But, seeing their heads were in danger, about a hundred of the creatures -formed themselves into balls and rolled upon the executioner in a -straight line, hoping to crush him. - -They could not see what happened after they began to roll, their heads -being withdrawn; but Tellydeb watched them speed toward him, and, -stepping aside, he aimed a strong blow with his ax at the body of the -first Roly-Rogue that passed him. Instead of cutting the rubber-like -body, the ax bounced back and flew from Tellydeb’s hand into the air, -falling farther away than the long arm of the executioner could reach. -Therefore he was left helpless, and was wise enough to surrender without -further resistance. - -Finding no one else to resist them, the Roly-Rogues contented themselves -with bounding against the terrorized people, great and humble alike, and -knocking them over, laughing boisterously at the figures sprawling in -the mud of the streets. - -And then they would prick the bodies of the men with their sharp thorns, -making them spring to their feet again with shrieks of fear, only to be -bowled over again the next minute. - -But the monsters soon grew weary of this amusement, for they were -anxious to explore the city they had so successfully invaded. They -flocked into the palace and public buildings, and gazed eagerly at the -many beautiful and, to them, novel things that were found. The mirrors -delighted them, and they fought one another for the privilege of -standing before the glasses to admire the reflection of their horrid -bodies. - -They could not sit in the chairs, for the round bodies would not fit -them; neither could the Roly-Rogues understand the use of beds. For when -they rested or slept the creatures merely withdrew their limbs and -heads, rolled over upon their backs, and slept soundly—no matter where -they might be. - -The shops were all entered and robbed of their wares, the Roly-Rogues -wantonly destroying all that they could not use. They were like -ostriches in eating anything that looked attractive to them; one of the -monsters swallowed several pretty glass beads, and some of the more -inquisitive of them invaded the grocery-shops and satisfied their -curiosity by tasting of nearly everything in sight. It was funny to see -their wry faces when they sampled the salt and vinegar. - -[Illustration: “STEPPING ASIDE, TELLYDEB AIMED A STRONG BLOW WITH HIS AX -AT THE BODY OF THE FIRST ROLY-ROUGE.”] - -Presently the entire city was under the dominion of the Roly-Rogues, who -forced the unhappy people to wait upon them and amuse them; and if any -hesitated to obey their commands, the monsters would bump against them, -pull their hair, and make them suffer most miserably. - -Aunt Rivette was in her room at the top of the palace when the -Roly-Rogues invaded the city of Nole. At first she was as much -frightened as the others; but she soon remembered she could escape the -creatures by flying; so she quietly watched them from the windows. By -and by, as they explored the palace, they came to Aunt Rivette’s room -and broke in the door; but the old woman calmly stepped out of her -window upon a little iron balcony, spread her great wings, and flew away -before the Roly-Rogues could catch her. - -Then she soared calmly through the air, and having remembered that Bud -and Fluff had gone to the river on a picnic, she flew swiftly in that -direction and before long came to where the children and old Tallydab -were eating their luncheon, while the dog Ruffles, who was in good -spirits, sang a comic song to amuse them. - -They were much surprised to see Aunt Rivette flying toward them; but -when she alighted and told Bud that his kingdom had been conquered by -the Roly-Rogues and all his people enslaved, the little party was so -astonished that they stared at one another in speechless amazement. - -“Oh, Bud, what shall we do?” finally asked Fluff, in distress. - -“Don’t know,” said Bud, struggling to swallow a large piece of sandwich -that in his excitement had stuck fast in his throat. - -“One thing is certain,” remarked Aunt Rivette, helping herself to a -slice of cake, “our happy lives are now ruined forever. We should be -foolish to remain here; and the sooner we escape to some other country -where the Roly-Rogues cannot find us, the safer we shall be.” - -“But why run away?” asked Bud. “Can’t something else be done? Here, -Tallydab, you’re one of my counselors. What do you say about this -affair?” - -Now the lord high steward was a deliberate old fellow, and before he -replied he dusted the crumbs from his lap, filled and lighted his long -pipe, and smoked several whiffs in a thoughtful manner. - -“It strikes me,” said he at last, “that by means of the Princess Fluff’s -magic cloak we can either destroy or scatter these rascally invaders and -restore the kingdom to peace and prosperity.” - -[Illustration: “‘BUT WHERE’S THE CLOAK?’ ASKED THE DOG.”] - -“Sure enough!” replied Bud. “Why didn’t we think of that before?” - -“You will have to make the wish, Bud,” said Fluff, “for all the rest of -us have wished, and you have not made yours yet.” - -“All right,” answered the king. “If I must, I must. But I’m sorry I have -to do it now, for I was saving my wish for something else.” - -“But where’s the cloak?” asked the dog, rudely breaking into the -conversation. “You can’t wish without the cloak.” - -“The cloak is locked up in a drawer in my room at the palace,” said -Fluff. - -“And our enemies have possession of the palace,” continued Tallydab, -gloomily. “Was there ever such ill luck!” - -“Never mind,” said Aunt Rivette, “I’ll fly back and get it—that is, if -the Roly-Rogues haven’t already broken open the drawer and discovered -the cloak.” - -“Please go at once, then!” exclaimed Fluff. “Here is the key,” and she -unfastened it from the chain at her neck and handed it to her aunt. “But -be careful, whatever you do, that those horrible creatures do not catch -you.” - -“I’m not afraid,” said Aunt Rivette, confidently. And taking the key, -the old lady at once flew away in the direction of the city of Nole, -promising to return very soon. - - - - - Chapter XIX. - THE BRAVERY OF AUNT RIVETTE. - - -The Roly-Rogues were so busy rioting that they did not look into the air -and discover Aunt Rivette flying over the city. So she alighted, all -unobserved, upon a balcony of the palace, just outside the chamber of -the Princess Fluff, and succeeded in entering the room. - -The creatures had ransacked this apartment, as they had every other part -of the royal palace, and Fluff’s pretty dresses and ornaments were -strewn about in dreadful confusion. But the drawer in which rested the -magic cloak was still locked, and in a few moments the old woman had the -precious garment in her hands. - -It was, as we know, the imitation cloak Queen Zixi had made and -exchanged for the real one; but so closely did it resemble the fairy -cloak that Aunt Rivette had no idea she was carrying a useless garment -back to her little niece and nephew. On the contrary, she thought to -herself: “Now we can quickly dispose of these monstrous rogues and drive -them back to their own country.” - -Hearing some one moving about in the next room, she ran to the window -and soon was flying away with the cloak to the place where she had left -Bud and Fluff. - -“Good!” cried the lord high steward, when he saw the cloak. “Now we have -nothing more to fear. Put on your cloak, your Majesty, and make the -wish.” - -Bud threw the cloak over his shoulders. - -“What shall I wish?” he asked. - -“Let me see,” answered Tallydab. “What we want is to get rid of these -invaders. Wish them all in the kingdom of Ix.” - -“Oh, no!” cried Fluff; “it would be wicked to injure Queen Zixi and her -people. Let us wish the Roly-Rogues back where they came from.” - -“That would be folly!” said the dog Ruffles, with an accent of scorn. -“For they could easily return again to our city of Nole, having once -learned the way there.” - -“That is true,” agreed Aunt Rivette. “The safest thing to do is to wish -them all dead.” - -“But it would be an awful job to bury so many great balls,” objected -Bud. “It would keep all our people busy for a month, at least.” - -“Why not wish them dead and buried?” asked Ruffles. “Then they would be -out of the way for good and all.” - -“A capital idea!” responded Tallydab. - -“But I haven’t seen these curious creatures yet,” said Bud; “and if I -now wish them all dead and buried, I shall never get a glimpse of one of -them. So let’s walk boldly into the city, and when they appear to -interfere with us I’ll make the wish and the Roly-Rogues will instantly -disappear.” - -So the entire party returned to the city of Nole; Bud and Fluff riding -their ponies, Aunt Rivette fluttering along beside them, and the lord -high steward walking behind with his dog. - -The Roly-Rogues were so much surprised to see this little party boldly -entering the streets of the city, and showing no particle of fear of -them, that they at first made no offer to molest them. - -Even when Bud roared with laughter at their queer appearance, and called -them “mud-turtles” and “foot-balls,” they did not resent the insults; -for they had never heard of either a turtle or a foot-ball before. - -[Illustration: “HE MADE OLD TULLYDUB, THE LORD COUNSELOR, ROCK HIM -GENTLY AS HE LAY UPON HIS BACK.”] - -When the party had reached the palace and the children had dismounted, -Bud laughed yet louder; for the gigantic General Tollydob came to the -kitchen door, wearing an apron while he polished a big dish-pan, the -Roly-Rogues having made him a scullion. - -[Illustration: “JIKKI WAS SCRATCHING THE BACK OF ANOTHER ROLY-ROGUE.”] - -The ruler of the Roly-Rogues was suffering from a toothache, so he had -rolled himself into a ball and made old Tullydub, the lord high -counselor, rock him gently as he lay upon his back, just as one would -rock a baby’s cradle. - -[Illustration: “THE LORD HIGH PURSE-BEARER WAS WAVING A FAN.”] - -Jikki was scratching the back of another Roly-Rogue with a sharp -garden-rake, while Jikki’s six servants stood in a solemn row at his -back. They would do anything for Jikki, but they would not lift a finger -to serve any one else; so the old valet had to do the scratching -unaided. - -These six young men had proved a great puzzle to the Roly-Rogues, for -they found it impossible to touch them or injure them in any way; so, -after several vain attempts to conquer them, they decided to leave -Jikki’s servants alone. - -The lord high purse-bearer was waving a fan to keep the flies off two of -the slumbering monsters; and the lord high executioner was feeding -another Roly-Rogue with soup from a great ladle, the creature finding -much amusement in being fed in this manner. - -King Bud, feeling sure of making all his enemies disappear with a wish, -found rare sport in watching his periwigged counselors thus serving -their captors; so he laughed and made fun of them until the Roly-Rogue -ruler stuck his head out and commanded the boy to run away. - -“Why, you ugly rascal, I’m the King of Noland,” replied Bud; “so you’d -better show me proper respect.” - -With that he picked up a good-sized pebble and threw it at the ruler. It -struck him just over his aching tooth, and with a roar of anger the -Roly-Rogue bounded toward Bud and his party. - -The assault was so sudden that they had much ado to scramble out of the -way; and as soon as Bud could escape the rush of the huge ball, he -turned squarely around and shouted: - -“I wish every one of the Roly-Rogues dead and buried!” - -[Illustration: “THE LORD HIGH EXECUTIONER WAS FEEDING ANOTHER ROLY-ROGUE -WITH SOUP FROM A GREAT LADLE.”] - -Hearing this and seeing that the king wore the magic cloak, all the high -counselors at once raised a joyful shout, and Fluff and Bud gazed upon -the Roly-Rogues expectantly, thinking that of course they would -disappear. - -But Zixi’s cloak had no magic powers whatever; and now dozens of the -Roly-Rogues, aroused to anger, bounded toward Bud’s little party. - -[Illustration: “THE LORD HIGH STEWARD AND HIS DOG WENT DOWN BEFORE THE -RUSH.”] - -I am sure the result would have been terrible had not Aunt Rivette -suddenly come to the children’s rescue. She threw one lean arm around -Bud and the other around Fluff, and then, quickly fluttering her wings, -she flew with them to the roof of the palace, which they reached in -safety. - -The lord high steward and his dog went down before the rush, and the -next moment old Tallydab was crying loudly for mercy, while Ruffles -limped away to a safe spot beneath a bench under an apple-tree, howling -at every step and shouting angry epithets at the Roly-Rogues. - -“I wonder what’s the matter with the cloak,” gasped Bud. “The old -thing’s a fraud; it didn’t work.” - -“Something went wrong, that’s certain,” replied Fluff. “You’re sure you -hadn’t wished before, aren’t you?” - -“Yes, I’m sure,” said Bud. - -“Perhaps,” said Aunt Rivette, “the fairies have no power over these -horrible creatures.” - -“That must be it, of course,” said the princess. “But what shall we do -now? Our country is entirely conquered by these monsters; so it isn’t a -safe place for us to stay in.” - -“I believe I can carry you anywhere you’d like to go,” said Aunt -Rivette. “You’re not so very heavy.” - -[Illustration: “‘I’LL SOON CARRY YOU OVER THE MOUNTAIN AND THE RIVER -INTO THE KINGDOM OF IX.’”] - -“Suppose we go to Queen Zixi, and ask her to protect us?” the princess -suggested. - -“That’s all right, if she doesn’t bear us a grudge. You know we knocked -out her whole army,” remarked Bud. - -“Quavo the minstrel says she is very beautiful, and kind to her people,” -said the girl. - -“Well, there’s no one else we can trust,” Bud answered gloomily; “so we -may as well try Zixi. But if you drop either of us on the way, Aunt -Rivette, I’ll have to call in the lord high executioner.” - -“Never fear,” replied the old woman. “If I drop you, you’ll never know -what has happened. So each one of you put an arm around my neck, and -cling tight, and I’ll soon carry you over the mountain and the river -into the kingdom of Ix.” - - - - - Chapter XX. - IN THE PALACE OF THE WITCH-QUEEN. - - -Bud and Fluff were surprised at the magnificence of the city of Ix. The -witch-queen had reigned there so many centuries that she found plenty of -time to carry out her ideas; and the gardens, shrubbery, and buildings -were beautifully planned and cared for. - -The splendid palace of the queen was in the center of a delightful park, -with white marble walks leading up to the front door. - -Aunt Rivette landed the children at the entrance to this royal park, and -they walked slowly toward the palace, admiring the gleaming white -statues, the fountains and flowers, as they went. - -It was beginning to grow dusk, and the lights were gleaming in the -palace window when they reached it. Dozens of liveried servants were -standing near the entrance, and some of these escorted the strangers -with much courtesy to a reception room. There a gray-haired master of -ceremonies met them and asked in what way he might serve them. - -This politeness almost took Bud’s breath away, for he had considered -Queen Zixi in the light of an enemy rather than a friend; but he decided -not to sail under false colors, so he drew himself up in royal fashion -and answered: - -“I am King Bud of Noland, and this is my sister, Princess Fluff, and my -Aunt Rivette. My kingdom has been conquered by a horde of monsters, and -I have come to the Queen of Ix to ask her assistance.” - -The master of ceremonies bowed low and said: - -“I’m sure Queen Zixi will be glad to assist your Majesty. Permit me to -escort you to rooms, that you may prepare for an interview with her as -soon a she can receive you.” - -So they were led to luxurious chambers, and were supplied with perfumed -baths and clean raiment, which proved very refreshing after their -tedious journey through the air. - -It was now evening; and when they were ushered into the queen’s -reception-room the palace was brilliantly lighted. - -Zixi, since her great disappointment in the lilac-grove, had decided -that her longing to behold a beautiful reflection in her mirror was both -impossible and foolish; so she had driven the desire from her heart and -devoted herself to ruling her kingdom wisely, as she had ruled before -the idea of stealing the magic cloak had taken possession of her. And -when her mind was in normal condition the witch-queen was very sweet and -agreeable in disposition. - -So Queen Zixi greeted Bud and his sister and aunt with great kindness, -kissing Fluff affectionately upon her cheek and giving her own hand to -Bud to kiss. - -It is not strange that the children considered her the most beautiful -person they had ever beheld; and to them she was as gentle as beautiful, -listening with much interest to their tale of the invasion of the -Roly-Rogues, and promising to assist them by every means in her power. - -This made Bud somewhat ashamed of his past enmity; so he said bluntly: -“I am sorry we defeated your army and made them run.” - -[Illustration: “QUEEN ZIXI GREETED BUD AND HIS SISTER AND AUNT WITH -GREAT KINDNESS.”] - -“Why, that was the only thing you could do, when I had invaded your -dominion,” answered Zixi. “I admit that you were in the right, and that -I deserved my defeat.” - -“But why did you try to conquer us?” asked Fluff. - -“Because I wanted to secure the magic cloak, of which I had heard so -much,” returned the queen, frankly. - -“Oh!” said the girl. - -“But, of course, you understand that if I had known the magic cloak -could not grant any more wishes, I would not have been so eager to -secure it,” continued Zixi. - -“No,” said Bud; “the old thing won’t work any more; and we nearly got -captured by the Roly-Rogues before we found it out.” - -“Oh, have you the cloak again?” asked Zixi, with a look of astonishment. - -“Yes, indeed,” returned the princess; “it was locked up in my drawer, -and Aunt Rivette managed to get it for me before the Roly-Rogues could -find it.” - -“Locked in your drawer?” repeated the witch-queen, musingly. “Then, I am -sorry to say, you have not the fairy cloak at all, but the imitation -one.” - -“What do you mean?” asked Fluff, greatly surprised. - -“Why, I must make a confession,” said Zixi, with a laugh. “I tried many -ways to steal your magic cloak. First, I came to Nole as ‘Miss Trust.’ -Do you remember?” - -“Oh, yes!” cried Fluff; “and I mistrusted you from the first.” - -“And then I sent my army to capture the cloak. But, when both of these -plans failed, I disguised myself as the girl Adlena.” - -“Adlena!” exclaimed the princess. “Why, I’ve often wondered what became -of my maid Adlena, and why she left me so suddenly and mysteriously.” - -“Well, she exchanged an imitation cloak for the one the fairies had -given you,” said Zixi, with a smile. “And then she ran away with the -precious garment, leaving in your drawer a cloak that resembled the -magic garment but had no magical charms.” - -“How dreadful!” said Fluff. - -“But it did me no good,” went on the queen, sadly; “for when I made a -wish the cloak could not grant it.” - -“Because it was stolen!” cried the girl, eagerly. “The fairy who gave it -to me said that if the cloak was stolen it would never grant a wish to -the thief.” - -“Oh,” said Zixi, astonished, “I did not know that.” - -“Of course not,” Fluff replied, with a rather triumphant smile. “But if -you had only come to me and told me frankly that you wanted to use the -cloak, I would gladly have lent it to you, and then you could have had -your wish.” - -“Well, well!” said Zixi, much provoked with herself. “To think I have -been so wicked all for nothing, when I might have succeeded without the -least trouble had I frankly asked for what I wanted!” - -“But—see here!” said Bud, beginning to understand the tangle of events; -“I must have worn the imitation cloak when I made my wish, and that was -the reason that my wish didn’t come true.” - -“To be sure,” rejoined Fluff. “And so it is nothing but the imitation -cloak we have brought here.” - -“No wonder it would not destroy and bury the Roly-Rogues!” declared the -boy, sulkily. “But if this is the imitation, where, then, is the real -magic cloak?” - -“Why, I believe I left it in the lilac-grove,” replied Zixi. - -“Then we must find it at once,” said Bud; “for only by its aid can we -get rid of those Roly-Rogues.” - -“And afterward I will gladly lend it to you also; I promise now to lend -it to you,” said Fluff, turning to the queen; “and your wish will be -fulfilled, after all—whatever it may be.” - -[Illustration: “‘BECAUSE IT WAS STOLEN!’ CRIED THE GIRL, EAGERLY.”] - -This expression of kindness and good will brought great joy to Zixi, and -she seized the generous child in her arms and kissed her with real -gratitude. - -“We will start for the lilac-grove to-morrow morning,” she exclaimed -delightedly; “and before night both King Bud and I will have our wishes -fulfilled!” - -Then the witch-queen led them to her royal banquet-hall, where a most -delightful dinner was served. And all the courtiers and officers of Zixi -bowed low, first before the King of Noland and then before his sweet -little sister, and promised them the friendship of the entire kingdom of -Ix. - -Quavo the wandering minstrel chanced to be present that evening, and he -sang a complimentary song about King Bud; and a wonderful song about the -“Flying Lady,” meaning Aunt Rivette; and a beautiful song about the -lovely Princess Fluff. - -So every one was happy and contented, as they all looked forward to the -morrow to regain the magic cloak, and by its means to bring an end to -all their worries. - -[Illustration: “‘NO, INDEED,’ ANSWERED THE GRAY OWL. ‘I BELIEVE I AM -SAFER IN A TREE.’”] - - - - - Chapter XXI. - THE SEARCH FOR THE MAGIC CLOAK. - - -The sun had scarcely risen next morning when our friends left the city -of Ix in search of the magic cloak. All were mounted on strong horses, -with a dozen soldiers riding behind to protect them from harm, while the -royal steward of the witch-queen followed with two donkeys laden with -hampers of provisions from which to feed the travelers on their way. - -It was a long journey to the wide river, but they finally reached it, -and engaged the ferryman to take them across. The ferryman did not like -to visit the other shore, which was in the kingdom of Noland; for -several of the Roly-Rogues had already been seen upon the mountain-top. -But the guard of soldiers reassured the man; so he rowed his big boat -across with the entire party, and set them safely on the shore. The -ferryman’s little daughter was in the boat, but she was not sobbing -to-day. On the contrary, her face was all smiles. - -“Do you not still wish to be a man?” asked Zixi, patting the child’s -head. - -“No, indeed!” answered the little maid. “For I have discovered all men -must work very hard to support their wives and children, and to buy them -food and raiment. So I have changed my mind about becoming a man, -especially as that would be impossible.” - -It was not far from the ferry to the grove of lilacs, and as they rode -along Zixi saw the gray owl sitting contentedly in a tree and pruning -its feathers. - -“Are you no longer wailing because you cannot swim in the river?” asked -the witch-queen, speaking in the owl language. - -“No, indeed,” answered the gray owl. “For, as I watched a fish swimming -in the water, a man caught it on a sharp hook, and the fish was killed. -I believe I’m safer in a tree.” - -“I believe so, too,” said Zixi, and rode along more thoughtfully; for -she remembered her own desire, and wondered if it would also prove -foolish. - -Just as they left the river-bank she noticed the old alligator sunning -himself happily upon the bank. - -[Illustration: “‘OF COURSE,’ ANSWERED THE ALLIGATOR, OPENING ONE EYE TO -OBSERVE HIS QUESTIONER.”] - -“Have you ceased weeping because you cannot climb a tree?” asked the -witch-queen. - -“Of course,” answered the alligator, opening one eye to observe his -questioner. “For a boy climbed a tree near me yesterday and fell out of -it and broke his leg. It is quite foolish to climb trees. I’m sure I am -safer in the water.” - -Zixi made no reply, but she agreed with the alligator, who called after -her sleepily: - -“Isn’t it fortunate we cannot have everything we are stupid enough to -wish for?” - -Shortly afterward they left the river-bank and approached the -lilac-grove, the witch-queen riding first through the trees to show the -place where she had dropped the magic cloak. She knew it was near the -little spring where she had gazed at her reflection in the water; but, -although they searched over every inch of ground, they could discover no -trace of the lost cloak. - -“It is really too bad!” exclaimed Zixi, with vexation. “Some one must -have come through the grove and taken the cloak away.” - -“But we must find it,” said Bud, earnestly; “for otherwise I shall not -be able to rescue my people from the Roly-Rogues.” - -“Let us inquire of every one we meet if they have seen the cloak,” -suggested Princess Fluff. “In that way we may discover who has taken -it.” - -So they made a camp on the edge of the grove, and for two days they -stopped and questioned all who passed that way. But none had ever seen -or heard of a cloak like that described. - -[Illustration: “‘WE HAVE LOST A BEAUTIFUL CLOAK IN THE LILAC-GROVE,’ -SAID QUEEN ZIXI TO THE SHEPHERD.”] - -Finally an old shepherd came along, hobbling painfully after a flock of -five sheep; for he suffered much from rheumatism. - -“We have lost a beautiful cloak in the lilac-grove,” said Zixi to the -shepherd. - -“When did you lose it?” asked the old man, pausing to lean upon his -stick. - -“Several days ago,” returned the queen. “It was bright as the rainbow, -and woven with threads finer than—” - -“I know, I know!” interrupted the shepherd, “for I myself found it lying -upon the ground beneath the lilac-trees.” - -“Hurrah!” cried Bud, gleefully; “at last we have found it!” And all the -others were fully as delighted as he was. - -“But where have you put the cloak?” inquired Zixi. - -“Why, I gave it to Dame Dingle, who lives under the hill yonder,” -replied the man, pointing far away over the fields; “and she gave me in -exchange some medicine for my rheumatism, which has made the pain -considerably worse. So to-day I threw the bottle into the river.” - -They did not pause to listen further to the shepherd’s talk, for all -were now intent on reaching the cottage of Dame Dingle. - -So the soldiers saddled the horses, and in a few minutes they were -galloping away toward the hill. It was a long ride, over rough ground; -but finally they came near the hill and saw a tiny, tumbledown cottage -just at its foot. - -Hastily dismounting, Bud, Fluff, and the queen rushed into the cottage, -where a wrinkled old woman was bent nearly double over a crazy-quilt -upon which she was sewing patches. - -“Where is the cloak?” cried the three, in a breath. - -The woman did not raise her head, but counted her stitches in a slow, -monotonous tone. - -“Sixteen—seventeen—eighteen—” - -“Where is the magic cloak?” demanded Zixi, stamping her foot -impatiently. - -“Nineteen—” said Dame Dingle, slowly. “There! I’ve broken my needle!” - -“Answer us at once!” commanded Bud, sternly. “Where is the magic cloak?” - -The woman paid no attention to him whatever. She carefully selected a -new needle, threaded it after several attempts, and began anew to stitch -the patch. - -“Twenty!” she mumbled in a low voice; “twenty-one—” - -But now Zixi snatched the work from her hands and exclaimed; - -“If you do not answer at once I will give you a good beating!” - -“That is all right,” said the dame, looking up at them through her -spectacles; “the patches take twenty-one stitches on each side, and if I -lose my count I get mixed up. But it’s all right now. What do you want?” - -“The cloak the old shepherd gave you,” replied the queen, sharply. - -“The pretty cloak with the bright colors?” asked the dame, calmly. - -“Yes! Yes!” answered the three, excitedly. - -“Why, that very patch I was sewing was cut from that cloak,” said Dame -Dingle. “Isn’t it lovely? And it brightens the rest of the crazy-quilt -beautifully.” - -“Do you mean that you have cut up my magic cloak?” asked Fluff, in -amazement, while the others were too horrified to speak. - -“Certainly,” said the woman. “The cloak was too fine for me to wear, and -I needed something bright in my crazy-quilt. So I cut up half of the -cloak and made patches of it.” - -The witch-queen gave a gasp, and sat down suddenly upon a rickety bench. -Princess Fluff walked to the door and stood looking out, that the others -might not see the tears of disappointment in her eyes. Bud alone stood -scowling in front of the old dame, and presently he said to her, in a -harsh tone: - -“You ought to be smothered with your own crazy-quilt for daring to cut -up the fairy cloak!” - -“The fairy cloak!” echoed Dame Dingle. “What do you mean?” - -“That cloak was a gift to my sister from the fairies,” said Bud; “and it -had a magic charm. Aren’t you afraid the fairies will punish you for -what you have done?” - -[Illustration: “‘WHERE IS THE CLOAK?’ CRIED THE THREE, IN A BREATH.”] - -Dame Dingle was greatly disturbed. - -“How could I know it?” she asked, anxiously; “how could I know it was a -magic cloak that old Edi gave to me?” - -“Well, it was; and woven by the fairies themselves,” retorted the boy. -“And a whole nation is in danger because you have wickedly cut it up.” - -Dame Dingle tried to cry, to show that she was sorry and so escape -punishment. She put her apron over her face, and rocked herself back and -forth, and made an attempt to squeeze a tear out of her eyes. - -Suddenly Zixi jumped up. - -“Why, it isn’t so bad, after all!” she exclaimed. “We can sew the cloak -together again.” - -“Of course!” said Fluff, coming from the doorway. “Why didn’t we think -of that at once?” - -“Where is the rest of the cloak?” demanded Zixi. - -Dame Dingle went to a chest and drew forth the half of the cloak that -had not been cut up. There was no doubt about its being the magic cloak. -The golden thread Queen Lulea had woven could be seen plainly in the -web, and the brilliant colors were as fresh and lovely as ever. But the -flowing skirt of the cloak had been ruthlessly hacked by Dame Dingle’s -shears, and presented a sorry plight. - -“Get us the patches you have cut!” commanded Zixi; and without a word -the dame drew from her basket five small squares and then ripped from -the crazy-quilt the one she had just sewn on. - -“But this isn’t enough,” said Fluff, when she had spread the cloak upon -the floor and matched the pieces. “Where is the rest of the cloak?” - -“Why,—why—” stammered Dame Dingle, with hesitation, “I gave them away.” - -“Gave them away! Who got them?” said Bud. - -“Why,—some friends of mine were here from the village last evening, and -we traded patches, so each of us would have a variety for our -crazy-quilts.” - -“Well?” - -“And I gave each of them one of the patches from the pretty cloak.” - -“Well, you _are_ a ninny!” declared Bud, scornfully. - -“Yes, your Majesty; I believe I am,” answered Dame Dingle, meekly. - -“We must go to the village and gather up those pieces,” said Zixi. “Can -you tell us the names of your friends?” she asked the woman. - -“Of course,” responded Dame Dingle; “they were Nancy Nink, Betsy Barx, -Sally Sog, Molly Mitt, and Lucy Lum.” - -“Before we go to the village let us make Dame Dingle sew these portions -of the cloak together,” suggested Fluff. - -The dame was glad enough to do this, and she threaded her needle at -once. So deft and fine was her needlework that she mended the cloak most -beautifully, so that from a short distance away no one could discover -that the cloak had been darned. But a great square was still missing -from the front, and our friends were now eager to hasten to the village. - -“This will cause us some delay,” said the witch-queen, more cheerfully; -“but the cloak will soon be complete again, and then we can have our -wishes.” - -Fluff took the precious cloak over her arm, and then they all mounted -their horses and rode away toward the village, which Dame Dingle pointed -out from her doorway. Zixi was sorry for the old creature, who had been -more foolish than wicked; and the witch-queen left a bright gold piece -in the woman’s hand when she bade her good-by, which was worth more to -Dame Dingle than three pretty cloaks. - -The ground was boggy and uneven, so they were forced to ride slowly to -the little village; but they arrived there at last, and began hunting -for the old women who had received pieces of the magic cloak. They were -easily found, and all seemed willing enough to give up their patches -when the importance of the matter was explained to them. - -At the witch-queen’s suggestion, each woman fitted her patch to the -cloak and sewed it on very neatly; but Lucy Lum, the last of the five, -said to them: - -“This is only half of the patch Dame Dingle gave me. The other part I -gave to the miller’s wife down in the valley where the river bends. But -I am sure she will be glad to let you have it. See—it only requires that -small piece to complete the cloak and make it as good as new.” - -It was true—the magic cloak, except for a small square at the bottom, -was now complete; and such skillful needlewomen were these crazy-quilt -makers that it was difficult to tell where it had been cut and afterward -mended. - -But the miller’s wife must now be seen; so they all mounted the horses -again, except Aunt Rivette, who grumbled that so much riding made her -bones rattle and that she preferred to fly. Which she did, frightening -the horses to such an extent with her wings that Bud made her keep well -in advance of them. - -They were all in good spirits now, for soon the magic cloak, almost as -good as new, would be again in their possession; and Fluff and Bud had -been greatly worried over the fate of their friends who had been left to -the mercy of the terrible Roly-Rogues. - -The path ran in a zigzag direction down into the valley; but at length -it led the party to the mill, where old Rivette was found sitting in the -doorway awaiting them. - -The miller’s wife, when summoned, came to them drying her hands on her -apron, for she had been washing the dishes. - -“We want to get the bright-colored patch Lucy Lum gave you,” explained -Fluff; “for it was part of my magic cloak, which the fairies gave to me, -and this is the place where it must be sewn to complete the garment.” -And she showed the woman the cloak, with the square missing. - -“I see,” said the miller’s wife, nodding her head; “and I am very sorry -I cannot give you the piece to complete your cloak. But the fact is, I -considered it too pretty for my crazy-quilt, so I gave it to my son for -a necktie.” - -[Illustration: “‘AND WHERE IS YOUR SON?’ DEMANDED ZIXI.”] - -“And where is your son?” demanded Zixi. - -“Oh, he is gone to sea, for he is a sailor. By this time he is far away -upon the ocean.” - -Bud, Fluff, and the witch-queen looked at one another in despair. This -seemed, indeed, to destroy all their hopes; for the one portion of the -cloak that they needed was far beyond their reach. - -Nothing remained but for them to return to Zixi’s palace and await the -time when the miller’s son should return from his voyage. But before -they went the queen said to the woman: - -“When he returns you may tell your son that if he will bring to me the -necktie you gave him, I will give him in return fifty gold pieces.” - -“And I will give him fifty more,” said Bud, promptly. - -“And I will give him enough ribbon to make fifty neckties,” added Fluff. - -The miller’s wife was delighted at the prospect. - -“Thank you! Thank you!” she exclaimed. “My boy’s fortune is made. He can -now marry Imogene Gubb and settle down on a farm, and give up the sea -forever! And his neckties will be the envy of all the men in the -country. As soon as he returns I will send him to you with the bit of -the cloak which you need.” - -But Zixi was so anxious that nothing might happen to prevent the -miller’s son from returning the necktie, that she left two of her -soldiers at the mill, with instructions to bring the man to her palace -the instant he returned home. - -As they rode away they were all very despondent over the ill luck of -their journey. - -“He may be drowned at sea,” said Bud. - -“Or he may lose the necktie on the voyage,” said Fluff. - -“Oh, a thousand things _might_ happen,” returned the queen; “but we need -not make ourselves unhappy imagining them. Let us hope the miller’s son -will soon return and restore to us the missing patch.” Which showed that -Zixi had not lived six hundred and eighty-three years without gaining -some wisdom. - -[Illustration: “QUEEN ZIXI TIED THE SILVER VIAL TO THE DOG’S NECK.”] - - - - - Chapter XXII. - RUFFLES CARRIES THE SILVER VIAL. - - -When they were back at the witch-queen’s palace in the city of Ix, the -queen insisted that Bud and Fluff, with their Aunt Rivette, should -remain her guests until the cloak could be restored to its former -complete state. And, for fear something else might happen to the -precious garment, a silver chest was placed in Princess Fluff’s room and -the magic cloak safely locked therein, the key being carried upon the -chain around the girl’s neck. - -But their plans to wait patiently were soon interfered with by the -arrival at Zixi’s court of the talking dog, Ruffles, which had with much -difficulty escaped from the Roly-Rogues. - -Ruffles brought to them so sad and harrowing a tale of the sufferings of -the five high counselors and all the people of Noland at the hands of -the fierce Roly-Rogues, that Princess Fluff wept bitterly for her -friends, and Bud became so cross and disagreeable that even Zixi was -provoked with him. - -“Something really must be done,” declared the queen. “I’ll brew a -magical mess in my witch-kettle to-night, and see if I can find a way to -destroy those detestable Roly-Rogues.” - -Indeed, she feared the creatures would some day find their way into Ix; -so when all the rest of those in the palace were sound asleep, Zixi -worked her magic spell, and from the imps she summoned she obtained -advice how to act in order to get rid of the Roly-Rogues. - -Next morning she questioned Ruffles carefully. - -“What do the Roly-Rogues eat?” she asked. - -“Everything,” said the dog; “for they have no judgment, and consume -buttons and hairpins as eagerly as they do food. But there is one thing -they are really fond of, and that is soup. They oblige old Tollydob, the -lord high general, who works in the palace kitchen, to make them a -kettle of soup every morning; and this they all eat as if they were half -starving.” - -“Very good!” exclaimed the witch-queen, with pleasure. “I think I see a -way of ridding all Noland of these monsters. Here is a Silver Vial -filled with a magic liquid. I will tie it around your neck, and you must -return to the city of Nole and carry the vial to Tollydob, the lord high -general. Tell him that on Thursday morning, when he makes the kettle of -soup, he must put the contents of the vial into the compound. But let no -one taste it afterward except the Roly-Rogues.” - -“And what then?” asked Ruffles, curiously. - -“Then I will myself take charge of the monsters; and I have reason to -believe the good citizens of Noland will no longer find themselves -slaves.” - -“All right,” said the dog. “I will do as you bid me; for I long to free -my master and have revenge on the Roly-Rogues.” - -So Queen Zixi tied the Silver Vial to the dog’s neck by means of a broad -ribbon, and he started at once to return to Nole. - -And when he had gone, the queen summoned all her generals and bade them -assemble the entire army and prepare to march into Noland again. Only -this time, instead of being at enmity with the people of Noland, the -army of Ix was to march to their relief; and instead of bearing swords -and spears, each man bore a coil of strong rope. - -[Illustration: “HE STARTED AT ONCE TO RETURN TO NOLE.”] - -“For,” said Zixi, “swords and spears are useless where the Roly-Rogues -are concerned, as nothing can pierce their tough, rubber-like bodies. -And more nations have been conquered by cunning than by force of arms.” - -Bud and Fluff, not knowing what the witch-queen meant to do, were much -disturbed by these preparations to march upon the Roly-Rogues. The -monsters had terrified them so greatly that they dreaded to meet with -them again, and Bud declared that the safest plan was to remain in -Zixi’s kingdom and await the coming of the miller’s son with the -necktie. - -“But,” remonstrated Zixi, “in the meantime your people are suffering -terribly.” - -“I know,” said Bud; “and it nearly drives me frantic to think of it But -they will be no better off if we try to fight the Roly-Rogues and are -ourselves made slaves.” - -“Why not try the magic cloak as it is,” suggested the princess, “and see -if it won’t grant wishes as before? There’s only a small piece missing, -and it may not make any difference with the power the fairies gave to -it.” - -“Hooray!” shouted Bud. “That’s a good idea. It’s a magic cloak just the -same, even if there is a chunk cut out of it.” - -Zixi agreed that it was worth a trial, so the cloak was taken from the -silver casket and brought into the queen’s reception-room. - -“Let us try it on one of your maids of honor, first,” said Fluff; “and, -if it grants her wish, we will know the cloak has lost none of its magic -powers. Then you and Bud may both make your wishes.” - -“Very well,” returned the queen, and she summoned one of her maids. - -“I am going to lend you my cloak,” said the princess to the maid; “and -while you wear it you must make a wish.” - -She threw the cloak over the girl’s shoulders, and after a moment’s -thought the maid said: - -“I wish for a bushel of candies.” - -“Fudge!” said Bud, scornfully. - -“No; all kinds of candies,” answered the maid of honor. But, although -they watched her intently, the wish failed absolutely, for no bushel of -candies appeared in sight. - -“Let us try it again,” suggested Fluff, while the others wore -disappointed expressions. “It was a foolish wish, anyhow; and perhaps -the fairies did not care to grant it.” - -So another maid was called and given the cloak to wear. - -[Illustration: “‘AND MAY I WISH FOR ANYTHING I DESIRE?’ SHE ASKED -EAGERLY.”] - -“And may I wish for anything I desire?” she asked eagerly. - -“Of course,” answered the princess; “but, as you can have but one wish, -you must choose something sensible.” - -“Oh, I will!” declared the maid. “I wish I had yellow hair and blue -eyes.” - -“Why did you wish that?” asked Fluff, angrily, for the girl had pretty -brown hair and eyes. - -“Because the young man I am going to marry says he likes blondes better -than brunettes,” answered the maid, blushing. - -But her hair did not change its color, for all the wish; and the maid -said, with evident disappointment: - -“Your magic cloak seems to be a fraud.” - -“It does not grant foolish wishes,” returned the princess, as she -dismissed her. - -When the maid had gone Zixi asked: - -“Well, are you satisfied?” - -“Yes,” acknowledged Fluff. “The cloak will not grant wishes unless it is -complete. We must wait for the sailorman’s necktie.” - -“Then my army shall march to-morrow morning,” said the queen, and she -went away to give the order to her generals. - - - - - Chapter XXIII. - THE DESTRUCTION OF THE MONSTERS. - - -It was Tuesday when the army of Ix started upon its second march into -Noland. With it were the witch-queen, King Bud, Princess Fluff, and Aunt -Rivette. At evening they encamped on the bank of the river, and on -Wednesday the army was ferried across, and marched up the side of the -mountain that separated them from the valley of Noland. By night they -had reached the summit of the mountain; but they did not mount upon the -ridge, for fear they might be seen by the Roly-Rogues. - -Zixi commanded them all to remain quietly behind the ridge, and they -lighted no fires and spoke only in whispers. - -And, although so many thousands of men lay close to the valley of -Noland, not a sound came from them to warn the monsters that an enemy -was near. - -Thursday morning dawned bright and pleasant, and as soon as the sun was -up the Roly-Rogues came crowding around the palace kitchen, demanding -that old Tollydob hurry the preparation of their soup. - -This the general did, trembling in spite of his ten feet of stature; for -if they were kept waiting the monsters were liable to prod his flesh -with their thorns. - -But Tollydob did not forget to empty the contents of the Silver Vial -into the soup, as the dog Ruffles had told him to do; and soon it was -being ladled out to the Roly-Rogues by Jikki, the four high counselors, -and a dozen other enslaved officers of King Bud. - -And the dog Ruffles ran through the city, crying to every Roly-Rogue he -met: “Hurry and get your soup before it is gone. It is especially good -this morning!” - -So every Roly-Rogue in the valley hurried to the palace kitchen for -soup; and there were so many that it was noon before the last were -served, while these became so impatient that they abused their slaves in -a sad manner. - -Yet, even while the last were eating, those who had earlier partaken of -the soup lay around the palace sound asleep and snoring loudly; for the -contents of the Silver Vial had the effect of sending all of them to -sleep within an hour, and rendering them wholly unconscious for a period -of ten hours. - -[Illustration: “AND THE DOG RUFFLES RAN THROUGH THE CITY, CRYING TO -EVERY ROLY-ROGUE HE MET: ‘HURRY AND GET YOUR SOUP.’”] - -All through the city the Roly-Rogues lay asleep; and, as they always -withdrew their heads and limbs into their bodies when they slumbered, -they presented a spectacle of thousands of huge balls lying motionless. - -[Illustration: “ALL THROUGH THE CITY THE ROLY-ROGUES LAY ASLEEP.”] - -When the big kettle was finally empty and the lord high general paused -to wipe the perspiration from his brow, the last of the Roly-Rogues were -rolling over on their backs from the effects of the potion which the -witch-queen brewed and placed in the Silver Vial. - -Aunt Rivette had been flying over the city since early morning; and -although the Roly-Rogues had been too intent upon their breakfast to -notice her, the old woman’s sharp eyes had watched everything that took -place below. - -Now, when all the monsters had succumbed to the witch-potion, Aunt -Rivette flew back to the mountain where the army of Ix was hidden, and -carried the news to the witch-queen. - -Zixi at once ordered her generals to advance, and the entire army -quickly mounted the summit of the ridge and ran down the side of the -mountain to the gates of the city. - -The people, who saw that something unusual was taking place, greeted Bud -and Fluff and the witch-queen with shouts of gladness; and even Aunt -Rivette, when she flew down among them, was given three hearty cheers. - -But there was no time for joyous demonstrations while the streets and -public squares were cluttered with the sleeping bodies of the terrible -Roly-Rogues. The army of Ix lost no time in carrying out their queen’s -instructions; and as soon as they entered the city they took the long -ropes they carried and wound them fast about the round bodies of the -monsters, securely fastening their heads and limbs into their forms so -that they could not stick them out again. - -Their enemies being thus rendered helpless, the people renewed their -shouts of joy and gratitude, and eagerly assisted the soldiers of Ix in -rolling all the Roly-Rogues outside the gates and to a wide ledge of the -mountain. - -The lord high general and all the other counselors threw away their -aprons and tools of servitude and dressed themselves in their official -robes. The soldiers of Tollydob’s army ran for their swords and pikes, -and the women unlocked their doors and trooped into the streets of Nole -for the first time since the descent of the monsters. - -[Illustration: “ALL THE ROLY-ROGUES WERE THUS ROLLED INTO THE RIVER, -WHERE THEY BOBBED UP AND DOWN IN THE WATER.”] - -But the task of liberation was not yet accomplished. All the Roly-Rogues -had to be rolled up the side of the mountain to the topmost ridge, and -so great was the bulk of their bodies that it took five or six men to -roll each one to the mountain-top; and even then they were obliged to -stop frequently to rest. - -But as soon as they got a Roly-Rogue to the ridge they gave it a push -and sent it bounding down the other side of the mountain until it fell -into the big river flowing swiftly below. - -During the afternoon all the Roly-Rogues were thus dumped into the -river, where they bobbed up and down in the water, spinning around and -bumping against one another until the current carried them out of sight -on their journey to the sea. It was rumored later that they had reached -an uninhabited island where they harm no one except themselves. - -“I’m glad they floated,” said Zixi, as she stood upon the mountain ridge -and watched the last of the monsters float out of sight; “for if they -had sunk they would have filled up the river, there were so many of -them.” - -It was evening when Noland at last became free from her terrible -tyrants; and the citizens illuminated the entire city that they might -spend the night in feasting and rejoicing over their freedom. The -soldiers of Ix were embraced and made much of; and at all the feasts -they were the honored guests, while the people of Noland pledged them -their sincere friendship forever. - -King Bud took possession of the royal palace again, and Jikki bustled -about and prepared a grand banquet for the king’s guests,—although the -old valet grumbled a great deal because his six solemn servants would -not assist in waiting upon any one but himself. - -The Roly-Rogues had destroyed many things, but the servants of the -palace managed to quickly clear away the rubbish and to decorate the -banquet-hall handsomely. - -Bud placed the beautiful witch-queen upon his right hand and showed her -great honor, for he was really very grateful for her assistance in -rescuing his country from the invaders. - -The feasting and dancing lasted far into the night; but when at last the -people sought their beds they knew they might rest peacefully and free -from care, for the Roly-Rogues had gone forever. - - - - - Chapter XXIV. - THE SAILORMAN’S RETURN. - - -Next day the witch-queen returned with her army to the city of Ix, to -await the coming of the sailorman with the necktie, and King Bud set -about getting his kingdom into running order again. - -The lord high purse-bearer dug up his magic purse, and Bud ordered him -to pay the shopkeepers full value for everything the Roly-Rogues had -destroyed. The merchants were thus enabled to make purchases of new -stocks of goods; and although all travelers had for many days kept away -from Noland, for fear of the monsters, caravans now flocked in vast -numbers to the city of Nole with rich stores of merchandise to sell, so -that soon the entire city looked like a huge bazaar. - -Bud also ordered a gold piece given to the head of every family; and -this did no damage to the ever-filled royal purse, while it meant riches -to the poor people who had suffered so much. - -Princess Fluff had carried her silver chest back to the palace of her -brother, and in it lay, carefully folded, the magic cloak. Being now -fearful of losing it, she warned Jikki to allow no one to enter the room -in which lay the silver chest, except with her full consent, explaining -to him the value of the cloak. - -“And was it this cloak I wore when I wished for half a dozen servants?” -asked the old valet. - -“Yes,” answered Fluff; “Aunt Rivette bade you return it to me, and you -were so careless of it that nearly all the high counselors used it -before I found it again.” - -“Then,” said Jikki, heedless of the reproof, “will your Highness please -use the cloak to rid me of these stupid servants? They are continually -at my heels, waiting to serve me; and I am so busy myself serving others -that those six young men almost drive me distracted. It wouldn’t be so -bad if they would serve any one else; but they claim they are my -servants alone, and refuse to wait upon even his Majesty the king.” - -“Sometime I will try to help you,” answered Fluff; “but I shall not use -the cloak again until the miller’s son returns from his voyage at sea.” - -So Jikki was forced to wait as impatiently as the others for the -sailorman, and his servants had now become such a burden upon him that -he grumbled every time he looked around and saw them standing in a stiff -line behind him. - -Aunt Rivette again took possession of her rooms at the top of the -palace; and although Bud, grateful for her courage in saving him and his -sister from the Roly-Rogues, would gladly have given her handsomer -apartments, the old woman preferred to be near the roof, where she could -take flight into the air whenever it pleased her to go out. - -With her big wings and her power to fly as a bird, she was the envy of -all the old gossips she had known in the days when she worked as a -laundress; and now she would often alight upon the door-step of some -humble friend and tell of the wonderful adventures she had encountered. - -This never failed to surround her with an admiring circle of listeners, -and Aunt Rivette derived far more pleasure from her tattle than from -living in a palace with her nephew the king. - -The kingdom of Noland soon took on a semblance of its former prosperity, -and the Roly-Rogues were only remembered with shudders of repugnance, -and spoken of in awed whispers. - -And so the days wore away until late in the autumn, when, one morning, a -mounted soldier from Queen Zixi dashed into Nole and rode furiously up -to the palace gate. - -“The sailorman is found!” he shouted, throwing himself from his horse -and bowing low before little King Bud, who had come out to meet him. - -“Good,” remarked Bud. - -“The Queen of Ix is even now riding to your Majesty’s city with a large -escort surrounding the sailorman,” continued the soldier. - -“And has he the necktie?” asked Bud, eagerly. - -“He is wearing it, your Majesty,” answered the man; “but he refuses to -give it to any one but the Princess Fluff.” - -“That’s all right,” said the king; and, reëntering the palace, he -ordered Jikki to make preparations to receive the witch-queen and her -retinue. - -[Illustration: “‘THE SAILORMAN IS FOUND!’ HE SHOUTED.”] - -When Zixi came to the city gates she found General Tollydob, in a -gorgeous new uniform, waiting to escort her to the palace. The houses -were gay with flags and streamers; bands were playing; and on each side -of the street along which the witch-queen rode were lines of soldiers to -keep the way clear of the crowding populace. - -Behind the queen came the sailorman, carefully guarded by Zixi’s most -trusted soldiers. He looked uneasy at so great a reception, and rode his -horse as awkwardly as a sailor might. - -So the cavalcade came to the palace, which was thronged with courtiers -and ladies in waiting. - -Zixi and the sailorman were ushered into the great throne room, where -King Bud, wearing his ermine robe and jeweled crown, sat gravely upon -his throne, with Princess Fluff beside him. - -“Your Majesty,” began the witch-queen, bowing prettily, “I have brought -you the sailorman at last. He has just returned from his voyage, and my -soldiers captured him at his mother’s cottage by the mill. But he -refuses to give the necktie to any one except the Princess Fluff.” - -“I am the Princess Fluff,” said Meg to the sailor; “and your necktie is -part of my magic cloak. So please give it back to me.” - -The sailor shifted uneasily from one foot to the other. - -“My mother told me,” he finally said, “that King Bud would give me fifty -gold pieces for it, and the Queen of Ix would give me another fifty gold -pieces, and that your Highness would give me fifty neckties.” - -“That is all true,” returned Fluff; “so here are the fifty neckties.” - -Tillydib, the lord high purse-bearer, counted out fifty gold pieces, and -Zixi’s treasurer counted out another fifty, and all were given to the -sailorman. - -Then the miller’s son unfastened the necktie from about his collar and -handed it to Fluff. - -During the murmur of satisfaction that followed, the girl unlocked her -silver chest, which Jikki had brought, and drew out the magic cloak. -Lifting the skirt of the garment, she attempted to fit the sailor’s -necktie into the place it should go; and then, while every one looked on -with breathless interest, the girl lifted a white face to the sailorman -and exclaimed: - -“This is not the necktie your mother gave you!” - -[Illustration: “‘THIS IS NOT THE NECKTIE YOUR MOTHER GAVE YOU!’”] - -For a moment there was silence, while the assemblage glared angrily upon -the sailor. Then the king, rising from his seat, demanded: - -“Are you sure, Fluff? Are you sure of that?” - -“Of course I’m sure,” said the girl; “it is neither the shape nor the -color of the missing patch.” - -Bud turned to the now trembling sailor. - -“Why have you tried to deceive us?” he asked sternly. - -“Oh, your Majesty!” returned the man, wringing his hands miserably, “I -lost the necktie in a gale at sea, for I knew nothing of its value. And -when I came home my mother told me of all the gold you had offered for -its return, and advised me to deceive you by wearing another necktie. -She said you would never know the difference.” - -“Your mother is a foolish woman, as well as dishonest,” answered Bud; -“and you shall both be severely punished. Tellydeb,” he continued, -addressing the lord high executioner, “take this man to prison, and see -that he is fed on bread and water until further orders.” - -“Not so!” exclaimed a sweet voice near the king; and then all looked up -to see the beautiful Lulea, queen of the fairies, standing beside the -throne. - - - - - Chapter XXV. - THE FAIRY QUEEN. - - -Every eye was now fixed upon the exquisite form of the fairy queen, -which shed a glorious radiance throughout the room, and filled every -heart with an awe and admiration not unmingled with fear. - -“The magic cloak was woven by my band,” said the fairy, speaking so -distinctly that all could hear the words; “and our object was to bring -relief to suffering mortal—not to add to their worries. Some good the -cloak has accomplished, I am sure; but also has it been used foolishly, -and to no serious purpose. Therefore I, who gave the cloak, shall now -take it away. The good that has been done shall remain; but the foolish -wishes granted shall now be canceled.” With these words, she turned and -lightly lifted the shimmering magic garment from the lap of the -princess. - -[Illustration: “‘I WISH,’ GRAVELY ANNOUNCED BUD, ‘THAT I MAY BECOME THE -BEST KING THAT NOLAND HAS EVER HAD.’”] - -“One moment, please!” cried Bud, eagerly. “Cannot I have my wish? I -waited until I could wish wisely, you know; and then the cloak wouldn’t -work.” - -With a smile, Lulea threw the cloak over the boy’s shoulders. - -“Wish!” said she. - -“I wish,” announced Bud, gravely, “that I may become the best king that -Noland has ever had!” - -“Your wish is granted,” returned the fairy, sweetly; “and it shall be -the last wish fulfilled through the magic cloak.” - -But now Zixi rushed forward and threw herself upon her knees before the -fairy. - -“Oh, your Majesty—” she began eagerly; but Lulea instantly silenced her -with an abrupt gesture. - -“Plead not to me, Queen of Ix!” said the dainty immortal, drawing back -from Zixi’s prostrate form. “You know that we fairies do not approve of -witchcraft. However long your arts may permit you to live, you must -always beware a mirror!” - -Zixi gave a sob and buried her pretty face in her hands; and it was -Fluff whose tender heart prompted her to raise the witch-queen and try -to comfort her. - -For a moment all present had looked at Zixi. When their eyes again -sought the form of the fairy, Lulea had vanished, and with her -disappeared forever from Noland the magic cloak. - -Some important changes had been wrought through the visit of the fairy. -Jikki’s six servants were gone, to the old valet’s great delight. The -ten-foot general had shrunken to six feet in height, Lulea having -generously refrained from reducing old Tollydob to his former short -stature. Ruffles, to the grief of the lord high steward, could no longer -talk; but Tallydab comforted himself with the knowledge that his dog -could at least understand every word addressed to him. The lord high -executioner found he could no longer reach farther than other men; but -the royal purse of old Tillydib remained ever filled, which assured the -future prosperity of the kingdom of Noland. - -As for Zixi, she soon became reconciled to her fate, and returned to Ix -to govern her country with her former liberality and justice. - -The last wish granted by the magic cloak was doubtless the most -beneficial and far-reaching of all; for King Bud ruled many years with -exceeding wisdom and gentleness, and was greatly beloved by each and -every one of his admiring subjects. - -The cheerfulness and sweet disposition of Princess Fluff became renowned -throughout the world, and when she grew to womanhood many brave and -handsome princes from other countries came to Nole to sue for her heart -and hand. One of these she married, and reigned as queen of a great -nation in after years, winning quite as much love and respect from her -people as his loyal subjects bestowed upon her famous brother, King Bud -of Noland. - -[Illustration: THE END] - - - - - Transcriber’s Notes - - ---Copyright notice provided as in the original—this e-text is public - domain in the country of publication. - ---Generated a cover image, based on graphic elements from the book, and - released for free unrestricted use with this eBook. - ---Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and - dialect unchanged. - ---In the text versions, delimited italics text in _underscores_ (the - HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.) - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Queen Zixi of Ix, by L. 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Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - diff --git a/old/55737-0.zip b/old/55737-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 660323a..0000000 --- a/old/55737-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55737-8.txt b/old/55737-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 4351018..0000000 --- a/old/55737-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5745 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Queen Zixi of Ix, by L. Frank Baum - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Queen Zixi of Ix - Or, the Story of the Magic Cloak - -Author: L. Frank Baum - -Release Date: October 13, 2017 [EBook #55737] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK QUEEN ZIXI OF IX *** - - - - -Produced by Mary Glenn Krause, David Edwards, Eric Gjovaag, -Sharon Joiner, Stephen Hutcheson, Carol Spears, University -of Alberta, University of Texas, University of Michigan -and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images -made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.) - - - - - - -[Illustration: WEAVING THE MAGIC CLOAK.] - - - - - QUEEN ZIXI OF IX - Or, the Story of the Magic Cloak - - - BY - L. FRANK BAUM - AUTHOR OF "THE WIZARD OF OZ" - - WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY - FREDERICK RICHARDSON - - [Illustration: Cameo of Queen Zixi] - - TORONTO - THE COPP, CLARK COMPANY - LIMITED - 1905 - - Copyright, 1904, 1905, by - L. FRANK BAUM - All Rights Reserved - _Published October, 1905_ - - PRESS OF BRAUNWORTH & CO. - BOOKBINDERS AND PRINTERS, BROOKLYN, N. Y. - - FULL PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS IN THREE COLORS - BY THE DE VINNE PRESS - - - TO MY SON - FRANK JOSLYN BAUM - - - - - CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER I. - The Weaving of the Magic Cloak 3 - - - CHAPTER II. - The Book of Laws 17 - - - CHAPTER III. - The Gift of the Magic Cloak 29 - - - CHAPTER IV. - King Bud of Noland 43 - - - CHAPTER V. - Princess Fluff 55 - - - CHAPTER VI. - Bud Dispenses Justice 67 - - - CHAPTER VII. - The Wings of Aunt Rivette 81 - - - CHAPTER VIII. - The Royal Reception 93 - - - CHAPTER IX. - Jikki has a Wish Granted 107 - - - CHAPTER X. - The Counselors Wear the Magic Cloak 117 - - - CHAPTER XI. - The Witch-Queen 137 - - - CHAPTER XII. - Zixi Disguises Herself 149 - - - CHAPTER XIII. - Tullydub Rescues the Kingdom 158 - - - CHAPTER XIV. - The Rout of the Army of Ix 173 - - - CHAPTER XV. - The Theft of the Magic Cloak 181 - - - CHAPTER XVI. - The Plain Above the Clouds 198 - - - CHAPTER XVII. - The Descent of the Roly-Rogues 205 - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - The Conquest of Noland 214 - - - CHAPTER XIX. - The Bravery of Aunt Rivette 227 - - - CHAPTER XX. - In the Palace of the Witch-Queen 240 - - - CHAPTER XXI. - The Search for the Magic Cloak 251 - - - CHAPTER XXII. - Ruffles Carries the Silver Vial 271 - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - The Destruction of the Monsters 279 - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - The Sailorman's Return 289 - - - CHAPTER XXV. - The Fairy-Queen 298 - - - - - QUEEN ZIXI OF IX; - OR, THE STORY OF THE MAGIC CLOAK. - - - - - Chapter I. - THE WEAVING OF THE MAGIC CLOAK. - - -The fairies assembled one moonlit night in a pretty clearing of the -ancient forest of Burzee. - -The clearing was in the form of a circle, and all around stood giant oak -and fir trees, while in the center the grass grew green and soft as -velvet. If any mortal had ever penetrated so far into the great forest, -and could have looked upon the fairy circle by daylight, he might -perhaps have seen a tiny path worn in the grass by the feet of the -dancing elves. For here, during the full of the moon, the famous fairy -band, ruled by good Queen Lulea, loved to dance and make merry while the -silvery rays flooded the clearing and caused their gauzy wings to -sparkle with every color of the rainbow. - -On this especial night, however, they were not dancing. For the queen -had seated herself upon a little green mound, and while her band -clustered about her she began to address the fairies in a tone of -discontent. - -"I am tired of dancing, my dears," said she. "Every evening since the -moon grew big and round we have come here to frisk about and laugh and -disport ourselves; and although those are good things to keep the heart -light, one may grow weary even of merrymaking. So I ask you to suggest -some new way to divert both me and yourselves during this night." - -"That is a hard task," answered one pretty sprite, opening and folding -her wings slowly--as a lady toys with her fan. "We have lived through so -many ages that we long ago exhausted everything that might be considered -a novelty, and of all our recreations nothing gives us such continued -pleasure as dancing." - -"But I do not care to dance to-night!" replied Lulea, with a little -frown. - -"We might create something, by virtue of our fairy powers," suggested -one who reclined at the feet of the queen. - -"Ah, that is just the idea!" exclaimed the dainty Lulea, with -brightening countenance. "Let us create something. But what?" - -"I have heard," remarked another member of the band, "of a thinking-cap -having been made by some fairies in America. And whatever mortal wore -this thinking-cap was able to conceive the most noble and beautiful -thoughts." - -"That was indeed a worthy creation," cried the little queen. "What -became of the cap?" - -"The man who received it was so afraid some one else would get it and be -able to think the same exquisite thoughts as himself that he hid it -safely away--so safely that he himself never could think afterward where -he had placed it." - -"How unfortunate! But we must not make another thinking-cap, lest it -meet a like fate. Cannot you suggest something, else?" - -"I have heard," said another, "of certain fairies who created a pair of -enchanted boots, which would always carry their mortal wearer away from -danger--and never into it." - -"What a great boon to those blundering mortals!" cried the queen. "And -whatever became of the boots?" - -"They came at last into the possession of a great general who did not -know their powers. So he wore them into battle one day, and immediately -ran away, followed by all his men, and the fight was won by the enemy." - -"But did not the general escape danger?" - -"Yes--at the expense of his reputation. So he retired to a farm and wore -out the boots tramping up and down a country road and trying to decide -why he had suddenly become such a coward." - -"The boots were worn by the wrong man, surely," said the queen; "and -that is why they proved a curse rather than a blessing. But we want no -enchanted boots. Think of something else." - -"Suppose we weave a magic cloak," proposed Espa, a sweet little fairy -who had not before spoken. - -"A cloak? Indeed, we might easily weave that," returned the queen. "But -what sort of magic powers must it possess?" - -"Let its wearer have any wish instantly fulfilled," said Espa, brightly. - -[Illustration: "'SUPPOSE WE WEAVE A MAGIC CLOAK.'"] - -But at this there arose quite a murmur of protest on all sides, which -the queen immediately silenced with a wave of her royal hand. - -"Our sister did not think of the probable consequences of what she -suggested," declared Lulea, smiling into the downcast face of little -Espa, who seemed to feel rebuked by the disapproval of the others. "An -instant's reflection would enable her to see that such power would give -the cloak's mortal wearer as many privileges as we ourselves possess. -And I suppose you intended the magic cloak for a mortal wearer?" she -inquired. - -"Yes," answered Espa, shyly; "that was my intention." - -"But the idea is good, nevertheless," continued the queen, "and I -propose we devote this evening to weaving the magic cloak. Only, its -magic shall give to its wearer the fulfilment of but one wish; and I am -quite sure that even that should prove a great boon to the helpless -mortals." - -"Suppose more than one person wears the cloak," one of the band said; -"which then shall have the one wish fulfilled?" - -The queen devoted a moment to thought, and then replied: - -"Each possessor of the magic cloak may have one wish granted, provided -the cloak is not stolen from its last wearer. In that case the magic -power will not be exercised on behalf of the thief." - -"But should there not be a limit to the number of the cloak's wearers?" -asked the fairy lying at the queen's feet. - -"I think not. If used properly our gift will prove of great value to -mortals. And if we find it is misused we can at any time take back the -cloak and revoke its magic power. So now, if we are all agreed upon this -novel amusement, let us set to work." - -At these words the fairies sprang up eagerly; and their queen, smiling -upon them, waved her wand toward the center of the clearing. At once a -beautiful fairy loom appeared in the space. It was not such a loom as -mortals use. It consisted of a large and a small ring of gold, supported -by a tall pole of jasper. The entire band danced around it thrice, the -fairies carrying in each hand a silver shuttle wound with glossy -filaments finer than the finest silk. And the threads on each shuttle -appeared a different hue from those of all the other shuttles. - -At a sign from the queen they one and all approached the golden loom and -fastened an end of thread in its warp. Next moment they were gleefully -dancing hither and thither, while the silver shuttles flew swiftly from -hand to hand and the gossamer-like web began to grow upon the loom. - -Presently the queen herself took part in the sport, and the thread she -wove into the fabric was the magical one which was destined to give the -cloak its wondrous power. - -Long and swiftly the fairy band worked beneath the old moon's rays, -while their feet tripped gracefully over the grass and their joyous -laughter tinkled like silver bells and awoke the echoes of the grim -forest surrounding them. And at last they paused and threw themselves -upon the green with little sighs of content. For the shuttles and loom -had vanished; the work was complete; and Queen Lulea stood upon the -mound holding in her hand the magic cloak. - -The garment was as beautiful as it was marvelous--each and every hue of -the rainbow glinted and sparkled from the soft folds; and while it was -light in weight as swan's-down, its strength was so great that the -fabric was well-nigh indestructible. - -The fairy band regarded it with great satisfaction, for every one had -assisted in its manufacture and could admire with pardonable pride its -glossy folds. - -"It is very lovely, indeed!" cried little Espa. "But to whom shall we -present it?" - -The question aroused a dozen suggestions, each fairy seeming to favor a -different mortal. Every member of this band, as you doubtless know, was -the unseen guardian of some man or woman or child in the great world -beyond the forest, and it was but natural that each should wish her own -ward have the magic cloak. - -While they thus disputed, another fairy joined them and pressed to the -side of the queen. - -"Welcome, Ereol," said Lulea. "You are late." - -The new-comer was very lovely in appearance, and with her fluffy golden -hair and clear blue eyes was marvelously fair to look upon. In a low, -grave voice she answered the queen: - -"Yes, your Majesty, I am late. But I could not help it. The old King of -Noland, whose guardian I have been since his birth, has passed away this -evening, and I could not bear to leave him until the end came." - -"So the old king is dead at last!" said the queen, thoughtfully. "He was -a good man, but woefully uninteresting; and he must have wearied you -greatly at times, my sweet Ereol." - -[Illustration: "'YES, YOUR MAJESTY, I AM LATE.'"] - -"All mortals are, I think, wearisome," returned the fairy, with a sigh. - -"And who is the new King of Noland?" asked Lulea. - -"There is none," answered Ereol. "The old king died without a single -relative to succeed to his throne, and his five high counselors were in -a great dilemma when I came away." - -"Well, my dear, you may rest and enjoy yourself for a period, in order -to regain your old lightsome spirits. By and by I will appoint you -guardian to some newly born babe, that your duties may be less arduous. -But I am sorry you were not with us to-night, for we have had rare -sport. See! we have woven a magic cloak." - -Ereol examined the garment with pleasure. - -"And who is to wear it?" she asked. - -Then again arose the good-natured dispute as to which mortal in all the -world should possess the magic cloak. Finally the queen, laughing at the -arguments of her band, said to them: - -"Come! Let us leave the decision to the Man in the Moon. He has been -watching us with a great deal of amusement, and once, I am sure, I -caught him winking at us in quite a roguish way." - -At this every head was turned toward the moon; and then a man's face, -full-bearded and wrinkled, but with a jolly look upon the rough -features, appeared sharply defined upon the moon's broad surface. - -"So I'm to decide another dispute, eh?" said he, in a clear voice. -"Well, my dears, what is it this time?" - -"We wish you to say what mortal shall wear the magic cloak which I and -the ladies of my court have woven," replied Queen Lulea. - -"Give it to the first unhappy person you meet," said the Man in the -Moon. "The happy mortals have no need of magic cloaks." And with this -advice the friendly face of the Man in the Moon faded away until only -the outlines remained visible against the silver disk. - -The queen clapped her hands delightedly. - -[Illustration: "'GIVE IT TO THE FIRST UNHAPPY PERSON YOU MEET.'"] - -"Our Man in the Moon is very wise," she declared; "and we shall follow -his suggestion. Go, Ereol, since you are free for a time, and carry the -magic cloak to Noland. And the first person you meet who is really -unhappy, be it man, woman, or child, shall receive from you the cloak as -a gift from our fairy band." - -Ereol bowed, and folded the cloak over her arm. - -"Come, my children," continued Lulea; "the moon is hiding behind the -tree-tops, and it is time for us to depart." - -[Illustration: "SAID THE MAN IN THE MOON."] - -A moment later the fairies had disappeared, and the clearing wherein -they had danced and woven the magic cloak lay shrouded in deepest gloom. - -[Illustration: JIKKI.] - - - - - Chapter II. - THE BOOK OF LAWS. - - -On this same night great confusion and excitement prevailed among the -five high counselors of the kingdom of Noland. The old king was dead and -there was none to succeed him as ruler of the country. He had outlived -every one of his relatives, and since the crown had been in this one -family for generations, it puzzled the high counselors to decide upon a -fitting successor. - -These five high counselors were very important men. It was said that -they ruled the kingdom while the king ruled them; which made it quite -easy for the king and rather difficult for the people. The chief -counselor was named Tullydub. He was old and very pompous, and had a -great respect for the laws of the land. The next in rank was Tollydob, -the lord high general of the king's army. The third was Tillydib, the -lord high purse-bearer. The fourth was Tallydab, the lord high steward. -And the fifth and last of the high counselors was Tellydeb, the lord -high executioner. - -These five had been careful not to tell the people when the old king had -become ill, for they feared being annoyed by many foolish questions. -They sat in a big room next the bed-chamber of the king, in the royal -palace of Nole,--which is the capital city of Noland,--and kept every -one out except the king's physician, who was half blind and wholly dumb -and could not gossip with outsiders had he wanted to. And while the high -counselors sat and waited for the king to recover or die, as he might -choose, Jikki waited upon them and brought them their meals. - -Jikki was the king's valet and principal servant. He was as old as any -of the five high counselors; but they were all fat, whereas Jikki was -wonderfully lean and thin; and the counselors were solemn and dignified, -whereas Jikki was terribly nervous and very talkative. - -"Beg pardon, my masters," he would say every five minutes, "but do you -think his Majesty will get well?" And then, before any of the high -counselors could collect themselves to answer, he continued: "Beg -pardon, but do you think his Majesty will die?" And the next moment he -would say: "Beg pardon, but do you think his Majesty is any better or -any worse?" - -And all this was so annoying to the high counselors that several times -one of them took up some object in the room with the intention of -hurling it at Jikki's head; but before he could throw it the old servant -had nervously turned away and left the room. - -Tellydeb, the lord high executioner, would often sigh: "I wish there -were some law that would permit me to chop off Jikki's head." But then -Tullydub, the chief counselor, would say gloomily; "There is no law but -the king's will, and he insists that Jikki be allowed to live." - -So they were forced to bear with Jikki as best they could; but after the -king breathed his last breath the old servant became more nervous and -annoying than ever. - -Hearing that the king was dead, Jikki made a rush for the door of the -bell-tower, but tripped over the foot of Tollydob and fell upon the -marble floor so violently that his bones rattled, and he picked himself -up half dazed by the fall. - -"Where are you going?" asked Tollydob. - -"To toll the bell for the king's death," answered Jikki. - -[Illustration: "'WHERE ARE YOU GOING?' ASKED TOLLYDOB."] - -"Well, remain here until we give you permission to go," commanded the -lord high general. - -"But the bell ought to be tolled!" said Jikki. - -"Be silent!" growled the lord high purse-bearer. "We know what ought to -be done and what ought not to be done." - -But this was not strictly true. In fact, the five high counselors did -not know what ought to be done under these strange circumstances. - -If they told the people the king was dead, and did not immediately -appoint his successor, then the whole population would lose faith in -them and fall to fighting and quarreling among themselves as to who -should become king; and that would never in the world do. - -No; it was evident that a new king must be chosen before they told the -people that the old king was dead. - -But whom should they choose for the new king? That was the important -question. - -While they talked of these matters, the ever-active Jikki kept rushing -in and saying: - -"Hadn't I better toll the bell?" - -"No!" they would shout in a chorus; and then Jikki would rush out again. - -So they sat and thought and counseled together during the whole long -night, and by morning they were no nearer a solution of the problem than -before. - -At daybreak Jikki stuck his head into the room and said: - -"Hadn't I better--" - -"No!" they all shouted in a breath. - -"Very well," returned Jikki; "I was only going to ask if I hadn't better -get you some breakfast." - -"Yes!" they cried, again in one breath. - -"And shall I toll the bell?" - -"No!" they screamed; and the lord high steward threw an inkstand that -hit the door several seconds after Jikki had closed it and disappeared. - -While they were at breakfast they again discussed their future action in -the choice of a king; and finally the chief counselor had a thought that -caused him to start so suddenly that he nearly choked. - -"The book!" he gasped, staring at his brother counselors in a rather -wild manner. - -"What book?" asked the lord high general. - -"The book of laws," answered the chief counselor. - -"I never knew there was such a thing," remarked the lord high -executioner, looking puzzled. "I always thought the king's will was the -law." - -"So it was! So it was when we had a king," answered Tullydub, excitedly. -"But this book of laws was written years ago, and was meant to be used -when the king was absent, or ill, or asleep." - -[Illustration: "'NO!' THEY ALL SHOUTED IN A BREATH."] - -For a moment there was silence. - -"Have you ever read the book?" then asked Tillydib. - -"No; but I will fetch it at once, and we shall see if there is not a law -to help us out of our difficulty." - -So the chief counselor brought the book--a huge old volume that had a -musty smell to it and was locked together with a silver padlock. Then -the key had to be found, which was no easy task; but finally the great -book of laws lay open upon the table, and all the five periwigs of the -five fat counselors were bent over it at once. - -Long and earnestly they searched the pages, but it was not until after -noon that Tullydub suddenly placed his broad thumb upon a passage and -shouted: - -"I have it! I have it!" - -"What is it? Read it! Read it aloud!" cried the others. - -[Illustration: "SO THE CHIEF COUNSELOR BROUGHT THE BOOK."] - -[Illustration: "SUDDENLY PLACING HIS BROAD THUMB ON A PASSAGE, HE -SHOUTED 'I HAVE IT! I HAVE IT!'"] - -Just then Jikki rushed into the room and asked: - -"Shall I toll the bell?" - -"No!" they yelled, glaring at him; so Jikki ran out, shaking his head -dolefully. - -Then Tullydub adjusted his spectacles and leaned over the book, reading -aloud the following words: - -"In case the king dies, and there is no one to succeed him, the chief -counselor of the kingdom shall go at sunrise to the eastward gate of the -city of Nole and count the persons who enter through such gate as soon -as it is opened by the guards. And the forty-seventh person that so -enters, be it man, woman, or child, rich or poor, humble or noble, shall -immediately be proclaimed king or queen, as the case may be, and shall -rule all the kingdom of Noland forever after, so long as he or she may -live. And if any one in all the kingdom of Nole shall refuse to obey the -slightest wish of the new ruler, such person shall at once be put to -death. This is the law." - -Then all the five high counselors heaved a deep sigh of relief and -repeated together the words: - -"This is the law." - -"But it's a strange law, nevertheless," remarked the lord high -purse-bearer. "I wish I knew who will be the forty-seventh person to -enter the east gate to-morrow at sunrise." - -"We must wait and see," answered the lord high general. "And I will have -my army assembled and marshaled at the gateway, that the new ruler of -Noland may be welcomed in a truly kingly manner, as well as to keep the -people in order when they hear the strange news." - -"Beg pardon!" exclaimed Jikki, looking in at the doorway, "but shall I -toll the bell?" - -"No, you numskull!" retorted Tullydub, angrily. "If the bell is tolled -the people will be told, and they must not know that the old king is -dead until the forty-seventh person enters the east gateway to-morrow -morning!" - - - - - Chapter III. - THE GIFT OF THE MAGIC CLOAK. - - -Nearly two days' journey from the city of Nole, yet still within the -borders of the great kingdom of Noland, was a little village lying at -the edge of a broad river. It consisted of a cluster of houses of the -humblest description, for the people of this village were all poor and -lived in simple fashion. Yet one house appeared to be somewhat better -than the others, for it stood on the river-bank and had been built by -the ferryman whose business it was to carry all travelers across the -river. And, as many traveled that way, the ferryman was able in time to -erect a very comfortable cottage, and to buy good furniture for it, and -to clothe warmly and neatly his two children. - -One of these children was a little girl named Margaret, who was called -"Meg" by the villagers and "Fluff" by the ferryman her father, because -her hair was so soft and fluffy. - -Her brother, who was two years younger, was named Timothy; but Margaret -had always called him "Bud," because she could not say "brother" more -plainly when first she began to talk; so nearly every one who knew -Timothy called him Bud, as little Meg did. - -These children had lost their mother when very young, and the big -ferryman had tried to be both mother and father to them, and had reared -them very gently and lovingly. They were good children, and were liked -by every one in the village. - -But one day a terrible misfortune befell them. The ferryman tried to -cross the river for a passenger one very stormy night; but he never -reached the other shore. When the storm subsided and morning came they -found his body lying on the river-bank, and the two children were left -alone in the world. - -The news was carried by travelers to the city of Nole, where the -ferryman's only sister lived; and a few days afterward the woman came to -the village and took charge of her orphaned niece and nephew. - -She was not a bad-hearted woman, this Aunt Rivette; but she had worked -hard all her life, and had a stern face and a stern voice. She thought -the only way to make children behave was to box their ears every now and -then; so poor Meg, who had been well-nigh heart-broken at her dear -father's loss, had still more occasion for tears after Aunt Rivette came -to the village. - -As for Bud, he was so impudent and ill-mannered to the old lady that she -felt obliged to switch him; and afterward the boy became surly and -silent, and neither wept nor answered his aunt a single word. It hurt -Margaret dreadfully to see her little brother whipped, and she soon -became so unhappy at the sorrowful circumstances in which she and her -brother found themselves that she sobbed from morning till night and -knew no comfort. - -Aunt Rivette, who was a laundress in the city of Nole, decided she would -take Meg and Bud back home with her. - -"The boy can carry water for my tubs, and the girl can help me with the -ironing," she said. - -So she sold all the heavier articles of furniture that the cottage -contained, as well as the cottage itself; and all the remainder of her -dead brother's belongings she loaded upon the back of the little donkey -she had ridden on her journey from Nole. It made such a pile of packages -that the load seemed bigger than the donkey himself; but he was a strong -little animal, and made no complaint of his burden. - -All this being accomplished, they set out one morning for Nole, Aunt -Rivette leading the donkey by the bridle with one hand and little Bud -with the other, while Margaret followed behind, weeping anew at this sad -parting with her old home and all she had so long loved. - -It was a hard journey. The old woman soon became cross and fretful, and -scolded the little ones at almost every step. When Bud stumbled, as he -often did, for he was unused to walking very far, Aunt Rivette would box -his ears or shake him violently by the arm or tell him he was "a -good-for-nothing little beggar." And Bud would turn upon her with a -revengeful look in his big eyes, but say not a word. The woman paid no -attention to Meg, who continued to follow the donkey with tearful eyes -and drooping head. - -[Illustration: "IT WAS A HARD JOURNEY."] - -The first night they obtained shelter at a farm-house. But in the -morning it was found that the boy's feet were so swollen and sore from -the long walk of the day before that he could not stand upon them. So -Aunt Rivette, scolding fretfully at his weakness, perched Bud among the -bundles atop the donkey's back, and in this way they journeyed the -second day, the woman walking ahead and leading the donkey, and Margaret -following behind. - -The laundress had hoped to reach the city of Nole at the close of this -day; but the overburdened donkey would not walk very fast, so nightfall -found them still a two-hours' journey from the city gates, and they were -forced to stop at a small inn. - -But this inn was already overflowing with travelers, and the landlord -could give them no beds, nor even a room. - -"You can sleep in the stable if you like," said he. "There is plenty of -hay to lie down upon." - -So they were obliged to content themselves with this poor accommodation. - -The old woman aroused them at the first streaks of daybreak the next -morning, and while she fastened the packages to the donkey's back -Margaret stood in the stable yard and shivered in the cold morning air. - -The little girl felt that she had never been more unhappy than at that -moment, and when she thought of her kind father and the happy home she -had once known, her sobs broke out afresh, and she leaned against the -stable door and wept as if her little heart would break. - -[Illustration: "OVER THE YOUTH'S ARM LAY FOLDED THE MAGIC CLOAK."] - -Suddenly some one touched her arm, and she looked up to see a tall and -handsome youth standing before her. It was none other than Ereol the -fairy, who had assumed this form for her appearance among mortals; and -over the youth's arm lay folded the magic cloak that had been woven the -evening before in the fairy circle of Burzee. - -"Are you very unhappy, my dear?" asked Ereol, in kindly tones. - -"I am the most unhappy person in all the world!" replied the girl, -beginning to sob afresh. - -"Then," said Ereol, "I will present you with this magic cloak, which has -been woven by the fairies. And while you wear it you may have your first -wish granted; and if you give it freely to any other mortal, that person -may also have one wish granted. So use the cloak wisely, and guard it as -a great treasure." - -Saying this the fairy messenger spread the folds of the cloak and threw -the brilliant-hued garment over the shoulders of the girl. - -[Illustration: "'WHAT! PUNISH ME, YOU RASCALLY FELLOW! WE'LL SEE ABOUT -THAT.'"] - -Just then Aunt Rivette led the donkey from the stable, and seeing the -beautiful cloak which the child wore, she stopped short and demanded: - -"Where did you get that?" - -"This stranger gave it to me," answered Meg, pointing to the youth. - -"Take it off! Take it off this minute and give it me--or I will whip you -soundly!" cried the woman. - -"Stop!" said Ereol, sternly. "The cloak belongs to this child alone, and -if you dare take it from her I will punish you severely." - -"What! Punish me! Punish me, you rascally fellow! We'll see about that." - -"We will, indeed," returned Ereol, more calmly. "The cloak is a gift -from the fairies; and you dare not anger them, for your punishment would -be swift and terrible." - -Now no one feared to provoke the mysterious fairies more than Aunt -Rivette; but she suspected the youth was not telling her the truth, so -she rushed upon Ereol and struck at him with her upraised cane. But, to -her amazement, the form of the youth vanished quickly into air, and -then, indeed, she knew it was a fairy that had spoken to her. - -"You may keep your cloak," she said to Margaret, with a little shiver of -fear. "I would not touch it for the world!" - -The girl was very proud of her glittering garment, and when Bud was -perched upon the donkey's back and the old woman began trudging along -the road to the city, Meg followed after with much lighter steps than -before. - -Presently the sun rose over the horizon, and its splendid rays shone -upon the cloak and made it glisten gorgeously. - -"Ah, me!" sighed the little girl, half aloud. "I wish I could be happy -again!" - -Then her childish heart gave a bound of delight, and she laughed aloud -and brushed from her eyes the last tear she was destined to shed for -many a day. For, though she spoke thoughtlessly, the magic cloak quickly -granted to its first wearer the fulfilment of her wish. - -Aunt Rivette turned upon her in surprise. - -"What's the matter with you?" she asked suspiciously, for she had not -heard the girl laugh since her father's death. - -[Illustration: "'AH, ME!' SIGHED THE LITTLE GIRL, HALF ALOUD."] - -"Why, the sun is shining," answered Meg, laughing again. "And the air is -sweet and fresh, and the trees are green and beautiful, and the whole -world is very pleasant and delightful." And then she danced lightly -along the dusty road and broke into a verse of a pretty song she had -learned at her father's knee. - -The old woman scowled and trudged on again; Bud looked down at his merry -sister and grinned from pure sympathy with her high spirits; and the -donkey stopped and turned his head to look solemnly at the laughing girl -behind him. - -"Come along!" cried the laundress, jerking at the bridle; "every one is -passing us upon the road, and we must hurry to get home before noon." - -It was true. A good many travelers, some on horseback and some on foot, -had passed them by since the sun rose; and although the east gate of the -city of Nole was now in sight, they were obliged to take their places in -the long line that sought entrance at the gate. - - - - - Chapter IV. - KING BUD OF NOLAND. - - -The five high counselors of the kingdom of Noland were both eager and -anxious upon this important morning. Long before sunrise Tollydob, the -lord high general, had assembled his army at the east gate of the city; -and the soldiers stood in two long lines beside the entrance, looking -very impressive in their uniforms. And all the people, noting this -unusual display, gathered around at the gate to see what was going to -happen. - -Of course no one knew what was going to happen; not even the chief -counselor nor his brother counselors. They could only obey the law and -abide by the results. - -Finally the sun arose and the east gate of the city was thrown open. -There were a few people waiting outside, and they promptly entered. - -"One, two, three, four, five, six!" counted the chief counselor, in a -loud voice. - -The people were much surprised at hearing this, and began to question -one another with perplexed looks. Even the soldiers were mystified. - -[Illustration: "A RAGGED, LIMPING PEDDLER ENTERED THE GATE."] - -"Seven, eight, nine!" continued the chief counselor, still counting -those who came in. - -A breathless hush fell upon the assemblage. - -Something very important and mysterious was going on; that was evident. -But what? - -They could only wait and find out. - -"Ten, eleven!" counted Tullydub, and then heaved a deep sigh. For a -famous nobleman had just entered the gate, and the chief counselor could -not help wishing he had been number forty-seven. - -So the counting went on, and the people became more and more interested -and excited. - -When the number had reached thirty-one a strange thing happened. A loud -"boom!" sounded through the stillness, and then another, and another. -Some one was tolling the great bell in the palace bell-tower, and people -began saying to one another in awed whispers that the old king must be -dead. - -The five high counselors, filled with furious anger but absolutely -helpless, as they could not leave the gate, lifted up their five chubby -fists and shook them violently in the direction of the bell-tower. - -Poor Jikki, finding himself left alone in the palace, could no longer -resist the temptation to toll the bell; and it continued to peal out its -dull, solemn tones while the chief counselor stood by the gate and -shouted: - -"Thirty-two, thirty-three, thirty-four!" - -Only the mystery of this action could have kept the people quiet when -they learned from the bell that their old king was dead. - -But now they began to guess that the scene at the east gate promised -more of interest than anything they might learn at the palace; so they -stood very quiet, and Jikki's disobedience of orders did no great harm -to the plans of the five high counselors. - -When Tullydub had counted up to forty the excitement redoubled, for -every one could see big drops of perspiration standing upon the chief -counselor's brow, and all the other high counselors, who stood just -behind him, were trembling violently with nervousness. - -A ragged, limping peddler entered the gate. - -"Forty-five!" shouted Tullydub. - -Then came Aunt Rivette, dragging at the bridle of the donkey. - -"Forty-six!" screamed Tullydub. - -And now Bud rode through the gate, perched among the bundles on the -donkey's back and looking composedly upon the throng of anxious faces -that greeted him. - -[Illustration: "'FORTY-SEVEN!' CRIED THE CHIEF COUNSELOR. 'LONG LIVE THE -NEW KING OF NOLAND!'"] - -"_Forty-seven!_" cried the chief counselor; and then in his loudest -voice he continued: - -"Long live the new King of Noland!" - -All the high counselors prostrated themselves in the dusty road before -the donkey. The old woman was thrust back in the crowd by a soldier, -where she stood staring in amazement, and Margaret, clothed in her -beautiful cloak, stepped to the donkey's side and looked first at her -brother and then at the group of periwigged men, who bobbed their heads -in the dust before him and shouted: - -"Long live the king!" - -Then, while the crowd still wondered, the lord high counselor arose and -took from a soldier a golden crown set with brilliants, a jeweled -scepter, and a robe of ermine. Advancing to Bud, he placed the crown -upon the boy's head and the scepter in his hand, while over his -shoulders he threw the ermine robe. - -The crown fell over Bud's ears, but he pushed it back upon his head, so -it would stay there; and as the kingly robe spread over all the bundles -on the donkey's back and quite covered them, the boy really presented a -very imposing appearance. - -The people quickly rose to the spirit of the occasion. What mattered it -if the old king was dead, now that a new king was already before them? -They broke into a sudden cheer, and, joyously waving their hats and -bonnets above their heads, joined eagerly in the cry: - -"Long live the King of Noland!" - -Aunt Rivette was fairly stupefied. Such a thing was too wonderful to be -believed. A man in the crowd snatched the bonnet from the old woman's -head, and said to her brusquely: - -"Why don't you greet the new king? Are you a traitor to your country?" - -So she also waved her bonnet and screamed: "Long live the king!" But she -hardly knew what she was doing or why she did it. - -Meantime the high counselors had risen from their knees and now stood -around the donkey. - -"May it please your Serene Majesty to condescend to tell us who this -young lady is?" asked Tullydub, bowing respectfully. - -"That's my sister Fluff," said Bud, who was enjoying his new position -very much. All the counselors, at this, bowed low to Margaret. - -[Illustration: "SO SHE ALSO WAVED HER BONNET AND SCREAMED: 'LONG LIVE -THE KING!'"] - -"A horse for the Princess Fluff!" cried the lord high general; and the -next moment she was mounted upon a handsome white palfrey, where, with -her fluffy golden hair and smiling face and the magnificent cloak -flowing from her shoulders, she looked every inch a princess. The people -cheered her, too; for it was long since any girl or woman had occupied -the palace of the King of Noland, and she was so pretty and sweet that -every one loved her immediately. - -[Illustration: "'MAY IT PLEASE YOUR SERENE MAJESTY TO TELL US WHO THIS -YOUNG LADY IS?' ASKED TULLYDUB, RESPECTFULLY."] - -And now the king's chariot drove up, with its six prancing steeds, and -Bud was lifted from the back of the donkey and placed in the high seat -of the chariot. - -Again the people shouted joyful greetings; the band struck up a gay -march tune, and then the royal procession started for the palace. - -First came Tollydob and the officers; then the king's chariot, -surrounded by soldiers; then the four high counselors upon black horses, -riding two on each side of Princess Fluff; and, finally, the band of -musicians and the remainder of the royal army. - -It was an imposing sight, and the people followed after with cheers and -rejoicings, while the lord high purse-bearer tossed silver coins from -his pouch for any one to catch who could. - -A message had been sent to warn Jikki that the new king was coming, so -he stopped tolling the death knell, and instead rang out a glorious -chime of welcome. - -As for old Rivette finding herself and the donkey alike deserted, she -once more seized the bridle and led the patient beast to her humble -dwelling; and it was just as she reached her door that King Bud of -Noland, amid the cheers and shouts of thousands, entered for the first -time the royal palace of Nole. - -[Illustration: "'I WANT SOME NEW CLOTHES, AND SO DOES MY SISTER,' BUD -ANNOUNCED, AS BOLDLY AS POSSIBLE."] - - - - - Chapter V. - PRINCESS FLUFF. - - -Now when the new king had entered the palace with his sister, the chief -counselor stood upon a golden balcony with the great book in his hand, -and read aloud, to all the people who were gathered below, the law in -regard to choosing a new king, and the severe penalty in case any -refused to obey his slightest wish. And the people were glad enough to -have a change of rulers, and pleased that so young a king had been given -them. So they accepted both the law and the new king cheerfully, and -soon dispersed to their homes to talk over the wonderful events of the -day. - -Bud and Meg were ushered into beautifully furnished rooms on the second -floor of the palace, and old Jikki, finding that he had a new master to -serve, flew about in his usual nervous manner, and brought the children -the most delicious breakfast they had ever eaten in their lives. - -Bud had been so surprised at his reception at the gate and the sudden -change in his condition that as yet he had not been able to collect his -thoughts. His principal idea was that he was in a dream, and he kept -waiting until he should wake up. But the breakfast was very real and -entirely satisfying, and he began to wonder if he could be dreaming, -after all. - -The old servant, when he carried away the dishes, bowed low to Bud and -said: "Beg pardon, your Majesty! But the lord high counselor desires to -know the king's will." - -Bud stared at him a moment thoughtfully. - -"Tell him I want to be left alone to talk with my sister Fluff," he -replied. - -Jikki again bowed low and withdrew, closing the door behind him, and -then the children looked at each other solemnly, until Meg burst into a -merry laugh. - -"Oh, Bud!" she cried, "think of it! I'm the royal Princess Fluff, and -you're the King of all Noland! Isn't it funny!" And then she danced -about the room in great delight. - -Bud answered her seriously. - -"What does it all mean, Fluff?" he said. "We're only poor children, you -know; so I can't really be a king. And I wouldn't be surprised if Aunt -Rivette came in any minute and boxed my ears." - -"Nonsense!" laughed Margaret. "Didn't you hear what that fat, periwigged -man said about the law? The old king is dead, and some one else had to -be king, you know; and the forty-seventh person who entered the east -gate was you, Bud, and so by law you are the king of all this great -country. Don't you see?" - -Bud shook his head and looked at his sister. - -"No, I don't see," he said. "But if you say it's all right, Fluff, why, -it must be all right." - -"Of course it's all right," declared the girl, throwing off her pretty -cloak and placing it on a chair. "You're the rightful king, and can do -whatever you please; and I'm the rightful princess, because I'm your -sister; so I can do whatever _I_ please. Don't you see, Bud?" - -"But, look here, Fluff," returned her brother, "if you're a princess, -why do you wear that old gray dress and those patched-up shoes? Father -used to tell us that princesses always wore the loveliest dresses." - -Meg looked at herself and sighed. - -"I really ought to have some new dresses, Bud. And I suppose if you -order them they will be ready in no time. And you must have some new -clothes, too, for your jacket is ragged and soiled." - -"Do you really think it's true, Fluff?" he asked anxiously. - -"Of course it's true. Look at your kingly robe, and your golden crown, -and that stick with all those jewels in it!"--meaning the scepter. -"They're true enough, aren't they?" - -Bud nodded. - -"Call in that old man," he said. "I'll order something, and see if he -obeys me. If he does, then I'll believe I'm really a king." - -"But now listen, Bud," said Meg, gravely; "don't you let these folks see -you're afraid, or that you're not sure whether you're a king or not. -Order them around and make them afraid of _you_. That's what the kings -do in all the stories I ever read." - -"I will," replied Bud. "I'll order them around. So you call in that old -donkey with the silver buttons all over him." - -"Here's a bell-rope," said Meg; "I'll pull it." - -Instantly Jikki entered and bowed low to each of the children. - -"What's your name?" asked Bud. - -"Jikki, your gracious Majesty." - -"Who are you?" - -"Your Majesty's valet, if you please," answered Jikki. - -"Oh!" said Bud. He didn't know what a valet was, but he wasn't going to -tell Jikki so. - -"I want some new clothes, and so does my sister," Bud announced, as -boldly as possible. - -"Certainly, your Majesty. I'll send the lord high steward here at once." - -With this he bowed and rushed away, and presently Tallydab, the lord -high steward, entered the room and with a low bow presented himself -respectfully before the children. - -"I beg your Majesty to command me," said Tallydab, gravely. - -Bud was a little awed by his appearance, but he resolved to be brave. - -"We want some new clothes," he said. - -"They are already ordered, your Majesty, and will be here presently." - -"Oh!" said Bud, and stopped short. - -"I have ordered twenty suits for your Majesty and forty gowns for the -princess," continued Tallydab; "and I hope these will content your -Majesty and the princess until you have time to select a larger -assortment." - -"Oh!" said Bud, greatly amazed. - -"I have also selected seven maidens, the most noble in all the land, to -wait upon the princess. They are even now awaiting her Highness in her -own apartments." - -Meg clapped her hands delightedly. - -"I'll go to them at once," she cried. - -"Has your Majesty any further commands?" asked Tallydab. "If not your -five high counselors would like to confer with you in regard to your new -duties and responsibilities." - -"Send 'em in," said Bud, promptly; and while Margaret went to meet her -new maids the king held his first conference with his high counselors. - -[Illustration: "'I HAVE ORDERED TWENTY SUITS FOR YOUR MAJESTY AND FORTY -GOWNS FOR THE PRINCESS.'"] - -In answer to Tallydab's summons the other four periwigs, pompous and -solemn, filed into the room and stood in a row before Bud, who looked -upon them with a sensation of awe. - -"Your Majesty," began the venerable Tullydub, in a grave voice, "we are -here to instruct you, with your gracious consent, in your new and -important duties." - -Bud shifted uneasily in his chair. It all seemed so unreal and -absurd--this kingly title and polite deference bestowed upon a poor boy -by five dignified and periwigged men--that it was hard for Bud to curb -his suspicion that all was not right. - -"See here, all of you," said he, suddenly, "is this thing a joke? tell -me, is it a joke?" - -"A joke?" echoed all of the five counselors, in several degrees of -shocked and horrified tones; and Tellydeb, the lord high executioner, -added reproachfully: - -"Could we, by any chance, have the temerity to joke with your mighty and -glorious Majesty?" - -"That's just it," answered the boy. "I am not a mighty and glorious -Majesty. I'm just Bud, the ferryman's son, and you know it." - -"You are Bud, the ferryman's son, to be sure," agreed the chief -counselor, bowing courteously; "but by the decrees of fate and the just -and unalterable laws of the land you are now become absolute ruler of -the great kingdom of Noland; therefore all that dwell therein are your -loyal and obedient servants." - -[Illustration: "'A JOKE?' ECHOED ALL OF THE FIVE COUNSELORS, IN SEVERAL -DEGREES OF SHOCKED AND HORRIFIED TONES."] - -Bud thought this over. - -"Are you sure there's no mistake?" he asked, with hesitation. - -"There _can_ be no mistake," returned old Tullydub, firmly; "for we, the -five high counselors of the kingdom, have ourselves interpreted and -carried out the laws of the land, and the people, your subjects, have -approved our action." - -"Then," said Bud, "I suppose I'll have to be king whether I want to or -not." - -"Your Majesty speaks but the truth," returned the chief counselor, with -a sigh. "With or without your consent, you are the king. It is the law." -And all the others chanted in a chorus: - -"It is the law." - -Bud felt much relieved. He had no notion whatever of refusing to be a -king. If there was no mistake, and he was really the powerful monarch of -Noland, then there ought to be no end of fun and freedom for him during -the rest of his life. To be his own master; to have plenty of money; to -live in a palace and order people around as he pleased--all this seemed -to the poor and friendless boy of yesterday to be quite the most -delightful fate that could possibly overtake one. - -So lost did he become in thoughts of the marvelous existence opening -before him that he paid scant attention to the droning speeches of the -five aged counselors, who were endeavoring to acquaint him with the -condition of affairs in his new kingdom, and to instruct him in his many -and difficult duties as its future ruler. - -For a full hour he sat quiet and motionless, and they thought he was -listening to these dreary affairs of state; but suddenly he jumped up -and astonished the dignitaries by exclaiming: - -"See here; you just fix up things to suit yourselves. I'm going to find -Fluff." And with no heed to protests, the new king ran from the room and -slammed the door behind him. - -[Illustration: "A MAN CAME IN LEADING A BOY BY THE ARM AND HOLDING A -SWITCH IN HIS OTHER HAND."] - - - - - Chapter VI. - BUD DISPENSES JUSTICE. - - -The next day the funeral of the old king took place, and the new king -rode in the grand procession in a fine chariot, clothed in black velvet -embroidered with silver. Not knowing how to act in his new position, Bud -sat still and did nothing at all, which was just what was expected of -him. - -But when they returned from the funeral he was ushered into the great -throne-room of the palace and seated on the golden throne; and then the -chief counselor informed him that he must listen to the grievances of -his people and receive the homage of the noblemen of Noland. - -Fluff sat on a stool beside the king, and the five high counselors stood -back of him in a circle; and then the doors were thrown open and all the -noblemen of the country crowded in. One by one they kissed first the -king's hand and then the princess's hand, and vowed they would always -serve them faithfully. - -Bud did not like this ceremony. He whispered to Fluff that it made him -tired. - -"I want to go upstairs and play," he said to the lord high steward. "I -don't see why I can't." - -"Very soon your Majesty may go. Just now it is your duty to hear the -grievances of your people," answered Tallydab, gently. - -"What's the matter with 'em?" asked Bud, crossly. "Why don't they keep -out of trouble?" - -"I do not know, your Majesty; but there are always disputes among the -people." - -"But that isn't the king's fault, is it?" said Bud. - -"No, your Majesty; but it's the king's place to settle these disputes, -for he has the supreme power." - -"Well, tell 'em to hurry up and get it over with," said the boy, -restlessly. - -Then a venerable old man came in leading a boy by the arm and holding a -switch in his other hand. - -"Your Majesty," began the man, having first humbly bowed to the floor -before the king, "my son, whom I have brought here with me, insists upon -running away from home, and I wish you would tell me what to do with -him." - -"Why do you run away?" Bud asked the boy. - -"Because he whips me," was the answer. - -Bud turned to the man. - -"Why do you whip the boy?" he inquired. - -"Because he runs away," said the man. - -For a minute Bud looked puzzled. - -"Well, if any one whipped me, I'd run away, too," he said at last. "And -if the boy isn't whipped or abused he ought to stay at home and be good. -But it's none of my business, anyhow." - -"Oh, your Majesty!" cried the chief counselor, "it really must be your -business. You're the king, you know; and everybody's business is the -king's." - -"That isn't fair," said Bud, sulkily. "I've got my own business to -attend to, and I want to go upstairs and play." - -But now Princess Fluff leaned toward the young king and whispered -something in his ear which made his face brighten. - -"See here!" exclaimed Bud, "the first time this man whips the boy again, -or the first time the boy runs away, I order my lord high executioner to -give them both a good switching. Now let them go home and try to behave -themselves." - -[Illustration: "NEXT CAME TWO OLD WOMEN, AND BETWEEN THEM THEY LED A -COW."] - -Every one applauded his decision, and Bud also thought with satisfaction -that he had hit upon a good way out of the difficulty. - -Next came two old women, one very fat and the other very thin; and -between them they led a cow, the fat woman having a rope around one horn -and the thin woman a rope around the other horn. Each woman claimed she -owned the cow, and they quarreled so loudly and so long that the lord -high executioner had to tie a bandage over their mouths. When peace was -thus restored the high counselor said: - -"Now, your Majesty, please decide which of these two women owns the -cow." - -"I can't," said Bud, helplessly. - -"Oh, your Majesty, but you must!" cried all the five high counselors. - -Then Meg whispered to the king again, and the boy nodded. The children -had always lived in a little village where there were plenty of cows, -and the girl thought she knew a way to decide which of the claimants -owned this animal. - -"Send one of the women away," said Bud. So they led the lean woman to a -little room near by and locked her in. - -"Bring a pail and a milking-stool," ordered the king. - -When they were brought, Bud turned to the fat woman and ordered the -bandage taken from her mouth. - -"The cow's mine! It's my cow! I own it!" she screamed, the moment she -could speak. - -"Hold!" said the king. "If the cow belongs to you, let me see you milk -her." - -"Certainly, your Majesty, certainly!" she cried; and seizing the pail -and the stool, she ran up to the left side of the cow, placed the stool, -and sat down upon it. But before she could touch the cow the animal -suddenly gave a wild kick that sent the startled woman in a heap upon -the floor, with her head stuck fast in the milk-pail. Then the cow moved -forward a few steps and looked blandly around. - -Two of the guards picked the woman up and pulled the pail from her head. - -"What's the matter?" asked Bud. - -"She's frightened, of course," whimpered the woman, "and I'll be black -and blue by to-morrow morning, your Majesty. Any cow would kick in such -a place as this." - -"Put this woman in the room and fetch the other woman here," commanded -the king. - -So the lean woman was brought out and ordered to milk the cow. - -[Illustration: "THE ANIMAL SUDDENLY GAVE A WILD KICK THAT SENT THE -STARTLED WOMAN IN A HEAP UPON THE FLOOR, WITH HER HEAD STUCK FAST IN THE -MILK-PAIL."] - -She took the stool in one hand and the pail in the other, and, -approaching the cow softly on the _right_ side, patted the animal gently -and said to it: "So, Boss! So-o-o-o, Bossie, my darlin'! Good Bossie! -Nice Bossie!" - -The cow turned her head to look at the lean woman, and made no objection -when she sat down and began milking. - -In a moment the king said: - -"The cow is yours! Take her and go home!" - -Then all the courtiers and people--and even the five high -counselors--applauded the king enthusiastically; and the chief counselor -lifted up his hands and said: - -"Another Solomon has come to rule us!" - -And the people applauded again, till Bud looked very proud and quite red -in the face with satisfaction. - -"Tell me," he said to the woman, who was about to lead the cow away, -"tell me, where did you get such a nice faithful Bossie as that?" - -"Must I tell you the truth?" asked the woman. - -"Of course," said Bud. - -"Then, your Majesty," she returned, "I stole her from that fat woman you -have locked up in that room. But no one can take the cow from me now, -for the king has given her to me." - -At this a sudden hush fell on the room, and Bud looked redder than ever. - -"Then how did it happen that you could milk the cow and she couldn't?" -demanded the king, angrily. - -"Why, she doesn't understand cows, and I do," answered the woman. "Good -day, your Majesty. Much obliged, I'm sure!" - -And she walked away with the cow, leaving the king and Princess Fluff -and all the people much embarrassed. - -"Have we any cows in the royal stables?" asked Bud, turning to Tullydub. - -"Certainly, your Majesty; there are several," answered the chief -counselor. - -"Then," said Bud, "give one of them to the fat woman and send her home. -I've done all the judging I am going to do to-day, and now I'll take my -sister upstairs to play." - -"Hold on! Hold on!" cried a shrill voice. "I demand justice! Justice of -the king! Justice of the law! Justice to the king's aunt." - -Bud looked down the room and saw Aunt Rivette struggling with some of -the guards. Then she broke away from them and rushed to the throne, -crying again: - -"Justice, your Majesty!" - -"What's the matter with you?" asked Bud. - -"Matter? Everything's the matter with me. Aren't you the new king?" - -"Yes," said Bud. "That's what I am." - -"Am I not your aunt? Am I not your aunt?" - -"Yes," said Bud, again. - -"Well, why am I left to live in a hut and dress in rags? Doesn't the law -say that every blood relation of the king shall live in a royal palace?" - -"Does it?" asked Bud, turning to Tullydub. - -"The law says so, your Majesty." - -"And must I have that old crosspatch around me all the time?" wailed the -new king. - -"Crosspatch yourself!" screamed Aunt Rivette, shaking her fist at Bud. -"I'll teach you to crosspatch me when I get you alone!" - -Bud shuddered. Then he turned again to Tullydub. - -"The king can do what he likes, can't he?" the boy asked. - -"Certainly, your Majesty." - -"Then let the lord high executioner step forward!" - -[Illustration: "'THEN LET THE LORD HIGH EXECUTIONER STEP FORWARD!'"] - -"Oh, Bud! What are you going to do?" said Fluff, seizing him tightly by -the arm. - -"You let me alone!" answered Bud. "I'm not going to be a king for -nothing. And Aunt Rivette whipped me once--sixteen hard switches! I -counted 'em." - -The executioner was now bowing before him. - -"Get a switch," commanded the king. - -The executioner brought a long, slender birch bough. - -"Now," said Bud, "you give Aunt Rivette sixteen good switches." - -"Oh, don't! Don't, Bud!" pleaded Meg. - -Aunt Rivette fell on her knees, pale and trembling. In agony she raised -her hands. - -"I'll never do it again! Let me off, your Majesty!" she screamed. "Let -me off this once! I'll never do it again! Never! Never!" - -"All right," said Bud, with a cheery smile. "I'll let you off this time. -But if you don't behave, or if you interfere with me or Fluff, I'll have -the lord high executioner take charge of you. Just remember I'm the -king, and then we'll get along all right. Now you may go upstairs if you -wish to and pick out a room on the top story. Fluff and I are going to -play." - -With this he laid his crown carefully on the seat of the throne and -threw off his ermine robe. - -"Come on, Fluff! We've had enough business for to-day," he said, and -dragged the laughing princess from the room, while Aunt Rivette meekly -followed the lord high steward up the stairs to a comfortable apartment -just underneath the roof. - -She was very well satisfied at last; and very soon she sent for the lord -high purse-bearer and demanded money with which to buy some fine clothes -for herself. - -This was given her willingly, for the law provided for the comfort of -every relative of the king, and knowing this, Aunt Rivette fully -intended to be the most comfortable woman in the kingdom of Noland. - - - - - Chapter VII. - THE WINGS OF AUNT RIVETTE. - - -Bud and Meg had plenty to occupy them in looking over and admiring their -new possessions. First they went to the princess's rooms, where Fluff -ordered her seven maids to spread out all the beautiful gowns she had -received. And forty of them made quite an imposing show, I assure you. -They were all dainty and sweet and of rich material, suitable for all -occasions, and of all colors and shades. Of course there were none with -trains, for Margaret, although a princess, was only a little girl; but -the gowns were gay with bright ribbons and jeweled buttons and clasps; -and each one had its hat and hosiery and slippers to match. - -After admiring the dresses for a time, they looked at Bud's new -clothes--twenty suits of velvets, brocades, and finely woven cloths. -Some had diamonds and precious gems sewn on them for ornaments, while -others were plain; but the poorest suit there was finer than the boy had -ever dreamed of possessing. - -There were also many articles of apparel to go with these suits, such as -shoes with diamond buckles, silken stockings, neck laces, and fine -linen; and there was a beautiful little sword, with a gold scabbard and -a jeweled hilt, that the little king could wear on state occasions. - -However, when the children had examined the gowns and suits to their -satisfaction, they began looking for other amusement. - -"Do you know, Fluff," said the boy, "there isn't a single toy or -plaything in this whole palace?" - -"I suppose the old king didn't care for playthings," replied Fluff, -thoughtfully. - -Just then there was a knock at the door, and Aunt Rivette came hobbling -into the room. Her wrinkled old face was full of eagerness, and in her -hands she clasped the purse of golden coins the lord high purse-bearer -had given her. - -"See what I've got!" she cried, holding out the purse. "And I'm going to -buy the finest clothes in all the kingdom! And ride in the king's -carriage! And have a man to wait upon me! And make Mammy Skib and -Mistress Kappleson and all the other neighbors wild with jealousy!" - -[Illustration: "AFTER ADMIRING THE DRESSES FOR A TIME, THEY LOOKED AT -BUD'S NEW CLOTHES."] - -"I don't care," said Bud. - -"Why, you owe everything to me!" cried Aunt Rivette. "If I hadn't -brought you to Nole on the donkey's back, you wouldn't have been the -forty-seventh person to enter the gate." - -"That's true," said Meg. - -But Bud was angry. - -"I know it's true," he said; "but look here, you mustn't bother us. Just -keep out of our way, please, and let me alone, and then I won't care how -many new dresses you buy." - -"I'm going to spend every piece of this gold!" she exclaimed, clasping -the purse with her wrinkled hands. "But I don't like to go through the -streets in this poor dress. Won't you lend me your cloak, Meg, until I -get back?" - -"Of course I will," returned the girl; and going to the closet, she -brought out the magic cloak the fairy had given her and threw it over -Aunt Rivette's shoulders. For she was sorry for the old woman, and this -was the prettiest cloak she had. - -[Illustration: "ALMOST BEFORE SHE KNEW IT, AUNT RIVETTE HAD DESCENDED TO -THE ROOF OF THE ROYAL STABLES."] - -So old Rivette, feeling very proud and anxious to spend her money, left -the palace and walked as fast as her tottering legs would carry her down -the street in the direction of the shops. "I'll buy a yellow silk," she -mumbled to herself, half aloud, "and a white velvet, and a purple -brocade, and a sky-blue bonnet with crimson plumes! And won't the -neighbors stare then? Oh, dear! If I could only walk faster! And the -shops are so far! I wish I could fly!" - -Now she was wearing the magic cloak when she expressed this wish, and no -sooner had she spoken than two great feathery wings appeared, fastened -to her shoulders. - -The old woman stopped short, turned her head, and saw the wings; and -then she gave a scream and a jump and began waving her arms frantically. - -The wings flopped at the same time, raising her slowly from the ground, -and she began to soar gracefully above the heads of the astonished -people, who thronged the streets below. - -"Stop! Help! Murder!" shrieked Rivette, kicking her feet in great -agitation, and at the same time flopping nervously her new wings. "Save -me, some one! Save me!" - -"Why don't you save yourself?" asked a man below. "Stop flying, if you -want to reach the earth again!" - -This struck old Rivette as a sensible suggestion. She was quite a -distance in the air by this time; but she tried to hold her wings steady -and not flop them, and the result was that she began to float slowly -downward. Then, with horror, she saw she was sinking directly upon the -branches of a prickly-pear tree; so she screamed and began flying again, -and the swift movement of her wings sent her high into the air. - -So great was her terror that she nearly fainted; but she shut her eyes -so that she might not see how high up she was, and held her wings rigid -and began gracefully to float downward again. - -By and by she opened her eyes and found one of her sleeves was just -missing the sharp point of a lightning-rod on a tower of the palace. So -she began struggling and flopping anew, and, almost before she knew it, -Aunt Rivette had descended to the roof of the royal stables. Here she -sat down and began to weep and wail, while a great crowd gathered below -and watched her. - -[Illustration: "'HELP! GET A LADDER!' WAILED THE OLD WOMAN."] - -"Get a ladder! _Please_ get a ladder!" begged old Rivette. "If you -don't, I shall fall and break my neck." - -By this time Bud and Fluff had come out to see what caused the -excitement; and, to their amazement they found their old aunt perched -high up on the stable roof, with two great wings growing out from her -back. - -For a moment they could not understand what had happened. Then Margaret -cried: - -"Oh, Bud, I let her wear the magic cloak! She must have made a wish!" - -"Help! Help! Get a ladder!" wailed the old woman, catching sight of her -nephew and niece. - -"Well, you _are_ a bird, Aunt Rivette!" shouted Bud, gleefully, for he -was in a teasing mood. "You don't need a ladder! I don't see why you -can't fly down the same way you flew up." And all the people shouted: -"Yes, yes! The king is right! Fly down!" - -Just then Rivette's feet began to slip on the sloping roof; so she made -a wild struggle to save herself, and the result was that she fluttered -her wings in just exactly the right way to sink down gradually to the -ground. - -"You'll be all right as soon as you know how to use your wings," said -Bud, with a laugh. "But where did you get 'em, anyhow?" - -"I don't know," said Aunt Rivette, much relieved to be on earth again, -and rather pleased to have attracted so much attention. "Are the wings -pretty?" - -"They are perfectly lovely!" cried Fluff, clapping her hands in glee. -"Why, Aunt Rivette, I do believe you must be the only person in all the -world who can fly!" - -[Illustration: "'WHY, AUNT RIVETTE, I DO BELIEVE YOU MUST BE THE ONLY -PERSON IN ALL THE WORLD WHO CAN FLY!'"] - -"But I think you look like an overgrown buzzard," said Bud. - -Now it happened that all this praise, and the wondering looks of the -people, did a great deal to reconcile Rivette to her new wings. Indeed, -she began to feel a certain pride and distinction in them; and, finding -she had through all the excitement retained her grasp on the purse of -gold, she now wrapped the magic cloak around her and walked away to the -shops, followed by a crowd of men, women, and children. - - - - - Chapter VIII. - THE ROYAL RECEPTION. - - -As for the king and Princess Fluff, they returned to the palace and -dressed themselves in some of their prettiest garments, telling Jikki to -have two ponies saddled and ready for them to ride upon. - -"We really _must_ have some toys," said Meg, with decision; "and now -that we are rich, there is no reason why we can't buy what we want." - -"That's true," answered Bud. "The old king hadn't anything to play with. -Poor old man! I wonder what he did to amuse himself." - -They mounted their ponies, and, followed by the chief counselor and the -lord high purse-bearer in one of the state carriages, and a guard of -soldiers for escort, they rode down the streets of the city on a -pleasure-jaunt, amid the shouts of the loyal populace. - -By and by Bud saw a toy-shop in one of the streets, and he and Fluff -slipped down from their ponies and went inside to examine the toys. It -was a well-stocked shop, and there were rows upon rows of beautiful -dolls on the shelves, which attracted Margaret's attention at once. - -"Oh, Bud," she exclaimed, "I must have one of these dollies!" - -"Take your choice," said her brother, calmly, although his own heart was -beating with delight at the sight of all the toys arranged before him. - -"I don't know which to choose," sighed the little princess, looking from -one doll to another with longing and indecision. - -"We'll take 'em all," declared Bud. - -"All! What--all these rows of dollies?" she gasped. - -"Why not?" asked the king. Then he turned to the men who kept the shop -and said: - -"Call in that old fellow who carries the money." - -When the lord high purse-bearer appeared, Bud said to him: - -"Pay the man for all these dolls; and for this--and this--and this--and -this!" and he began picking out the prettiest toys in all the shop, in -the most reckless way you can imagine. - -[Illustration: "'WE'LL TAKE 'EM ALL,' DECLARED BUD."] - -The soldiers loaded the carriage down with Meg's dolls, and a big cart -was filled with Bud's toys. Then the purse-bearer paid the bill, -although he sighed deeply several times while counting out the money. -But the new king paid no attention to old Tillydib; and when the -treasures were all secured the children mounted their ponies and rode -joyfully back to the palace, followed in a procession by the carriage -filled with dolls, and the cart loaded with toys, while Tullydub and -Tillydib, being unable to ride in the carriage, trotted along at the -rear on foot. - -Bud had the toys and dolls all carried upstairs into a big room, and -then he ordered everybody to keep out while he and Fluff arranged their -playthings around the room and upon the tables and chairs, besides -littering the floor so that they could hardly find a clear place large -enough for some of their romping games. - -"After all," he said to his sister, "it's a good thing to be a king!" - -"Or even a princess," added Meg, busily dressing and arranging her -dolls. - -They made Jikki bring their dinner to them in the "play-room," as Bud -called it; but neither of the children could spare much time to eat, -their treasures being all so new and delightful. - -Soon after dusk, while Jikki was lighting the candles, the chief -counselor came to the door to say that the king must be ready to attend -the royal reception in five minutes. - -"I won't," said Bud. "I just won't." - -"But you _must_, your Majesty!" declared old Tullydub. - -"Am I not the king?" demanded Bud, looking up from where he was -arranging an army of wooden soldiers. - -"Certainly, your Majesty," was the reply. - -"And isn't the king's will the law?" continued Bud. - -"Certainly, your Majesty!" - -"Well, if that is so, just understand that I won't come. Go away and let -me alone!" - -"But the people expect your Majesty to attend the royal reception," -protested old Tullydub, greatly astonished. "It is the usual custom, you -know; and they would be greatly disappointed if your Majesty did not -appear." - -"I don't care," said Bud. "You get out of here and let me alone!" - -"But, your Majesty--" - -The king threw a toy cannon at his chief counselor, and the old man -ducked to escape it, and then quickly closed the door. - -"Bud," said the princess, softly, "you were just saying it's great fun -to be a king." - -"So it is," he answered promptly. - -[Illustration: "THE KING THREW A TOY CANNON AT HIS CHIEF COUNSELOR."] - -"But father used to tell us," continued the girl, trying a red hat on a -brown-haired doll, "that people in this world always have to pay for any -good thing they get." - -"What do you mean?" said Bud, with surprise. - -"I mean if you're going to be the king, and wear fine clothes, and eat -lovely dinners, and live in a palace, and have countless servants, and -all the playthings you want, and your own way in everything and with -everybody--then you ought to be willing to pay for all these pleasures." - -"How? But how _can_ I pay for them?" demanded Bud, staring at her. - -"By attending the royal receptions, and doing all the disagreeable -things the king is expected to do," she answered. - -Bud thought about it for a minute. Then he got up, walked over to his -sister, and kissed her. - -"I b'lieve you're right, Fluff," he said, with a sigh. "I'll go to that -reception to-night, and take it as I would take a dose of medicine." - -"Of course you will!" returned Fluff, looking up at him brightly; "and -I'll go with you! The dolls can wait til to-morrow. Have Jikki brush -your hair, and I'll get my maids to dress me!" - -Old Tullydub was wondering how he might best explain the king's absence -to the throng of courtiers gathered to attend the royal reception, when, -to his surprise and relief, his Majesty entered the room, accompanied by -the Princess Fluff. The king wore a velvet suit trimmed with gold lace, -and at his side hung the beautiful jeweled sword. Meg was dressed in a -soft white silken gown, and looked as sweet and fair as a lily. - -The courtiers and their ladies, who were all wearing their most handsome -and becoming apparel, received their little king with great respect, and -several of the wealthiest and most noble among them came up to Bud to -converse with him. - -But the king did not know what to say to these great personages, and so -the royal reception began to be a very stupid affair. - -Fluff saw that all the people were standing in stiff rows and looking at -one another uneasily, so she went to Bud and whispered to him. - -"Is there a band of musicians in the palace?" the king inquired of -Tellydeb, who stood near. - -"Yes, your Majesty." - -"Send for them, then," commanded Bud. - -Presently the musicians appeared, and the king ordered them to play a -waltz. But the chief counselor rushed up and exclaimed: - -"Oh, your Majesty! This is against all rule and custom!" - -"Silence!" said Bud, angrily. "_I'll_ make the rules and customs in this -kingdom hereafter. We're going to have a dance." - -"But it's so dreadful--so unconventional, your Majesty! It's so--what -shall I call it?" - -"Here! I've had enough of this," declared Bud. "You go and stand in that -corner, with your face to the wall, till I tell you to sit down," he -added, remembering a time when his father, the ferryman, had inflicted a -like punishment upon him. - -Somewhat to his surprise, Tullydub at once obeyed the command, and then -Bud made his first speech to the people. - -"We're going to have a dance," he said; "so pitch in and have a good -time. If there's anything you want, ask for it. You're all welcome to -stay as long as you please and go home when you get ready." - -This seemed to please the company, for every one applauded the king's -speech. Then the musicians began to play, and the people were soon -dancing and enjoying themselves greatly. - -Princess Fluff had a good many partners that evening, but Bud did not -care to dance--he preferred to look on; and, after a time, he brought -old Tullydub out of his corner, and made the chief counselor promise to -be good and not annoy him again. - -"But it is my duty to counsel the king," protested the old man, -solemnly. - -"When I want your advice I'll ask for it," said Bud. - -While Tullydub stood beside the throne, looking somewhat sulky and -disagreeable, the door opened and Aunt Rivette entered the -reception-room. She was clothed in a handsome gown of bright-green -velvet, trimmed with red and yellow flowers, and the wings stuck out -from the folds at her back in a way that was truly wonderful. - -Aunt Rivette seemed in an amiable mood. She smiled and curtsied to all -the people, who stopped dancing to stare at her, and she even fluttered -her wings once or twice to show that she was proud of being unlike all -the others present. - -[Illustration: "ONE SCREAMED 'MURDER!' AND THE OTHER 'HELP!'"] - -Bud had to laugh at her, she looked so funny; and then a mischievous -thought came to him, and he commanded old Tullydub to dance with her. - -"But I don't dance, your Majesty!" exclaimed the horrified chief -counselor. - -"Try it; I'm sure you can dance," returned Bud. "If you don't know how, -it's time you learned." - -So the poor man was forced to place his arm about Aunt Rivette's waist -and to whirl her around in a waltz. The old woman knew as little about -dancing as did Tullydub, and they were exceedingly awkward, bumping into -every one they came near. Presently Aunt Rivette's feet slipped, and she -would have tumbled upon the floor with the chief counselor had she not -begun to flutter her wings wildly. - -So, instead of falling, she rose gradually into the air, carrying -Tullydub with her; for they clung to each other in terror, and one -screamed "Murder!" and the other "Help!" in their loudest voices. - -Bud laughed until the tears stood in his eyes; but Aunt Rivette, after -bumping both her own head and that of the chief counselor against the -ceiling several times, finally managed to control the action of her -wings and to descend to the floor again. - -As soon as he was released, old Tullydub fled from the room; and Aunt -Rivette, vowing she would dance no more, seated herself beside Bud and -watched the revel until nearly midnight, when the couriers and their -ladies dispersed to their own homes declaring that they had never -enjoyed a more delightful evening. - -[Illustration: "JIKKI HAD TO DESCEND THE STAIRS CAUTIOUSLY."] - - - - - Chapter IX. - JIKKI HAS A WISH GRANTED. - - -Next morning Aunt Rivette summoned Jikki to her room, and said: - -"Take these shoes and clean and polish them; and carry down this tray of -breakfast dishes; and send this hat to the milliner to have the feathers -curled; and return this cloak to the Princess Fluff, with my -compliments, and say I'm much obliged for the loan of it." - -Poor Jikki hardly knew how to manage so many orders. He took the shoes -in his left hand, and the tray of dishes he balanced upon the other -upraised palm. But the hat and cloak were too many for him. So Aunt -Rivette, calling him "a stupid idiot,"--probably because he had no more -hands,--set the plumed hat upon Jikki's head and spread the cloak over -his shoulders, and ordered him to make haste away. - -Jikki was glad enough to go, for the fluttering of Aunt Rivette's wings -made him nervous; but he had to descend the stairs cautiously, for the -hat was tipped nearly over his eyes, and if he stumbled he would be sure -to spill the tray of dishes. - -He reached the first landing of the broad stairs in safety, but at the -second landing the hat joggled forward so that he could see nothing at -all, and one of the shoes dropped from his hand. - -"Dear me!" sighed the old man; "I wonder what I shall do now? If I pick -up the shoe I shall drop the dishes; and I can't set down this tray -because I'm blinded by this terrible hat! Dear--dear! If I'm to be at -the beck and call of that old woman, and serve the new king at the same -time, I shall have my hands full. My hands, in fact, are full now. I -really wish I had half a dozen servants to wait on _me_!" - -Jikki knew nothing at all about the magic power of the cloak that fell -from his shoulders; so his astonishment was profound when some one -seized the shoe from his left hand and some one else removed the tray -from his right hand, and still another person snatched the plumed hat -from his head. - -But then he saw, bowing and smirking before him, six young men, who -looked as much alike as peas in the same pod, and all of whom wore very -neat and handsome liveries of wine-color, with silver buttons on their -coats. - -Jikki blinked and stared at these people, and rubbed his eyes to make -sure he was awake. - -"Who are you?" he managed to ask. - -"We are your half a dozen servants, sir," answered the young men, -speaking all together and bowing again. - -Jikki gasped and raised his hands with sudden amazement as he gazed in -wonder upon the row of six smart servants. - -"But--what--are you doing here?" he stammered. - -"We are here to wait upon you, sir, as is our duty," they answered -respectfully. - -Jikki rubbed his left ear, as was his custom when perplexed; and then he -thought it all over. And the more he thought the more perplexed he -became. - -"I don't understand!" he finally said, in a weak voice. - -[Illustration: "'YOU WISHED FOR US, AND HERE WE ARE,' DECLARED THE -SIX."] - -"You wished for us, and here we are," declared the six, once more bowing -low before him. - -"I know," said Jikki. "But I've often wished for many other things--and -never got a single one of the wishes before!" - -The young men did not attempt to explain this curious fact. They stood -in a straight row before their master, as if awaiting his orders. One -held the shoe Jikki had dropped, another its mate, still another the -plumed hat, and a fourth the tray of dishes. - -"You see," remarked Jikki, shaking his head sadly at the six, "I'm only -a servant myself." - -"You are our master, sir!" announced the young men, their voices blended -into one. - -"I wish," said Jikki, solemnly, "you were all back where you came from!" -And then he paused to see if his wish also would be fulfilled. But no; -the magic cloak conferred the fulfilment of but one wish upon its -wearer, and the half a dozen servants remained standing rigidly before -him. - -Jikki arose with a sigh. - -"Come downstairs to my private room," he said, "and we'll talk the -matter over." - -So they descended the grand stairway to the main hall of the grand -palace, Jikki going first and his servants following at a respectful -distance. Just off the hall Jikki had a pleasant room where he could sit -when not employed, and into this he led the six. - -After all, he considered, it would not be a bad thing to have half a -dozen servants; they would save his old legs from many a tiresome -errand. But just as they reached the hall a new thought struck him and -he turned suddenly upon his followers: - -"See here!" he exclaimed. "How much wages do you fellows expect?" - -"We expect no wages at all, sir," they answered. - -"What! nothing at all!" Jikki was so startled that he scarcely had -strength remaining to stagger into his private room and sink into a -chair. - -"No wages! Six servants, and no wages to pay!" he muttered. "Why, it's -wonderful--marvelous--astounding!" - -Then he thought to himself: "I'll try 'em, and see if they'll really -work." And aloud he asked: - -"How can I tell you apart--one from another?" - -Each servant raised his right arm and pointed to a silver badge upon his -left breast; and then Jikki discovered that they were all numbered, from -"one" up to "six." - -"Ah! very good!" said Jikki. "Now, number six, take this shoe into the -boot-room, and clean and polish it." - -Number six bowed and glided from the room as swiftly and silently as if -he were obeying a command of the King of Noland. - -"Number five," continued Jikki, "take this tray to the kitchen." Number -five obeyed instantly, and Jikki chuckled with delight. - -"Number two, take this to the milliner in Royal Street, and have the -feathers curled." - -Number two bowed and departed almost before the words had left Jikki's -mouth; and then the king's valet regarded the remaining three in some -perplexity. - -"Half a dozen servants is almost too many," he thought. "It will keep me -busy to keep them busy. I should have wished for only one--or two at the -most." - -Just then he remembered something. - -"Number four," said he, "go after number two and tell the milliner that -the hat belongs to Madam Rivette, the king's aunt." - -And a few moments later, when the remaining two servants, standing -upright before him, had begun to make him nervous, Jikki cried out: - -"Number three, take this other shoe down to the boot-room and tell -number six to clean and polish it also." - -This left but one of the six unoccupied, and Jikki was wondering what to -do with him when a bell rang. - -"That's the king's bell," said Jikki. - -"I am not the king's servant; I am here only to wait upon you," said -number one, without moving to answer the bell. - -"Then I must go myself," sighed the valet, and rushed away to obey the -king's summons. - -Scarcely had he disappeared when Tollydob, the lord high general, -entered the room and said in a gruff voice: - -"Where is Jikki? Where's that rascal Jikki?" - -Number one, standing stiffly at one end of the room, made no reply. - -"Answer me, you scoundrel!" roared the old general. "Where's Jikki?" - -Still number one stood silent, and this so enraged old Tollydob that he -raised his cane and aimed a furious blow at the young man. The cane -seemed to pass directly through the fellow, and it struck the wall -behind so forcibly that it split into two parts. - -This amazed Tollydob. He stared a moment at the silent servant, and then -turned his back upon him and sat down in Jikki's chair. Here his eyes -fell upon the magic cloak, which the king's valet had thrown down. - -Tollydob, attracted by the gorgeous coloring and soft texture of the -garment, picked up the cloak and threw it over his shoulders; and then -he walked to a mirror and began admiring his reflection. - -While thus engaged, Jikki returned, and the valet was so startled at -seeing the lord high general that he never noticed the cloak at all. - -"His Majesty has asked to see your Highness," said Jikki; "and I was -about to go in search of you." - -"I'll go to the king at once," answered Tollydob, and as he walked away -Jikki suddenly noticed that he was wearing the cloak. "Oho!" thought the -valet, "he has gone off with the Princess Fluff's pretty cloak; but when -he returns from the king's chamber I'll get it again and send number one -to carry it to its rightful owner." - - - - - Chapter X. - THE COUNSELORS WEAR THE MAGIC CLOAK. - - -When Tollydob, still wearing the magic cloak, had bowed before the king, -Bud asked: - -"How many men are there in the royal army, general?" - -"Seven thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven, may it please your -gracious Majesty," returned Tollydob--"that is, without counting -myself." - -"And do they obey your orders promptly?" inquired Bud, who felt a little -doubt on this point. - -"Yes, indeed!" answered the general, proudly. "They are terribly afraid -of my anger." - -"And yet you're a very small man to command so large an army," said the -king. - -The lord high general flushed with shame; for, although he was both old -and fat, he was so short of stature that he stood but a trifle taller -than Bud himself. And, like all short men, he was very sensitive about -his height. - -"I'm a terrible fighter, your Majesty," declared Tollydob, earnestly; -"and when I'm on horseback my small size is little noticed. -Nevertheless," he added, with a sigh, "it is a good thing to be tall. I -wish I were ten feet high." - -No sooner were the words spoken than Bud gave a cry of astonishment; for -the general's head shot suddenly upward until his gorgeous hat struck -the ceiling and was jammed down tightly over the startled man's eyes and -nose. - -The room was just ten feet high, and Tollydob was now ten feet tall; but -for a time the old general could not think what had happened to him, and -Bud, observing for the first time that Tollydob wore the magic cloak, -began to shriek with laughter at the comical result of the old man's -wish. - -Hearing the king laugh, the general tore the hat from his head and -looked at himself in mingled terror and admiration. - -From being a very small man he had suddenly become a giant, and the -change was so great that Tollydob might well be amazed. - -[Illustration: "'I WISH I WERE TEN FEET HIGH.'"] - -"What has happened, your Majesty?" he asked in a trembling voice. - -"Why, don't you see, you were wearing my sister's magic cloak," said -Bud, still laughing at the big man's woeful face; "and it grants to -every wearer the fulfillment of one wish." - -"Only one?" inquired poor Tollydob. "I'd like to be a little smaller, I -confess." - -"It can't be helped now," said Bud. "You wished to be ten feet tall, and -there you are! And there you'll have to stay, Tollydob, whether you like -it or not. But I'm very proud of you. You must be the greatest general -in all the world, you know!" - -Tollydob brightened up at this, and tried to sit down in a chair: but it -crushed to pieces under his weight; so he sighed and remained standing. -Then he threw the magic cloak upon the floor, with a little shudder at -its fairy powers, and said: - -"If I'd only known, I might have become just six feet tall instead of -ten!" - -"Never mind," said Bud, consolingly. "If we ever have a war, you will -strike terror into the ranks of the enemy, and every one in Noland will -admire you immensely. Hereafter you will be not only the lord high -general, but the lord _very_ high general." - -So Tollydob went away to show himself to the chief counselor; and he had -to stoop very low to pass through the doorway. - -When Jikki saw the gigantic man coming out of the king's chamber, he -gave a scream and fled in terror; and, strange to say, this effect was -very agreeable to the lord high general, who loved to make people fear -him. - -Bud ran to tell Fluff of the curious thing that had happened to his -general; and so it was that when the lord high executioner entered the -palace there was no one around to receive him. He made his way into the -king's chamber, and there he found the magic cloak lying upon the floor. - -"I've seen the Princess Fluff wearing this," thought the lord high -executioner; "so it must belong to her. I'll take it to her rooms, for -it is far too pretty to be lying around in this careless way, and Jikki -ought to be scolded for allowing it." - -So Tellydeb picked up the cloak and laid it over his arm; then he -admired the bright hues that ran through the fabric, and presently his -curiosity got the better of him; he decided to try it on and see how he -would look in it. - -While thus employed the sound of a girl's sweet laughter fell upon -Tellydeb's ears, seeming to come from a far distance. - -"The princess must be in the royal gardens," he said to himself. "I'll -go there and find her." - -So the lord high executioner walked through the great hall, still -wearing the cloak, and finally came to the back of the palace and passed -a doorway leading into the gardens. All was quiet here, save for the -song of the birds as they fluttered among the trees; but at the other -end of the garden Tellydeb caught a glimpse of a white gown, which he -suspected might be that of the little princess. - -He walked along the paths slowly, enjoying the scent of the flowers and -the peacefulness of the scene; for the lord high executioner was a -gentle-natured man and delighted in beautiful sights. - -After a time he reached a fruit-orchard, and saw hanging far up in a big -tree a fine red apple. Tellydeb paused and looked at this longingly. - -"I wish I could reach that apple!" he said, with a sigh, as he extended -his arm upward. - -Instantly the arm stretched toward the apple, which was at least forty -feet away from the lord high executioner; and while the astonished man -eyed his elongated arm in surprise, the hand clutched the apple, plucked -it, and drew it back to him; and there he stood--the apple in his hand, -and his arm apparently the same as it had been before he accomplished -the wonderful feat. - -[Illustration: "'I WISH I COULD REACH THAT APPLE!' HE SAID, WITH A SIGH, -AS HE EXTENDED HIS ARM UPWARD."] - -For a moment the counselor was overcome with fear. The cloak dropped -unnoticed from his shoulders and fell upon the graveled walk, while -Tellydeb sank upon a bench and shivered. - -"It--it was like magic!" he murmured. "I but reached out my hand--so--it -went nearly to the top of the tree, and--" - -Here he gave a cry of wonder, for again his arm stretched the distance -and touched the topmost branches of the tree. He drew it back hastily, -and turned to see if any one had observed him. But this part of the -garden was deserted, so the old man eagerly tested his new -accomplishment. - -He plucked a rose from a bush a dozen yards to the right, and having -smelled its odor he placed it in a vase that stood twenty feet to his -left. Then he noted a fountain far across a hedge, and reaching the -distance easily, dipped his hand in the splashing water. It was all very -amazing, this sudden power to reach a great distance, and the lord high -executioner was so pleased with the faculty that when he discovered old -Jikki standing in the palace doorway, he laughingly fetched him a box on -the ear that sent the valet scampering away to his room in amazed -terror. - -Said Tellydeb to himself: "Now I'll go home and show my wife what a -surprising gift I have acquired." - -So he left the garden; and not long afterward old Tallydab, the lord -high steward, came walking down the path, followed by his little dog -Ruffles. I am not certain whether it was because his coat was so shaggy -or his temper so uncertain that Tallydab's dog was named Ruffles; but -the name fitted well both the looks and the disposition of the tiny -animal. Nevertheless, the lord high steward was very fond of his dog, -which followed him everywhere except to the king's council-chamber; and -often the old man would tell Ruffles his troubles and worries, and talk -to the dog just as one would to a person. - -To-day, as they came slowly down the garden-walk, Tallydab noticed a -splendid cloak lying upon the path. - -"How very beautiful!" he exclaimed, as he stooped to pick it up. "I have -never seen anything like this since the Princess Fluff first rode into -Nole beside her brother the king. Isn't it a lovely cloak, Ruffles?" - -The dog gave a subdued yelp and wagged his stubby tail. - -"How do I look in it, Ruffles?" continued the lord high steward, -wrapping the folds of the magic cloak about him; "how do I look in such -gorgeous apparel?" - -The dog stopped wagging its tail and looked up at its master earnestly. - -"How do I look?" again said Tallydab. "I declare, I wish you could -talk!" - -"You look perfectly ridiculous," replied the dog, in a rather harsh -voice. - -The lord high steward jumped nearly three feet in the air, so startled -was he by Ruffles's reply. Then he bent down, a hand on each knee, and -regarded the dog curiously. - -"I thought, at first, you had spoken!" said he. - -"What caused you to change your mind?" asked Ruffles, peevishly. "I -_did_ speak--I _am_ speaking. Can't you believe it?" - -The lord high steward drew a deep sigh of conviction. - -[Illustration: "'YOU LOOK PERFECTLY RIDICULOUS!' REPLIED THE DOG."] - -"I believe it!" he made answer. "I have always declared you were a -wonderful dog, and now you prove I am right. Why, you are the only dog I -ever heard of who could talk!" - -"Except in fairy tales," said Ruffles, calmly. "Don't forget the fairy -tales." - -"I don't forget," replied Tallydab. "But this isn't a fairy tale, -Ruffles. It's real life in the kingdom of Noland." - -"To be sure," answered Ruffles. "But see here, my dear master: now that -I am, at last, able to talk, please allow me to ask you for something -decent to eat. I'd like a good meal for once, just to see what it is -like." - -"A good meal!" exclaimed the steward. "Why, my friend, don't I give you -a big bone every day?" - -"You do," said the dog; "and I nearly break my teeth on it, trying to -crack it to get a little marrow. Whatever induces people to give their -dogs bones instead of meat?" - -"Why, I thought you liked bones!" protested Tallydab, sitting on the -bench and looking at his dog in astonishment. - -"Well, I don't. I prefer something to eat--something good and wholesome, -such as you eat yourself," growled Ruffles. - -The lord high steward gave a laugh. - -[Illustration: "'WHY, I THOUGHT YOU LIKED BONES!' PROTESTED TALLYDAB, -SITTING ON THE BENCH AND LOOKING AT HIS DOG IN ASTONISHMENT."] - -"Why," said he, "don't you remember that old Mother Hubbard?" - -"Ah! that _was_ a fairy tale," interrupted Ruffles, impatiently. "And -there wasn't even a bone in her cupboard, after all. Don't mention -Mother Hubbard to me, if you want to retain my friendship." - -"And that reminds me," resumed the steward with a scowl, "that a few -minutes ago you said I looked ridiculous in this lovely cloak." - -"You do!" said Ruffles, with a sniff. "It is a girl's cloak, and not fit -for a wrinkled old man like you." - -"I believe you are right," answered Tallydab, with a sigh; and he -removed the cloak from his shoulders and hung it over the back of the -garden seat. "In regard to the meat that you so long for," he added, "if -you will follow me to the royal kitchen I will see that you have all you -desire." - -"Spoken like a good friend!" exclaimed the dog. "Let us go at once." - -So they passed down the garden to the kitchen door, and the magic cloak, -which had wrought such wonderful things that day, still remained -neglectfully cast aside. - -It was growing dusk when old Tillydib, the lord high purse-bearer, stole -into the garden and sat upon the bench to smoke his pipe in peace. All -the afternoon he had been worried by people with bills for this thing or -that, and the royal purse was very light indeed when Tillydib had at -last managed to escape to the garden. - -"If this keeps up," he reflected, "there will be no money left; and then -I'm sure I don't know what will become of us all!" - -The air was chilly. The old counselor shivered a little, and noting the -cloak that lay over the back of the seat, drew it about his shoulders. - -"It will be five months," he muttered half aloud, "before we can tax the -people for more money; and before five months are up the king and his -counselors may all starve to death--even in this splendid palace! -Heigh-ho! I wish the royal purse would always remain full, no matter how -much money I drew from it!" - -The big purse, which had lain lightly on his knee, now slid off and -pulled heavily upon the golden chain which the old man wore around his -neck to fasten the purse to him securely. - -Aroused from his anxious thoughts, Tillydib lifted the purse to his lap -again, and was astonished to feel its weight. He opened the clasp and -saw that the huge sack was actually running over with gold pieces. - -[Illustration: "'I WISH THE ROYAL PURSE WOULD ALWAYS REMAIN FULL, NO -MATTER HOW MUCH MONEY I DREW FROM IT!'"] - -"Now, where on earth did all this wealth come from?" he exclaimed, -shaking his head in a puzzled way. "I'll go at once and pay some of the -creditors who are waiting for me." - -So he ran to the royal treasury, which was a front room in the palace, -and began paying every one who presented an account. He expected -presently to empty the purse; but no matter how heavily he drew upon the -contents, it remained ever as full as in the beginning. - -"It must be," thought the old man, when the last bill had been paid, -"that my idle wish has in some mysterious way been granted." - -But he did not know he owed his good fortune to the magic cloak, which -he still wore. - -As he was leaving the room, he met the king and Princess Fluff, who were -just come from dinner; and the girl exclaimed: - -"Why, there is my cloak! Where did you get it, Tillydib?" - -"I found it in the garden," answered the lord high purse-bearer; "but -take it, if it is yours. And here is something to repay you for the loan -of it;" and he poured into her hands a heap of glittering gold. - -"Oh, thank you!" cried Fluff; and taking the precious cloak she dropped -the gold into it and carried it to her room. - -"I'll never lend it again unless it is really necessary," she said to -herself. "It was very careless of Aunt Rivette to leave my fairy cloak -in the garden." - -And then after carefully folding it and wrapping it up she locked it in -a drawer, and hid the key where no one but herself could find it. - -[Illustration: "THIS WAS THE MOMENT QUAVO HAD EAGERLY AWAITED."] - - - - - Chapter XI. - THE WITCH-QUEEN. - - -It is not very far from the kingdom of Noland to the kingdom of Ix. If -you followed the steps of Quavo the minstrel, you would climb the sides -of a steep mountain-range, and go down on the other side, and cross a -broad and swift river, and pick your way through a dark forest. You -would then have reached the land of Ix and would find an easy path into -the big city. - -But even before one came to the city he would see the high marble towers -of Queen Zixi's magnificent palace, and pause to wonder at its beauty. - -Quavo the minstrel had been playing his harp in the city of Nole, and -his eyes were sharp; so he had seen many things to gossip and sing -about, and therefore never doubted he would be warmly welcomed by Queen -Zixi. - -He reached the marble palace about dusk, one evening, and was bidden to -the feast which was about to be served. - -A long table ran down the length of the lofty hall built in the center -of the palace; and this table was covered with gold and silver platters -bearing many kinds of meats and fruits and vegetables, while tall, -ornamented stands contained sweets and delicacies to tickle the palate. - -At the head of the table, on a jeweled throne, sat Queen Zixi herself, a -vision of radiant beauty and charming grace. - -Her hair was yellow as spun gold, and her wondrous eyes raven black in -hue. Her skin was fair as a lily, save where her cheek was faintly -tinted with a flush of rose-color. - -Dainty and lovely, indeed, was the Queen of Ix in appearance; yet none -of her lords or attendants cast more than a passing glance upon her -beauty. For they were used to seeing her thus. - -There were graybeards at her table this evening who could remember the -queen's rare beauty since they were boys; ay, and who had been told by -their fathers and grandfathers of Queen Zixi's loveliness when they also -were mere children. In fact, no one in Ix had ever heard of the time -when the land was not ruled by this same queen, or when she was not in -appearance as young and fair as she was to-day. Which easily proves she -was not an ordinary person at all. - -And I may as well tell you here that Queen Zixi, despite the fact that -she looked to be no more than sixteen, was in reality six hundred and -eighty-three years of age, and had prolonged her life in this -extraordinary way by means of the arts of witchcraft. - -I do not mean by this that she was an evil person. She had always ruled -her kingdom wisely and liberally, and the people of Ix made no manner of -complaint against their queen. If there were a war, she led her armies -in person, clad in golden mail and helmet; and in years of peace she -taught them to sow and reap grain, and to fashion many useful articles -of metal, and to build strong and substantial houses. Nor were her taxes -ever more than the people could bear. - -Yet, for all this, Zixi was more feared than loved; for every one -remembered she was a witch, and also knew she was hundreds of years old. -So, no matter how amiable their queen might be, she was always treated -with extreme respect, and folks weighed well their words when they -conversed with her. - -[Illustration: "'STOP!' CRIED THE QUEEN, WITH SUDDEN EXCITEMENT."] - -Next the queen, on both sides of the table, sat her most favored nobles -and their ladies; farther down were the rich merchants and officers of -the army; and at the lower end were servants and members of the -household. For this was the custom in the land of Ix. - -Quavo the harpist sat near the lower end; and, when all had been -comfortably fed, the queen called upon him for a song. This was the -moment Quavo had eagerly awaited. He took his harp, seated himself in a -niche of the wall, and, according to the manner of ancient minstrels, he -sang of the things he had seen in other lands, thus serving his hearers -with the news of the day as well as pleasing them with his music. This -is the way he began: - - "Of Noland now a tale I'll sing, - Where reigns a strangely youthful king-- - A boy, who has by chance alone - Been called to sit upon a throne. - His sister shares his luck, and she - The fairies' friend is said to be; - For they did mystic arts invoke - And weave for her a magic cloak - Which grants its wearer--thus I'm told-- - Gifts more precious far than gold. - - "She's but to wish, and her desire - Quite instantly she will acquire; - And when she lends it to her friends, - The favor unto them extends. - - "For one who wears the cloak can fly - Like any eagle in the sky. - And one did wish, by sudden freak, - His dog be granted power to speak; - And now the beast can talk as well - As I, and also read and spell. - And--" - -"Stop!" cried the queen, with sudden excitement. "Do you lie, minstrel, -or are you speaking the truth?" - -Secretly glad that his news was received thus eagerly, Quavo continued -to twang the harp as he replied in verse: - - "Now may I die at break of day, - If false is any word I say." - -"And what is this cloak like--and who owns it?" demanded the queen, -impetuously. - -Sang the minstrel: - - "The cloak belongs to Princess Fluff; - 'Tis woven of some secret stuff - Which makes it gleam with splendor bright - That fills beholders with delight." - -Thereafter the beautiful Zixi remained lost in thought, her dainty chin -resting within the hollow of her hand and her eyes dreamily fixed upon -the minstrel. - -[Illustration: "SHE MADE A SOLEMN VOW THAT SHE WOULD SECURE THE MAGIC -CLOAK WITHIN A YEAR."] - -And Quavo, judging that his news had brought him into rare favor, told -more and more wonderful tales of the magic cloak, some of which were -true, while others were mere inventions of his own; for newsmongers, as -every one knows, were ever unable to stick to facts since the world -began. - -All the courtiers and officers and servants listened with wide eyes and -parted lips to the song, marveling greatly at what they had heard. And -when it was finally ended, and the evening far spent, Queen Zixi threw a -golden chain to the minstrel as a reward and left the hall, attended by -her maidens. - -Throughout the night which followed, she tossed sleeplessly upon her -bed, thinking of the magic cloak and longing to possess it. And when the -morning sun rose over the horizon, she made a solemn vow that she would -secure the magic cloak within a year, even if it cost her the half of -her kingdom. - -Now the reason for this rash vow, showing Zixi's intense desire to -possess the cloak, was very peculiar. Although she had been an adept at -witchcraft for more than six hundred years, and was able to retain her -health and remain in appearance young and beautiful, there was one thing -her art was unable to deceive, and that one thing was a mirror. - -[Illustration: "QUEEN ZIXI LEFT THE HALL ATTENDED BY HER MAIDENS."] - -To mortal eyes Zixi was charming and attractive; yet her reflection in a -mirror showed to her an ugly old hag, bald of head, wrinkled, with -toothless gums and withered, sunken cheeks. - -For this reason the queen had no mirror of any sort about the palace. -Even from her own dressing-room the mirror had been banished, and she -depended upon her maids and hair-dressers to make her look as lovely as -possible. She knew she was beautiful in appearance to others; her maids -declared it continually, and in all eyes she truly read admiration. - -But Zixi wanted to admire herself; and that was impossible so long as -the cold mirrors showed her reflection to be the old hag others would -also have seen had not her arts of witchcraft deceived them. - -Everything else a woman and a queen might desire Zixi was able to obtain -by her arts. Yet the one thing she could _not_ have made her very -unhappy. - -As I have already said, she was not a bad queen. She used her knowledge -of sorcery to please her own fancy or to benefit her kingdom, but never -to injure any one else. So she may be forgiven for wanting to see a -beautiful girl reflected in a mirror, instead of a haggard old woman in -her six hundred and eighty-fourth year. - -Zixi had given up all hope of ever accomplishing her object until she -heard of the magic cloak. The powers of witches are somewhat limited; -but she knew that the powers of fairies are boundless. So if the magic -cloak could grant any human wish, as Quavo's song had told her was the -case, she would manage to secure it and would at once wish for a -reflection in the mirror of the same features all others beheld--and -then she would become happy and content. - - - - - Chapter XII. - ZIXI DISGUISES HERSELF. - - -Now, as might be expected, Queen Zixi lost no time in endeavoring to -secure the magic cloak. The people of Ix were not on friendly terms with -the people of Noland; so she could not visit Princess Fluff openly; and -she knew it was useless to try to borrow so priceless a treasure as a -cloak which had been the gift of the fairies. But one way remained to -her--to steal the precious robe. - -So she began her preparations by telling her people she would be absent -from Ix for a month, and then she retired to her own room and mixed, by -the rules of witchcraft, a black mess in a silver kettle, and boiled it -until it was as thick as molasses. Of this inky mixture she swallowed -two teaspoonfuls every hour for six hours, muttering an incantation each -time. At the end of the six hours her golden hair had become brown and -her black eyes had become blue; and this was quite sufficient to -disguise the pretty queen so that no one would recognize her. Then she -took off her richly embroidered queenly robes, and hung them up in a -closet, putting on a simple gingham dress, a white apron, and a plain -hat such as common people of her country wore. - -[Illustration: "OF THIS INKY MIXTURE SHE SWALLOWED TWO TEASPOONFULS -EVERY HOUR FOR SIX HOURS."] - -When these preparations had been made, Zixi slipped out the back door of -the palace and walked through the city to the forest; and, although she -met many people, no one suspected that she was the queen. - -It was rough walking in the forest; but she got through at last, and -reached the bank of the river. Here a fisherman was found, who consented -to ferry her across in his boat; and afterward Zixi climbed the high -mountain and came down the other side into the kingdom of Noland. - -She rented a neat little cottage just at the north gateway of the city -of Nole, and by the next morning there was a sign over the doorway which -announced: - - MISS TRUST'S - ACADEMY OF WITCHERY - FOR YOUNG LADIES. - -Then Zixi had printed on green paper a lot of handbills which read as -follows: - - Miss Trust, - - A pupil of the celebrated Professor Hatrack of Hooktown-on-the-Creek, - is now located at Woodbine Villa (North Gateway of Nole), and is - prepared to teach the young ladies of this city the _Arts of - Witchcraft_ according to the most modern and approved methods. Terms - moderate. References required. - -These handbills she hired a little boy to carry to all the aristocratic -houses in Nole, and to leave one on each door-step. Several were left on -the different door-steps of the palace, and one of these came to the -notice of Princess Fluff. - -"How funny!" she exclaimed on reading it. "I'll go, and take all my -eight maids with me. It will be no end of fun to learn to be a witch." - -Many other people in Nole applied for instruction in "Miss Trust's -Academy," but Zixi told them all she had no vacancies. When, however, -Fluff and her maids arrived, she welcomed them with the utmost -cordiality, and consented to give them their first lesson at once. - -When she had seated them in her parlor, Zixi said: - - "If you wish to be a witch, - You must speak an incantation: - You must with deliberation - Say: 'The when of why is which!'" - -"What does that mean?" asked Fluff. - -"No one knows," answered Zixi; "and therefore it is a fine incantation. -Now, all the class will please repeat after me the following words: - - "Erig-a-ma-role, erig-a-ma-ree; - Jig-ger-nut, jog-ger-nit, que-jig-ger-ee. - Sim-mer-kin, sam-mer-kin, sem-mer-ga-roo; - Zil-li-pop, zel-li-pop, lol-li-pop-loo!" - -They tried to do this, but their tongues stumbled constantly over the -syllables, and one of the maids began to laugh. - -"Stop laughing, please!" cried Zixi, rapping her ruler on the table. -"This is no laughing matter, I assure you, young ladies. The science of -witchcraft is a solemn and serious study, and I cannot teach it you -unless you behave." - -"But what's it all about?" asked Fluff. - -"I'll explain what it's about to-morrow," said Zixi, with dignity. "Now, -here are two important incantations which you must learn by heart before -you come to to-morrow's lesson. If you can speak them correctly and -rapidly, and above all very distinctly, I will then allow you to perform -a wonderful witchery." - -She handed them each a slip of paper on which were written the -incantations, as follows: - - Incantation No. 1. - (To be spoken only in the presence of a black cat.) - - This is that, and that is this; - Bliss is blest, and blest is bliss. - Who is that, and what is who; - Shed is shod, and shud is shoe! - - Incantation No. 2. - (To be spoken when the clock strikes twelve.) - - What is which, and which is what; - Pat is pet, and pit is pat; - Hid is hide, and hod is hid; - Did is deed, and done is did! - -"Now, there is one thing more," continued Zixi; "and this is very -important. You must each wear the handsomest and most splendid cloak you -can secure when you come to me to-morrow morning." - -This request made Princess Fluff thoughtful all the way home, for she at -once remembered her magic cloak, and wondered if the strange Miss Trust -knew she possessed it. - -She asked Bud about it that night, and the young king said: - -"I'm afraid this witch-woman is some one trying to get hold of your -magic cloak. I would advise you not to wear it when she is around, or, -more than likely, she may steal it." - -[Illustration: "'NOW, THERE IS ONE THING MORE,' CONTINUED ZIXI, 'AND -THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.'"] - -So Fluff did not wear her magic cloak the next day, but selected in its -place a pretty blue cape edged with gold. When she and her maids reached -the cottage, Zixi cried out angrily: - -"That is not your handsomest cloak. Go home at once and get the other -one!" - -"I won't," said Fluff, shortly. - -"You must! You must!" insisted the witch-woman. "I can teach you nothing -unless you wear the other cloak." - -"How did you know I had another cloak?" asked the princess, -suspiciously. - -"By witchcraft, perhaps," said Zixi, mildly. "If you want to be a witch -you must wear it." - -"I don't want to be a witch," declared Fluff. "Come, girls, come; let's -go home at once." - -"Wait--wait!" implored Zixi, eagerly. "If you'll get the cloak I will -teach you the most wonderful things in the world! I will make you the -most powerful witch that ever lived!" - -"I don't believe you," replied Fluff; and then she marched back to the -palace with all her maids. - -But Zixi knew her plot had failed; so she locked up the cottage and went -back again to Ix, climbing the mountain and crossing the river and -threading the forest with angry thoughts and harsh words. - -[Illustration: "'THAT IS NOT YOUR HANDSOMEST CLOAK. GO HOME AT ONCE AND -GET THE OTHER ONE!'"] - -Yet the queen was more determined than ever to secure the magic cloak. -As soon as she had rentered her palace and by more incantations had -again transformed her hair to yellow and her eyes to black and dressed -herself in her royal robes, she summoned her generals and counselors and -told them to make ready to war upon the kingdom of Noland. - - - - - Chapter XIII. - TULLYDUB RESCUES THE KINGDOM. - - -All soldiers love to fight; so when the army of Ix learned that they -were to go to war, they rejoiced exceedingly over the news. - -They polished up their swords and battle-axes, and sewed all the missing -buttons on their uniforms, and mended their socks, and had their hair -cut, and were ready to march as soon as the queen was ready to have them -start. - -King Bud of Noland had an army of seven thousand seven hundred and -seventy-seven men, besides a general ten feet high; but the Queen of Ix -had an army more than twice as big, and she decided to lead it in -person, so that when she had conquered the city of Nole she herself -could seize the precious magic cloak which she so greatly coveted. - -[Illustration: "QUEEN ZIXI RODE OUT AT THE HEAD OF HER ARMY, CLAD IN A -SUIT OF MAIL."] - -Therefore Queen Zixi rode out at the head of her army, clad in a suit of -mail, with a glittering helmet upon her head that was surmounted by a -flowing white plume. And all the soldiers cheered their queen and had no -doubt at all that she would win a glorious victory. - -Quavo the minstrel, who wandered constantly about, was on his way to -Noland again; and while Queen Zixi's army was cutting a path through the -forest and making a bridge to cross the river, he came speedily by a -little-known path to the city of Nole, where he told Tullydub, the lord -high counselor, what was threatening his king. - -So, trembling with terror, Tullydub hastened to the palace and called a -meeting of the five high counselors in the king's antechamber. - -When all were assembled, together with Bud and Fluff, the old man told -his news and cried: - -"We shall all be slaughtered and our kingdom sacked and destroyed, for -the army of Ix is twice as big as our own--yes, twice as big!" - -"Oh, pooh! What of that?" said Tollydob, scornfully; "have they a -general as tall as I am?" - -"Certainly not," said the chief counselor. "Who ever saw a man as tall -as you are?" - -"Then I'll fight and conquer them!" declared Tollydob, rising and -walking about the room, so that all might see where his head just grazed -the ceiling. - -"But you can't, general; you can't fight an army by yourself!" -remonstrated Tullydub, excitedly. "And being so big, you are a better -mark for their arrows and axes." - -At this the general sat down rather suddenly and grew pale. - -"Perhaps we can buy them off," remarked the lord high purse-bearer, -jingling the purse that now never became empty. - -"No, I'm afraid not," sighed Tullydub. "Quavo the minstrel said they -were bent upon conquest, and were resolved upon a battle." - -"And their queen is a witch," added Tallydab, nervously. "We must not -forget that." - -"A witch!" exclaimed Princess Fluff, with sudden interest. "What does -she look like?" - -But all shook their heads at the question, and Tullydub explained: - -"None of us has ever seen her, for we have never been friendly with the -people of Ix. But from all reports, Queen Zixi is both young and -beautiful." - -[Illustration: "THE GENERAL SAT DOWN SUDDENLY AND GREW PALE."] - -"Maybe it's the one who wanted to teach me witchcraft in order to steal -my magic cloak!" said Fluff, with sudden excitement. "And when she found -she couldn't steal it, she went back after her army." - -"What magic cloak do you refer to?" asked Tullydub. - -"Why, the one the fairies gave me," replied Fluff. - -"Is it of gorgeous colors with golden threads running through it?" asked -the lord high general, now thoroughly interested. - -"Yes," said the princess, "the very same." - -"And what peculiar powers does it possess?" - -"Why, it grants its wearer the fulfillment of one wish," she answered. - -All the high counselors regarded her earnestly. - -"Then that was the cloak I wore when I wished to be ten feet high!" said -Tollydob. - -"And I wore it when I wished I could reach the apple," said Tellydeb. - -"And I wore it when I wished that my dog Ruffles could speak," said -Tallydab. - -"And I wore it when I wished the royal purse would always remain full," -said Tillydib. - -"I did not know that," remarked Fluff, thoughtfully. "But I'll never -forget that I lent it to Aunt Rivette, and that was the time she wished -she could fly!" - -"Why, it's wonderful!" cried old Tullydub. "Has it granted you, also, a -wish?" - -"Yes," said Fluff, brightly. "And I've been happy ever since." - -"And has your brother, the king, had a wish?" Tullydub inquired eagerly. - -"No," said Bud. "I can still have mine." - -"Then why doesn't your Majesty wear the cloak and wish that your army -shall conquer the Queen of Ix's?" asked the lord high counselor. - -"I'm saving my wish," answered Bud, "and it won't be that, either." - -"But unless something is done we shall all be destroyed," protested -Tullydub. - -"Then wear the cloak yourself," said Bud. "You haven't had a wish yet." - -"Good!" cried the four other counselors; and the lord high general -added: "That will surely save us from any further worry." - -"I'll fetch the cloak at once," said Fluff, and she ran quickly from the -room to get it. - -"Supposing," Tullydub remarked hesitatingly, "the magic power shouldn't -work?" - -"Oh, but it will!" answered the general. - -"I'm sure it will," said the steward. - -"I know it will," declared the purse-bearer. - -"It cannot fail," affirmed the executioner; "remember what it has -already done for us!" - -Then Fluff arrived with the cloak; and, after considering carefully how -he would speak his wish, the lord high counselor drew the cloak over his -shoulders and said solemnly: - -"I wish that we shall be able to defeat our enemies, and drive them all -from the kingdom of Noland." - -[Illustration: "THE LORD HIGH COUNSELOR DREW THE CLOAK OVER HIS -SHOULDERS."] - -"Didn't you make two wishes instead of one?" asked the princess, -anxiously. - -"Never mind," said the general; "if we defeat them it will be easy -enough to drive them from our kingdom." - -The lord high counselor removed the cloak and carefully refolded it. - -"If it grants my wish," said he, thoughtfully, "it will indeed be lucky -for our country that the Princess Fluff came to live in the palace of -the king." - - -The queen formed her men into a line of battle facing the army of Nole, -and they were so numerous in comparison with their enemies that even the -more timorous soldiers gained confidence, and stood up straight and -threw out their chests as if to show how brave they were. - -Then Queen Zixi, clad in her flashing mail and mounted upon her -magnificent white charger, rode slowly along the ranks, her white plume -nodding gracefully with the motion of the horse. - -And when she reached the center of the line she halted, and addressed -her army in a voice that sounded clear as the tones of a bell and -reached to every listening ear. - -"Soldiers of the land of Ix," she began, "we are about to engage in a -great battle for conquest and glory. Before you lies the rich city of -Nole, and when you have defeated yonder army and gained the gates you -may divide among yourselves all the plunder of gold and silver and -jewels and precious stones that the place contains." - -Hearing this, a great shout of joy arose from the soldiers, which Zixi -quickly silenced with a wave of her white hand. - -"For myself," she continued, "I desire nothing more than a cloak that is -owned by the Princess Fluff. All else shall be given to my brave army." - -"But--supposed we do not win the battle?" asked one of her generals, -anxiously. "What then do we gain?" - -"Nothing but disgrace," answered the queen, haughtily. "But how can we -fail to win when I myself lead the assault? Queen Zixi of Ix has fought -a hundred battles and never yet met with defeat!" - -There was more cheering at this, for Zixi's words were quite true. -Nevertheless, her soldiers did not like the look of that silent army of -Nole standing so steadfastly before the gates and facing the invaders -with calm determination. - -Zixi herself was somewhat disturbed at this sight, for she could not -guess what powers the magic cloak had given to the Nolanders. But in a -loud and undaunted voice she shouted the command to advance; and while -trumpets blared and drums rolled, the great army of Ix awoke to action -and marched steadily upon the men of Nole. - -Bud, who could not bear to remain shut up in his palace while all this -excitement was occurring outside the city gates, had slipped away from -Fluff and joined his gigantic general, Tollydob. He was, of course, -unused to war, and when he beheld the vast array of Zixi's army he grew -fearful that the magic cloak might not be able to save his city from -conquest. - -Yet the five high counselors, who were all present, seemed not to worry -the least bit. - -"They're very pretty soldiers to look at," remarked old Tollydob, -complacently. "I'm really sorry to defeat them, they march so -beautifully." - -"But do not let your kind-hearted admiration for the enemy interfere -with our plans," said the lord high executioner, who was standing by -with his hands in his pockets. - -"Oh, I won't!" answered the big general, with a laugh which was -succeeded by a frown. "Yet I can never resist admiring a fine soldier, -whether he fights for or against me. For instance, just look at that -handsome officer riding beside Queen Zixi--her chief general, I think. -Isn't he sweet? He looks just like an apple, he is so round and wears -such a tight-fitting red jacket. Can't you pick him for me, friend -Tellydeb?" - -[Illustration: "THE LORD HIGH EXECUTIONER SUDDENLY STRETCHED OUT HIS -LONG ARM, AND REACHED THE FAR-AWAY GENERAL OF IX, AND PULLED HIM FROM -HIS HORSE."] - -"I'll try." And the lord high executioner suddenly stretched out his -long arm, and reached the far-away general of Ix, and pulled him from -the back of his horse. - -Then, amid the terrified cries that came from the opposing army, -Tellydeb dragged his victim swiftly over the ground until he was seized -by the men of Nole and firmly bound with cords. - -"Thank you, my friend," said the general, again laughing and then -frowning. "Now get for me that pretty queen, if you please." - -Once more the long arm of the lord high executioner shot out toward the -army of Ix. But Zixi's keen eyes saw it coming, and instantly she -disappeared, her magical arts giving her power to become invisible. - -Tellydeb, puzzled to find the queen gone, seized another officer instead -of her and dragged him quickly over the intervening space to his own -side, where he was bound by the Nolanders and placed beside his -fellow-captive. - -Another cry of horror came from the army of Ix, and with one accord the -soldiers stopped short in their advance. Queen Zixi, appearing again in -their midst, called upon her wavering soldiers to charge quickly upon -the foe. - -But the men, bewildered and terrified, were deaf to her appeals. They -fled swiftly back, over the brow of the hill, and concealed themselves -in the wooded valley until the sun set. And it was far into the night -before Queen Zixi succeeded in restoring her line of battle. - - - - - Chapter XIV. - THE ROUT OF THE ARMY OF IX. - - -The next day was a busy one in the city of Nole. The ten-foot lord high -general marched his seven thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven men -out of the city gates and formed them in line of battle on the brow of a -hill. Then he asked Aunt Rivette to fly over the top of the mountain and -see where the enemy was located. - -The old woman gladly undertook the mission. She had by this time become -an expert flier, and, being proud to resemble a bird, she dressed -herself in flowing robes of as many colors as a poll-parrot could boast. -When she mounted into the air, streamers of green and yellow silk -floated behind her in quite a beautiful and interesting fashion, and she -was admired by all beholders. - -Aunt Rivette flew high above the mountain-top, and there she saw the -great army of Queen Zixi climbing up the slope on the other side. The -army also saw her, and stopped short in amazement at seeing a woman fly -like a bird. They had before this thought their queen sure of victory, -because she was a witch and possessed many wonderful arts; but now they -saw that the people of Noland could also do wonderful things, and it -speedily disheartened them. - -Zixi ordered them to shoot a thousand arrows at Aunt Rivette, but -quickly countermanded the order, as the old woman was too high to be -injured, and the arrows would have been wasted. - -When the army of Ix had climbed the mountain and was marching down again -toward Nole, the lord high steward sent his dog Ruffles to them to make -more mischief. Ruffles trotted soberly among the soldiers of Ix, and -once in a while he would pause and say in a loud voice: - -"The army of Noland will conquer you." - -Then all the soldiers would look around to see who had spoken these -fearful words, but could see nothing but a little dog; and Ruffles would -pretend to be scratching his nose with his left hind foot, and would -look so innocent that they never for a moment suspected he could speak. - -[Illustration: "AND RUFFLES WOULD PRETEND TO BE SCRATCHING HIS NOSE WITH -HIS LEFT HIND FOOT."] - -"We are surrounded by invisible foes!" cried the soldiers; and they -would have fled even then had not Queen Zixi called them cowards and -stubbornly declared that they only fancied they had heard the voices -speak. Some of them believed her, and some did not; but they decided to -remain and fight, since they had come so far to do so. - -Then they formed in line of battle again and marched boldly toward the -army of Noland. - -While they were still a good way off, and the generals were riding in -front of their soldiers, the lord high executioner suddenly stretched -out his long arm and pulled another general of Ix from his horse, as he -had done the day before, dragging him swiftly over the ground between -the opposing armies until he was seized by the men of Nole and tightly -bound with cords. - -The soldiers of Ix uttered murmurs of horror at this sight, and stopped -again. - -Immediately the long arm shot out, and pulled another general from their -ranks, and made him prisoner. - -Queen Zixi raved and stormed with anger; but the lord high executioner, -who was enjoying himself immensely, continued to grab officer after -officer and make them prisoners: and so far there had been no sign of -battle; not an arrow had been fired nor an ax swung. - -Then, to complete the amazement of the enemy, the gigantic ten-foot -general of the army of Nole stepped in front of his men and waved around -his head a flashing sword six feet in length, while he shouted in a -voice like a roar of thunder, that made the army of Ix tremble: - -"Forward, soldiers of Noland--forward! Destroy the enemy, and let none -escape!" - -[Illustration: "THE GIGANTIC TEN-FOOT GENERAL OF THE ARMY OF NOLE -STEPPED IN FRONT OF HIS MEN."] - -[Illustration: "BUD WAS SO AMUSED AT THE SIGHT OF THE FLYING FOE THAT HE -ROLLED ON THE GROUND IN LAUGHTER."] - -It was more than the army of Ix could bear. Filled with terror, the -soldiers threw down their arms and fled in a great panic, racing over -the mountain-top and down the other side and then scattering in every -direction, each man for himself and as if he feared the entire army of -Noland was at his heels. - -But it wasn't. Not a soldier of Nole had moved in pursuit. Every one was -delighted at the easy victory, and King Bud was so amused at the sight -of the flying foe that he rolled on the ground in laughter, and even the -fierce-looking General Tollydob grinned in sympathy. - -Then, with bands playing and banners flying, the entire army marched -back into the city, and the war between Noland and Ix was over. - -[Illustration: "'WHY DO YOU WAIL SO LOUDLY?' SHE ASKED."] - - - - - Chapter XV. - THE THEFT OF THE MAGIC CLOAK. - - -When the soldiers of Queen Zixi ran away, they fled in so many different -directions that the bewildered queen could not keep track of them. Her -horse, taking fright, dashed up the mountain-side and tossed Zixi into a -lilac-bush, after which he ran off and left her. - -One would think such a chain of misfortunes could not fail to daunt the -bravest. But Zixi had lived too many years to allow such trifles as -defeat and flight to ruin her nerves; so she calmly disentangled herself -from the lilac-bush and looked around to see where she was. - -It was very quiet and peaceful on this part of the mountain-side. Her -glittering army had disappeared to the last man. - -In the far distance she could see the spires and turreted palaces of the -city of Nole, and behind her was a thick grove of lilac-trees bearing -flowers in full bloom. - -This lilac-grove gave Zixi an idea. She pushed aside some of the -branches and entered the cool, shadowy avenues between the trees. - -The air was heavy with the scent of the violet flowers, and tiny -humming-birds were darting here and there to thrust their long bills -into the blossoms and draw out the honey for food. Butterflies there -were, too, and a few chipmunks perched high among the branches. But Zixi -walked on through the trees in deep thought, and presently she had laid -new plans. - -For since the magic cloak was so hard to get she wanted it more than -ever. - -By and by she gathered some bits of the lilac-bark, and dug some roots -from the ground. Next she caught six spotted butterflies, from the wings -of which she brushed off all the round, purple spots. Then she wandered -on until she came upon a little spring of water bubbling from the -ground, and filling a cup-shaped leaf of the tatti-plant from the -spring, she mixed her bark and roots and butterfly spots in the liquid -and boiled it carefully over a fire of twigs; for tatti-leaves will not -burn so long as there is water inside them. - -When her magical compound was ready, Zixi muttered an incantation and -drank it in a single draught. - -A few moments later the witch-queen had disappeared, and in her place -stood the likeness of a pretty young girl dressed in a simple white gown -with pink ribbons at the shoulders and a pink sash around her waist. Her -light-brown hair was gathered into two long braids that hung down her -back, and she had two big blue eyes that looked very innocent and sweet. -Besides these changes, both the nose and the mouth of the girl differed -in shape from those of Zixi; so that no one would have seen the -slightest resemblance between the two people, or between Miss Trust and -the girl who stood in the lilac-grove. - -The transformed witch-queen gave a sweet, rippling laugh, and glanced at -her reflection in the still waters of the spring. And then the girlish -face frowned, for the image glaring up at her was that of a wrinkled, -toothless old hag. - -"I really must have that cloak," sighed the girl; and then she turned -and walked out of the lilac-grove and down the mountain-side toward the -city of Nole. - -The Princess Fluff was playing tennis with her maids in a courtyard of -the royal palace, when Jikki came to say that a girl wished to speak -with her Highness. - -"Send her here," said Fluff. - -So the witch-queen came to her, in the guise of the fair young girl; and -bowing in a humble manner before the princess, she said: "Please, your -Highness, may I be one of your maids?" - -"Why, I have eight already!" answered Fluff, laughing. - -"But my father and mother are both dead; and I have come all the way -from my castle to beg you to let me wait upon you," said the girl, -looking at the little princess with a pleading expression in her blue -eyes. - -"Who are you?" asked Fluff. - -"I am daughter of the Lord Hurrydole, and my name is Adlena," replied -the girl, which was not altogether a falsehood, because one of her -ancestors had borne the name Hurrydole, and Adlena was one of her own -names. - -"Then, Adlena," said Fluff, brightly, "you shall certainly be one of my -maids; for there is plenty of room in the palace, and the more girls I -have around me the happier I shall be." - -So Queen Zixi, under the name of Adlena, became an inmate of the king's -palace; and it was not many days before she learned where the magic -cloak was kept. For the princess gave her a key to a drawer and told her -to get from it a blue silk scarf she wished to wear, and directly under -the scarf lay the fairy garment. - -Adlena would have seized it at that moment had she dared; but Fluff was -in the same room, so she only said: "Please, princess, may I look at -that pretty cloak?" - -"Of course," answered Fluff; "but handle it carefully, for it was given -me by the fairies." - -So Adlena unfolded the cloak and looked at it very carefully, noting -exactly the manner in which it was woven. Then she folded it again, -arranged it in the drawer, and turned the key, which the princess -immediately attached to a chain which she always wore around her neck. - -That night, when the witch-queen was safely locked in her own room and -could not be disturbed, she called about her a great many of those -invisible imps that serve the most skilful witches, commanding them to -weave for her a cloak in the exact likeness of the one given Princess -Fluff by the fairies. - -Of course the imps had never seen the magic cloak; but Zixi described it -to them accurately, and before morning they had woven a garment so -closely resembling the original that the imitation was likely to deceive -any one. - -Only one thing was missing, and that was the golden thread woven by -Queen Lulea herself, and which gave the cloak its magic powers. - -Of course the imps of Zixi could not get this golden thread, nor could -they give any magical properties to the garment they had made at the -witch's command; but they managed to give the cloak all of the many -brilliant colors of the original, and Zixi was quite satisfied. - -The next day Adlena wore this cloak while she walked in the garden. Very -soon Princess Fluff saw her and ran after the girl, crying indignantly: -"See here! What do you mean by wearing my cloak? Take it off instantly!" - -[Illustration: "'WHICH IS MINE?' SHE FINALLY ASKED, IN A STARTLED -VOICE."] - -"It isn't your cloak. It is one of my own," replied the girl, calmly. - -"Nonsense! There can't be two such cloaks in the world," retorted Fluff. - -"But there are," persisted Adlena. "How could I get the one in your -drawer when the key is around your own neck?" - -"I'm not sure I don't know," admitted the princess, beginning to be -puzzled. "But come with me into my rooms. If my fairy cloak is indeed in -the drawer, then I will believe you." - -So they went to the drawer, and of course found the magic cloak, as the -cunning Zixi had planned. Fluff pulled it out and held the two up -together to compare them; and they seemed to be exactly alike. - -"I think yours is a little the longer," said Adlena, and threw it over -the shoulders of the princess. "No, I think mine is the longer," she -continued; and removing the magic cloak, put her own upon Fluff. They -seemed to be about the same length, but Adlena kept putting first one -and then the other upon the princess, until they were completely mixed, -and the child could not have told one from the other. - -"Which is mine?" she finally asked, in a startled voice. - -"This, of course," answered Adlena, folding up the imitation cloak which -the imps had made, and putting it away in the drawer. - -Fluff never suspected the trick, so Zixi carried away the magic cloak -she had thus cleverly stolen; and she was so delighted with the success -of her stratagem that she could have screamed aloud for pure joy. - -As soon as she was alone and unobserved, the witch-queen slipped out of -the palace, and, carrying the magic cloak in a bundle under her arm, ran -down the streets of Nole and out through the gate in the wall and away -toward the mountain where the lilac-grove lay. - -"At last!" she kept saying to herself. "At last I shall see my own -beautiful reflection in a mirror, instead of that horrid old hag!" - -When she was safe in the grove she succeeded, by means of her -witchcraft, in transforming the girl Adlena back into the beautiful -woman known throughout the kingdom of Ix as Queen Zixi. And then she -lost no time in throwing the magic cloak over her shoulders. - -"I wish," she cried in a loud voice, "that my reflection in every mirror -will hereafter show the same face and form as that in which I appear to -exist in the sight of all mortals!" - -Then she threw off the cloak and ran to the crystal spring, saying: -"Now, indeed, I shall at last see the lovely Queen Zixi!" - -But as she bent over the spring, she gave a sudden shriek of -disappointed rage; for glaring up at her from the glassy surface of the -water was the same fearful hag she had always seen as the reflection of -her likeness! - -The magic cloak would grant no wish to a person who had stolen it. - -Zixi, more wretched than she had ever been before in her life, threw -herself down upon her face in the lilac-grove and wept for more than an -hour, which is an exceedingly long time for tears to run from one's -eyes. And when she finally arose, two tiny brooks flowed from the spot -and wound through the lilac-trees--one to the right and one to the left. - -Then, leaving the magic cloak--to possess which she had struggled so -hard and sinfully--lying unheeded upon the ground, the disappointed -witch-queen walked slowly away, and finally reached the bank of the -great river. - -[Illustration: "SHE THREW OFF THE CLOAK AND RAN TO THE CRYSTAL SPRING."] - -Here she found a rugged old alligator who lay upon the bank, weeping -with such bitterness that the sight reminded Zixi of her own recent -outburst of sorrow. - -"Why do you weep, friend?" she asked, for her experience as a witch had -long since taught her the language of the beasts and birds and reptiles. - -"Because I cannot climb a tree," answered the alligator. - -"But why do you wish to climb a tree?" she questioned, surprised. - -"Because I can't," returned the alligator, squeezing two more tears from -his eyes. - -"But that is very foolish!" exclaimed the witch-queen, scornfully. - -"Oh, I don't know," said the alligator. "It doesn't strike me that it's -much more foolish than the fancies some other people have." - -"Perhaps not," replied Zixi, more gently, and walked away in deep -thought. - -While she followed the river-bank, to find a ferry across, the dusk -fell, and presently a gray owl came out of a hollow in a tall tree and -sat upon a limb, wailing dismally. - -Zixi stopped and looked at the bird. - -"Why do you wail so loudly?" she asked. - -[Illustration: "'BECAUSE I CANNOT CLIMB A TREE,' ANSWERED THE -ALLIGATOR."] - -"Because I cannot swim in the river like a fish," answered the owl, and -it screeched so sadly that it made the queen shiver. - -"Why do you wish to swim?" she inquired. - -"Because I can't," said the owl, and buried its head under its wing with -a groan. - -"But that is absurd!" cried Zixi, with impatience. - -The owl had an ear out, and heard her. So it withdrew its head long -enough to retort: - -"I don't think it's any more absurd than the longings of some other -folks." - -"Perhaps you are right," said the queen, and hung her head as she walked -on. - -By and by she found a ferryman with a boat, and he agreed to row her -across the river. In one end of the boat crouched a little girl, the -ferryman's daughter, and she sobbed continually, so that the sound of -the child's grief finally attracted Zixi's attention. - -"Why do you sob?" questioned the queen. - -"Because I want to be a man," replied the child, trying to stifle her -sobs. - -"Why do you want to be a man?" asked Zixi, curiously. - -"Because I'm a little girl," was the reply. - -This made Zixi angry. - -"You're a little fool!" she exclaimed loudly. - -"There are other fools in the world," said the child, and renewed her -sobs. - -[Illustration: "'WHY DO YOU SOB?' QUESTIONED THE QUEEN."] - -Zixi did not reply, but she thought to herself: - -"We are all alike--the alligator, the owl, the girl, and the powerful -Queen of Ix. We long for what we cannot have, yet desire it not so much -because it would benefit us, as because it is beyond our reach. If I -call the others fools, I must also call myself a fool for wishing to see -the reflection of a beautiful girl in my mirror when I know it is -impossible. So hereafter I shall strive to be contented with my lot." - -This was a wise resolution, and the witch-queen abided by it for many -years. She was not very bad, this Zixi; for it must be admitted that few -have the courage to acknowledge their faults and strive to correct them, -as she did. - - - - - Chapter XVI. - THE PLAIN ABOVE THE CLOUDS. - - -I have already mentioned how high the mountains were between Noland and -the land of Ix; but at the north of the city of Nole were mountains much -higher--so high, indeed, that they seemed to pierce the clouds, and it -was said the moon often stopped on the highest peak to rest. It was not -one single slope up from the lowlands; but first there was a high -mountain, with a level plain at the top; and then another high mountain, -rising from the level and capped with a second plain; and then another -mountain, and so on; which made them somewhat resemble a pair of stairs. -So that the people of Nole, who looked upon the North Mountains with -much pride, used to point them out as "The Giant's Stairway," forgetting -that no giant was ever big enough to use such an immense flight of -stairs. - -Many people had climbed the first mountain, and upon the plain at its -top flocks of sheep were fed; and two or three people boasted they had -climbed the second steep; but beyond that the mountains were all unknown -to the dwellers in the valley of Noland. As a matter of fact, no one -lived upon them; they were inhabited only by a few small animals and an -occasional vulture or eagle which nested in some rugged crag. - -But at the top of all was an enormous plain that lay far above the -clouds, and here the Roly-Rogues dwelt in great numbers. - -I must describe these Roly-Rogues to you, for they were unlike any other -people in all the world. Their bodies were as round as a ball--if you -can imagine a ball fully four feet in thickness at the middle. And their -muscles were as tough and elastic as india-rubber. They had heads and -arms resembling our own, and very short legs; and all these they could -withdraw into their ball-like bodies whenever they wished, very much as -a turtle withdraws its legs and head into its shell. - -The Roly-Rogues lived all by themselves in their country among the -clouds, and there were thousands and thousands of them. They were -quarrelsome by nature, but could seldom hurt one another; because, if -they fought, they would withdraw their arms and legs and heads into -their bodies, and roll themselves at one another with much fierceness. -But when they collided they would bounce apart again, and little harm -was done. - -In spite of their savage dispositions the Roly-Rogues had as yet done no -harm to any one but themselves, as they lived so high above the world -that other people knew nothing of their existence. Nor did they -themselves know, because of the clouds that floated between, of the -valleys which lay below them. - -But, as ill luck would have it, a few days after King Bud's army had -defeated the army of Ix, one of the Roly-Rogues, while fighting with -another, rolled too near the edge of the plain whereon they dwelt, and -bounded down the mountain-side that faced Noland. Wind had scattered the -clouds, so his fellows immediately rolled themselves to the edge and -watched the luckless Roly-Rogue fly down the mountain, bounce across the -plain, and thence speed down the next mountain. By and by he became a -dot to their eyes, and then a mere speck; but as the clouds had just -rolled away for a few moments the Roly-Rogues could see, by straining -their eyes, the city of Nole lying in the valley far below. - -It seemed, from that distance, merely a toy city, but they knew it must -be a big place to show so far away; and since they had no cities of -their own, they became curious to visit the one they had just -discovered. - -The ruler of the Roly-Rogues, who was more quarrelsome than any of the -rest, had a talk with his chief men about visiting the unknown city. - -"We can roll down the mountain just as our brother did," he argued. - -"But how in the world could we ever get back again?" said one of the -chiefs, sticking his head up to look with astonishment at the ruler. - -"We don't want to get back," said the other, excitedly. "Some one has -built many houses and palaces at the foot of the mountains, and we can -live in those, if they are big enough and if there are enough of them." - -[Illustration: "ALL THE HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS OF ROLY-ROGUES THAT WERE -IN EXISTENCE ASSEMBLED UPON THE EDGE OF THEIR PLAIN, AND, AT THE WORD OF -THEIR RULER, HURLED THEMSELVES DOWN THE MOUNTAIN WITH TERRIBLE CRIES AND -WENT BOUNDING AWAY TOWARD THE PEACEFUL CITY OF NOLE."] - -"Perhaps the people won't let us," suggested another chief, who was not -in favor of the expedition. - -"We will fight them and destroy them," retorted the ruler, scowling at -the chief as if he would make him ashamed of his cowardice. - -"Then we must all go together," said a third chief; "for, if only a few -go, we may find ourselves many times outnumbered and at last be -overcome." - -"Every Roly-Rogue in the country shall go!" declared the ruler, who -brooked no opposition when once he had made up his mind to a thing. - -On the plain grew a grove of big thorn-trees, bearing thorns as long and -sharp as swords; so the ruler commanded each of his people to cut two of -the thorns, one for each hand, with which to attack whatever foes they -might meet when they reached the unknown valley. - -Then, on a certain day, all the hundreds and thousands of Roly-Rogues -that were in existence assembled upon the edge of their plain, and, at -the word of their ruler, hurled themselves down the mountain with -terrible cries and went bounding away toward the peaceful city of Nole. - - - - - Chapter XVII. - THE DESCENT OF THE ROLY-ROGUES. - - -King Bud and Princess Fluff were leading very happy and peaceful lives -in their beautiful palace. All wars and dangers seemed at an end, and -there was nothing to disturb their content. - -All the gold that was needed the royal purse-bearer was able to supply -from his overflowing purse. The gigantic General Tollydob became famous -throughout the world, and no nation dared attack the army of Noland. The -talking dog of old Tallydab made every one wonder, and people came many -miles to see Ruffles and hear him speak. It was said that all this good -fortune had been brought to Noland by the pretty Princess Fluff, who was -a favorite of the fairies; and the people loved her on this account as -well as for her bright and sunny disposition. - -[Illustration: "THE GREAT BALL STRUCK THE FIELD NEAR THEM."] - -King Bud caused his subjects some little anxiety, to be sure; for they -never could tell what he was liable to do next, except that he was sure -to do something unexpected. But much is forgiven a king; and if Bud made -some pompous old nobleman stand on his head, to amuse a mob of people, -he would give him a good dinner afterward and fill his purse with gold -to make up for the indignity. Fluff often reproved her brother for such -pranks, but Bud's soul was flooded with mischief, and it was hard for -him to resist letting a little of the surplus escape now and then. - -After all, the people were fairly content and prosperous, and no one was -at all prepared for the disasters soon to overtake them. - -One day, while King Bud was playing at ball with some of his courtiers -on a field outside the city gates, the first warning of trouble reached -him. Bud had batted a ball high into the air, and while looking upward -for it to descend he saw another ball bound from the plain at the top of -the North Mountains, fly into the air, and then sink gradually toward -him. As it approached, it grew bigger and bigger, until it assumed -mammoth proportions; and then, while the courtiers screamed in terror, -the great ball struck the field near them, bounced high into the air, -and came down directly upon the sharp point of one of the palace towers, -where it stuck fast with a yell that sounded almost human. - -For some moments Bud and his companions were motionless through surprise -and fear; then they rushed into the city and stood among the crowd of -people which had congregated at the foot of the tower to stare at the -big ball impaled upon its point. Once in a while, two arms, two short -legs, and a head would dart out from the ball and wiggle frantically, -and then the yell would be repeated and the head and limbs withdrawn -swiftly into the ball. - -It was all so curious that the people were justified in staring at it in -amazement; for certainly no one had ever seen or heard of a Roly-Rogue -before, or even known such a creature existed. - -Finally, as no one else could reach the steeple-top, Aunt Rivette flew -into the air and circled slowly around the ball. When next its head was -thrust out, she called: - -"Are you a mud-turtle or a man?" - -"I'll show you which, if I get hold of you," answered the Roly-Rogue, -fiercely. - -"Where did you come from?" asked Aunt Rivette, taking care the wiggling -arms did not grab her. - -[Illustration: "'WHERE DID YOU COME FROM?' ASKED AUNT RIVETTE."] - -"That is none of your business," said the RolyRogue. "But I didn't -intend to come, that you may depend upon." - -"Are you hurt?" she inquired, seeing that the struggles of the creature -made him spin around upon the steeple-point like a windmill. - -"No, I'm not hurt at all," declared the Roly-Rogue; "but I'd like to -know how to get down." - -"What would you do if we helped you to get free?" asked Aunt Rivette. - -"I'd fight every one of those idiots who are laughing at me down there!" -said the creature, its eyes flashing wickedly. - -"Then you'd best stay where you are," returned old Rivette, who flew -back to earth again to tell Bud what the Roly-Rogue had said. - -"I believe that is the best place for him," said Bud; "so we'll let him -stay where he is. He's not very ornamental, I must say, but he's very -safe up there on top of the steeple." - -"We might have him gilded," proposed the old woman, "and then he'd look -better." - -"I'll think it over," said the king, and he went away to finish his ball -game. - -The people talked and wondered about the queer creature on the steeple, -but no one could say where it came from or what it was; they were -naturally much puzzled. - -The next day was bright with sunshine; so, early in the forenoon, Bud -and Fluff had the royal cook fill their baskets with good things to eat, -and set out to picnic on the bank of the river that separated Noland -from the kingdom of Ix. They rode ponies, to reach the river sooner than -by walking; and their only companions were Tallydab, the lord high -steward, and his talking dog, Ruffles. - -It was after this picnic party had passed over the mountain, and were -securely hidden from any one in the city of Nole, that the ruler of the -Roly-Rogues and his thousands of followers hurled themselves down from -their land above the clouds and began bounding toward the plain below. - -The people first heard a roar that sounded like distant thunder; and -when they looked toward the North Mountains they saw the air black with -tiny bouncing balls that seemed to drop from the drifting clouds which -always had obscured the highest peak. - -But, although appearing small when first seen, these balls grew rapidly -larger as they came nearer; and then, with sharp reports like -pistol-shots, they began dropping upon the plain by dozens and hundreds -and then thousands. - -As soon as they touched the ground they bounded upward again, like -rubber balls the children throw upon the floor; but each bound was less -violent than the one preceding it, until finally within the streets of -the city and upon all the fields surrounding it lay the thousands of -Roly-Rogues that had fallen from the mountain-peak. - -At first they lay still, as if stunned by their swift journey and -collision with the hard earth; but after a few seconds they recovered, -thrust out their heads and limbs, and scrambled upon their flat feet. - -Then the savage Roly-Rogues uttered hoarse shouts of joy, for they were -safely arrived at the city they had seen from afar, and the audacious -adventure was a success. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - THE CONQUEST OF NOLAND. - - -It would be impossible to describe the amazement of the people of Nole -when the Roly-Rogues came upon them. - -Not only was the descent wholly unexpected, but the appearance of the -invaders was queer enough to strike terror to the stoutest heart. - -Their round bodies were supported by short, strong legs having broad, -flattened feet to keep them steady. Their arms were short, and the -fingers of their hands, while not long, were very powerful. - -But the heads were the most startling portions of these strange -creatures. They were flat and thick on the top, with leathery rolls -around their necks; so that, when the head was drawn in, its upper part -rounded out the surface of the ball. In this peculiar head the -Roly-Rogue had two big eyes as shiny as porcelain, a small stubby nose, -and a huge mouth. Their strange leather-like clothing fitted their -bodies closely and was of different colors--green, yellow, red, and -brown. - -Taken altogether, the Roly-Rogues were not pretty to look at; and -although their big eyes gave them a startled or astonished expression, -nothing seemed ever to startle or astonish them in the least. - -When they arrived in the valley of Nole, after their wonderful journey -down the mountains, they scrambled to their feet, extended their long -arms with the thorns clasped tight in their talon-like fingers, and -rushed in a furious crowd and with loud cries upon the terror-stricken -people. - -The soldiers of Tollydob's brave army had not even time to seize their -weapons; for such a foe, coming upon them through the air, had never -been dreamed of. - -And the men of Nole, who might have resisted the enemy, were too much -frightened to do more than tremble violently and gasp with open mouths. -As for the women and children, they fled screaming into the houses and -bolted or locked the doors, which was doubtless the wisest thing they -could have done. - -[Illustration: "AS FOR THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN, THEY FLED SCREAMING INTO -THE HOUSES."] - -General Tollydob was asleep when the calamity of this invasion occurred; -but hearing the shouts, he ran out of his mansion and met several of the -Roly-Rogues face to face. Without hesitation the brave general rushed -upon them; but two of the creatures promptly rolled themselves against -him from opposite directions, so that the ten-foot giant was crushed -between them until there was not a particle of breath left in his body. -No sooner did these release him than two other Roly-Rogues rolled toward -him; but Tollydob was not to be caught twice, so he gave a mighty jump -and jumped right over their heads, with the result that the balls -crashed against each other. - -This made the two Roly-Rogues so angry that they began to fight each -other savagely, and the general started to run away. But other foes -rolled after him, knocked him down, and stuck their thorns into him -until he yelled for mercy and promised to become their slave. - -Tullydub, the chief counselor, watched all this from his window, and it -frightened him so greatly that he crawled under his bed and hid, hoping -the creatures would not find him. But their big round eyes were sharp at -discovering things; so the Roly-Rogues had not been in Tullydub's room -two minutes before he was dragged from beneath his bed, and prodded with -thorns until he promised obedience to the conquerors. - -The lord high purse-bearer, at the first alarm, dug a hole in the garden -of the royal palace and buried his purse so no one could find it but -himself. But he might have saved himself this trouble, for the -Roly-Rogues knew nothing of money or its uses, being accustomed to -seizing whatever they desired without a thought of rendering payment for -it. - -Having buried his purse, old Tillydib gave himself up to the invaders as -their prisoner; and this saved him the indignity of being conquered. - -[Illustration: "OTHER FOES ROLLED AFTER HIM AND KNOCKED HIM DOWN."] - -The lord high executioner may really be credited with making the only -serious fight of the day; for when the Roly-Rogues came upon him, -Tellydeb seized his ax, and, before the enemy could come near, he -reached out his long arm and cleverly sliced the heads off several of -their round bodies. - -The others paused for a moment, being unused to such warfare and not -understanding how an arm could reach so far. - -But, seeing their heads were in danger, about a hundred of the creatures -formed themselves into balls and rolled upon the executioner in a -straight line, hoping to crush him. - -They could not see what happened after they began to roll, their heads -being withdrawn; but Tellydeb watched them speed toward him, and, -stepping aside, he aimed a strong blow with his ax at the body of the -first Roly-Rogue that passed him. Instead of cutting the rubber-like -body, the ax bounced back and flew from Tellydeb's hand into the air, -falling farther away than the long arm of the executioner could reach. -Therefore he was left helpless, and was wise enough to surrender without -further resistance. - -Finding no one else to resist them, the Roly-Rogues contented themselves -with bounding against the terrorized people, great and humble alike, and -knocking them over, laughing boisterously at the figures sprawling in -the mud of the streets. - -And then they would prick the bodies of the men with their sharp thorns, -making them spring to their feet again with shrieks of fear, only to be -bowled over again the next minute. - -But the monsters soon grew weary of this amusement, for they were -anxious to explore the city they had so successfully invaded. They -flocked into the palace and public buildings, and gazed eagerly at the -many beautiful and, to them, novel things that were found. The mirrors -delighted them, and they fought one another for the privilege of -standing before the glasses to admire the reflection of their horrid -bodies. - -They could not sit in the chairs, for the round bodies would not fit -them; neither could the Roly-Rogues understand the use of beds. For when -they rested or slept the creatures merely withdrew their limbs and -heads, rolled over upon their backs, and slept soundly--no matter where -they might be. - -The shops were all entered and robbed of their wares, the Roly-Rogues -wantonly destroying all that they could not use. They were like -ostriches in eating anything that looked attractive to them; one of the -monsters swallowed several pretty glass beads, and some of the more -inquisitive of them invaded the grocery-shops and satisfied their -curiosity by tasting of nearly everything in sight. It was funny to see -their wry faces when they sampled the salt and vinegar. - -[Illustration: "STEPPING ASIDE, TELLYDEB AIMED A STRONG BLOW WITH HIS AX -AT THE BODY OF THE FIRST ROLY-ROUGE."] - -Presently the entire city was under the dominion of the Roly-Rogues, who -forced the unhappy people to wait upon them and amuse them; and if any -hesitated to obey their commands, the monsters would bump against them, -pull their hair, and make them suffer most miserably. - -Aunt Rivette was in her room at the top of the palace when the -Roly-Rogues invaded the city of Nole. At first she was as much -frightened as the others; but she soon remembered she could escape the -creatures by flying; so she quietly watched them from the windows. By -and by, as they explored the palace, they came to Aunt Rivette's room -and broke in the door; but the old woman calmly stepped out of her -window upon a little iron balcony, spread her great wings, and flew away -before the Roly-Rogues could catch her. - -Then she soared calmly through the air, and having remembered that Bud -and Fluff had gone to the river on a picnic, she flew swiftly in that -direction and before long came to where the children and old Tallydab -were eating their luncheon, while the dog Ruffles, who was in good -spirits, sang a comic song to amuse them. - -They were much surprised to see Aunt Rivette flying toward them; but -when she alighted and told Bud that his kingdom had been conquered by -the Roly-Rogues and all his people enslaved, the little party was so -astonished that they stared at one another in speechless amazement. - -"Oh, Bud, what shall we do?" finally asked Fluff, in distress. - -"Don't know," said Bud, struggling to swallow a large piece of sandwich -that in his excitement had stuck fast in his throat. - -"One thing is certain," remarked Aunt Rivette, helping herself to a -slice of cake, "our happy lives are now ruined forever. We should be -foolish to remain here; and the sooner we escape to some other country -where the Roly-Rogues cannot find us, the safer we shall be." - -"But why run away?" asked Bud. "Can't something else be done? Here, -Tallydab, you're one of my counselors. What do you say about this -affair?" - -Now the lord high steward was a deliberate old fellow, and before he -replied he dusted the crumbs from his lap, filled and lighted his long -pipe, and smoked several whiffs in a thoughtful manner. - -"It strikes me," said he at last, "that by means of the Princess Fluff's -magic cloak we can either destroy or scatter these rascally invaders and -restore the kingdom to peace and prosperity." - -[Illustration: "'BUT WHERE'S THE CLOAK?' ASKED THE DOG."] - -"Sure enough!" replied Bud. "Why didn't we think of that before?" - -"You will have to make the wish, Bud," said Fluff, "for all the rest of -us have wished, and you have not made yours yet." - -"All right," answered the king. "If I must, I must. But I'm sorry I have -to do it now, for I was saving my wish for something else." - -"But where's the cloak?" asked the dog, rudely breaking into the -conversation. "You can't wish without the cloak." - -"The cloak is locked up in a drawer in my room at the palace," said -Fluff. - -"And our enemies have possession of the palace," continued Tallydab, -gloomily. "Was there ever such ill luck!" - -"Never mind," said Aunt Rivette, "I'll fly back and get it--that is, if -the Roly-Rogues haven't already broken open the drawer and discovered -the cloak." - -"Please go at once, then!" exclaimed Fluff. "Here is the key," and she -unfastened it from the chain at her neck and handed it to her aunt. "But -be careful, whatever you do, that those horrible creatures do not catch -you." - -"I'm not afraid," said Aunt Rivette, confidently. And taking the key, -the old lady at once flew away in the direction of the city of Nole, -promising to return very soon. - - - - - Chapter XIX. - THE BRAVERY OF AUNT RIVETTE. - - -The Roly-Rogues were so busy rioting that they did not look into the air -and discover Aunt Rivette flying over the city. So she alighted, all -unobserved, upon a balcony of the palace, just outside the chamber of -the Princess Fluff, and succeeded in entering the room. - -The creatures had ransacked this apartment, as they had every other part -of the royal palace, and Fluff's pretty dresses and ornaments were -strewn about in dreadful confusion. But the drawer in which rested the -magic cloak was still locked, and in a few moments the old woman had the -precious garment in her hands. - -It was, as we know, the imitation cloak Queen Zixi had made and -exchanged for the real one; but so closely did it resemble the fairy -cloak that Aunt Rivette had no idea she was carrying a useless garment -back to her little niece and nephew. On the contrary, she thought to -herself: "Now we can quickly dispose of these monstrous rogues and drive -them back to their own country." - -Hearing some one moving about in the next room, she ran to the window -and soon was flying away with the cloak to the place where she had left -Bud and Fluff. - -"Good!" cried the lord high steward, when he saw the cloak. "Now we have -nothing more to fear. Put on your cloak, your Majesty, and make the -wish." - -Bud threw the cloak over his shoulders. - -"What shall I wish?" he asked. - -"Let me see," answered Tallydab. "What we want is to get rid of these -invaders. Wish them all in the kingdom of Ix." - -"Oh, no!" cried Fluff; "it would be wicked to injure Queen Zixi and her -people. Let us wish the Roly-Rogues back where they came from." - -"That would be folly!" said the dog Ruffles, with an accent of scorn. -"For they could easily return again to our city of Nole, having once -learned the way there." - -"That is true," agreed Aunt Rivette. "The safest thing to do is to wish -them all dead." - -"But it would be an awful job to bury so many great balls," objected -Bud. "It would keep all our people busy for a month, at least." - -"Why not wish them dead and buried?" asked Ruffles. "Then they would be -out of the way for good and all." - -"A capital idea!" responded Tallydab. - -"But I haven't seen these curious creatures yet," said Bud; "and if I -now wish them all dead and buried, I shall never get a glimpse of one of -them. So let's walk boldly into the city, and when they appear to -interfere with us I'll make the wish and the Roly-Rogues will instantly -disappear." - -So the entire party returned to the city of Nole; Bud and Fluff riding -their ponies, Aunt Rivette fluttering along beside them, and the lord -high steward walking behind with his dog. - -The Roly-Rogues were so much surprised to see this little party boldly -entering the streets of the city, and showing no particle of fear of -them, that they at first made no offer to molest them. - -Even when Bud roared with laughter at their queer appearance, and called -them "mud-turtles" and "foot-balls," they did not resent the insults; -for they had never heard of either a turtle or a foot-ball before. - -[Illustration: "HE MADE OLD TULLYDUB, THE LORD COUNSELOR, ROCK HIM -GENTLY AS HE LAY UPON HIS BACK."] - -When the party had reached the palace and the children had dismounted, -Bud laughed yet louder; for the gigantic General Tollydob came to the -kitchen door, wearing an apron while he polished a big dish-pan, the -Roly-Rogues having made him a scullion. - -[Illustration: "JIKKI WAS SCRATCHING THE BACK OF ANOTHER ROLY-ROGUE."] - -The ruler of the Roly-Rogues was suffering from a toothache, so he had -rolled himself into a ball and made old Tullydub, the lord high -counselor, rock him gently as he lay upon his back, just as one would -rock a baby's cradle. - -[Illustration: "THE LORD HIGH PURSE-BEARER WAS WAVING A FAN."] - -Jikki was scratching the back of another Roly-Rogue with a sharp -garden-rake, while Jikki's six servants stood in a solemn row at his -back. They would do anything for Jikki, but they would not lift a finger -to serve any one else; so the old valet had to do the scratching -unaided. - -These six young men had proved a great puzzle to the Roly-Rogues, for -they found it impossible to touch them or injure them in any way; so, -after several vain attempts to conquer them, they decided to leave -Jikki's servants alone. - -The lord high purse-bearer was waving a fan to keep the flies off two of -the slumbering monsters; and the lord high executioner was feeding -another Roly-Rogue with soup from a great ladle, the creature finding -much amusement in being fed in this manner. - -King Bud, feeling sure of making all his enemies disappear with a wish, -found rare sport in watching his periwigged counselors thus serving -their captors; so he laughed and made fun of them until the Roly-Rogue -ruler stuck his head out and commanded the boy to run away. - -"Why, you ugly rascal, I'm the King of Noland," replied Bud; "so you'd -better show me proper respect." - -With that he picked up a good-sized pebble and threw it at the ruler. It -struck him just over his aching tooth, and with a roar of anger the -Roly-Rogue bounded toward Bud and his party. - -The assault was so sudden that they had much ado to scramble out of the -way; and as soon as Bud could escape the rush of the huge ball, he -turned squarely around and shouted: - -"I wish every one of the Roly-Rogues dead and buried!" - -[Illustration: "THE LORD HIGH EXECUTIONER WAS FEEDING ANOTHER ROLY-ROGUE -WITH SOUP FROM A GREAT LADLE."] - -Hearing this and seeing that the king wore the magic cloak, all the high -counselors at once raised a joyful shout, and Fluff and Bud gazed upon -the Roly-Rogues expectantly, thinking that of course they would -disappear. - -But Zixi's cloak had no magic powers whatever; and now dozens of the -Roly-Rogues, aroused to anger, bounded toward Bud's little party. - -[Illustration: "THE LORD HIGH STEWARD AND HIS DOG WENT DOWN BEFORE THE -RUSH."] - -I am sure the result would have been terrible had not Aunt Rivette -suddenly come to the children's rescue. She threw one lean arm around -Bud and the other around Fluff, and then, quickly fluttering her wings, -she flew with them to the roof of the palace, which they reached in -safety. - -The lord high steward and his dog went down before the rush, and the -next moment old Tallydab was crying loudly for mercy, while Ruffles -limped away to a safe spot beneath a bench under an apple-tree, howling -at every step and shouting angry epithets at the Roly-Rogues. - -"I wonder what's the matter with the cloak," gasped Bud. "The old -thing's a fraud; it didn't work." - -"Something went wrong, that's certain," replied Fluff. "You're sure you -hadn't wished before, aren't you?" - -"Yes, I'm sure," said Bud. - -"Perhaps," said Aunt Rivette, "the fairies have no power over these -horrible creatures." - -"That must be it, of course," said the princess. "But what shall we do -now? Our country is entirely conquered by these monsters; so it isn't a -safe place for us to stay in." - -"I believe I can carry you anywhere you'd like to go," said Aunt -Rivette. "You're not so very heavy." - -[Illustration: "'I'LL SOON CARRY YOU OVER THE MOUNTAIN AND THE RIVER -INTO THE KINGDOM OF IX.'"] - -"Suppose we go to Queen Zixi, and ask her to protect us?" the princess -suggested. - -"That's all right, if she doesn't bear us a grudge. You know we knocked -out her whole army," remarked Bud. - -"Quavo the minstrel says she is very beautiful, and kind to her people," -said the girl. - -"Well, there's no one else we can trust," Bud answered gloomily; "so we -may as well try Zixi. But if you drop either of us on the way, Aunt -Rivette, I'll have to call in the lord high executioner." - -"Never fear," replied the old woman. "If I drop you, you'll never know -what has happened. So each one of you put an arm around my neck, and -cling tight, and I'll soon carry you over the mountain and the river -into the kingdom of Ix." - - - - - Chapter XX. - IN THE PALACE OF THE WITCH-QUEEN. - - -Bud and Fluff were surprised at the magnificence of the city of Ix. The -witch-queen had reigned there so many centuries that she found plenty of -time to carry out her ideas; and the gardens, shrubbery, and buildings -were beautifully planned and cared for. - -The splendid palace of the queen was in the center of a delightful park, -with white marble walks leading up to the front door. - -Aunt Rivette landed the children at the entrance to this royal park, and -they walked slowly toward the palace, admiring the gleaming white -statues, the fountains and flowers, as they went. - -It was beginning to grow dusk, and the lights were gleaming in the -palace window when they reached it. Dozens of liveried servants were -standing near the entrance, and some of these escorted the strangers -with much courtesy to a reception room. There a gray-haired master of -ceremonies met them and asked in what way he might serve them. - -This politeness almost took Bud's breath away, for he had considered -Queen Zixi in the light of an enemy rather than a friend; but he decided -not to sail under false colors, so he drew himself up in royal fashion -and answered: - -"I am King Bud of Noland, and this is my sister, Princess Fluff, and my -Aunt Rivette. My kingdom has been conquered by a horde of monsters, and -I have come to the Queen of Ix to ask her assistance." - -The master of ceremonies bowed low and said: - -"I'm sure Queen Zixi will be glad to assist your Majesty. Permit me to -escort you to rooms, that you may prepare for an interview with her as -soon a she can receive you." - -So they were led to luxurious chambers, and were supplied with perfumed -baths and clean raiment, which proved very refreshing after their -tedious journey through the air. - -It was now evening; and when they were ushered into the queen's -reception-room the palace was brilliantly lighted. - -Zixi, since her great disappointment in the lilac-grove, had decided -that her longing to behold a beautiful reflection in her mirror was both -impossible and foolish; so she had driven the desire from her heart and -devoted herself to ruling her kingdom wisely, as she had ruled before -the idea of stealing the magic cloak had taken possession of her. And -when her mind was in normal condition the witch-queen was very sweet and -agreeable in disposition. - -So Queen Zixi greeted Bud and his sister and aunt with great kindness, -kissing Fluff affectionately upon her cheek and giving her own hand to -Bud to kiss. - -It is not strange that the children considered her the most beautiful -person they had ever beheld; and to them she was as gentle as beautiful, -listening with much interest to their tale of the invasion of the -Roly-Rogues, and promising to assist them by every means in her power. - -This made Bud somewhat ashamed of his past enmity; so he said bluntly: -"I am sorry we defeated your army and made them run." - -[Illustration: "QUEEN ZIXI GREETED BUD AND HIS SISTER AND AUNT WITH -GREAT KINDNESS."] - -"Why, that was the only thing you could do, when I had invaded your -dominion," answered Zixi. "I admit that you were in the right, and that -I deserved my defeat." - -"But why did you try to conquer us?" asked Fluff. - -"Because I wanted to secure the magic cloak, of which I had heard so -much," returned the queen, frankly. - -"Oh!" said the girl. - -"But, of course, you understand that if I had known the magic cloak -could not grant any more wishes, I would not have been so eager to -secure it," continued Zixi. - -"No," said Bud; "the old thing won't work any more; and we nearly got -captured by the Roly-Rogues before we found it out." - -"Oh, have you the cloak again?" asked Zixi, with a look of astonishment. - -"Yes, indeed," returned the princess; "it was locked up in my drawer, -and Aunt Rivette managed to get it for me before the Roly-Rogues could -find it." - -"Locked in your drawer?" repeated the witch-queen, musingly. "Then, I am -sorry to say, you have not the fairy cloak at all, but the imitation -one." - -"What do you mean?" asked Fluff, greatly surprised. - -"Why, I must make a confession," said Zixi, with a laugh. "I tried many -ways to steal your magic cloak. First, I came to Nole as 'Miss Trust.' -Do you remember?" - -"Oh, yes!" cried Fluff; "and I mistrusted you from the first." - -"And then I sent my army to capture the cloak. But, when both of these -plans failed, I disguised myself as the girl Adlena." - -"Adlena!" exclaimed the princess. "Why, I've often wondered what became -of my maid Adlena, and why she left me so suddenly and mysteriously." - -"Well, she exchanged an imitation cloak for the one the fairies had -given you," said Zixi, with a smile. "And then she ran away with the -precious garment, leaving in your drawer a cloak that resembled the -magic garment but had no magical charms." - -"How dreadful!" said Fluff. - -"But it did me no good," went on the queen, sadly; "for when I made a -wish the cloak could not grant it." - -"Because it was stolen!" cried the girl, eagerly. "The fairy who gave it -to me said that if the cloak was stolen it would never grant a wish to -the thief." - -"Oh," said Zixi, astonished, "I did not know that." - -"Of course not," Fluff replied, with a rather triumphant smile. "But if -you had only come to me and told me frankly that you wanted to use the -cloak, I would gladly have lent it to you, and then you could have had -your wish." - -"Well, well!" said Zixi, much provoked with herself. "To think I have -been so wicked all for nothing, when I might have succeeded without the -least trouble had I frankly asked for what I wanted!" - -"But--see here!" said Bud, beginning to understand the tangle of events; -"I must have worn the imitation cloak when I made my wish, and that was -the reason that my wish didn't come true." - -"To be sure," rejoined Fluff. "And so it is nothing but the imitation -cloak we have brought here." - -"No wonder it would not destroy and bury the Roly-Rogues!" declared the -boy, sulkily. "But if this is the imitation, where, then, is the real -magic cloak?" - -"Why, I believe I left it in the lilac-grove," replied Zixi. - -"Then we must find it at once," said Bud; "for only by its aid can we -get rid of those Roly-Rogues." - -"And afterward I will gladly lend it to you also; I promise now to lend -it to you," said Fluff, turning to the queen; "and your wish will be -fulfilled, after all--whatever it may be." - -[Illustration: "'BECAUSE IT WAS STOLEN!' CRIED THE GIRL, EAGERLY."] - -This expression of kindness and good will brought great joy to Zixi, and -she seized the generous child in her arms and kissed her with real -gratitude. - -"We will start for the lilac-grove to-morrow morning," she exclaimed -delightedly; "and before night both King Bud and I will have our wishes -fulfilled!" - -Then the witch-queen led them to her royal banquet-hall, where a most -delightful dinner was served. And all the courtiers and officers of Zixi -bowed low, first before the King of Noland and then before his sweet -little sister, and promised them the friendship of the entire kingdom of -Ix. - -Quavo the wandering minstrel chanced to be present that evening, and he -sang a complimentary song about King Bud; and a wonderful song about the -"Flying Lady," meaning Aunt Rivette; and a beautiful song about the -lovely Princess Fluff. - -So every one was happy and contented, as they all looked forward to the -morrow to regain the magic cloak, and by its means to bring an end to -all their worries. - -[Illustration: "'NO, INDEED,' ANSWERED THE GRAY OWL. 'I BELIEVE I AM -SAFER IN A TREE.'"] - - - - - Chapter XXI. - THE SEARCH FOR THE MAGIC CLOAK. - - -The sun had scarcely risen next morning when our friends left the city -of Ix in search of the magic cloak. All were mounted on strong horses, -with a dozen soldiers riding behind to protect them from harm, while the -royal steward of the witch-queen followed with two donkeys laden with -hampers of provisions from which to feed the travelers on their way. - -It was a long journey to the wide river, but they finally reached it, -and engaged the ferryman to take them across. The ferryman did not like -to visit the other shore, which was in the kingdom of Noland; for -several of the Roly-Rogues had already been seen upon the mountain-top. -But the guard of soldiers reassured the man; so he rowed his big boat -across with the entire party, and set them safely on the shore. The -ferryman's little daughter was in the boat, but she was not sobbing -to-day. On the contrary, her face was all smiles. - -"Do you not still wish to be a man?" asked Zixi, patting the child's -head. - -"No, indeed!" answered the little maid. "For I have discovered all men -must work very hard to support their wives and children, and to buy them -food and raiment. So I have changed my mind about becoming a man, -especially as that would be impossible." - -It was not far from the ferry to the grove of lilacs, and as they rode -along Zixi saw the gray owl sitting contentedly in a tree and pruning -its feathers. - -"Are you no longer wailing because you cannot swim in the river?" asked -the witch-queen, speaking in the owl language. - -"No, indeed," answered the gray owl. "For, as I watched a fish swimming -in the water, a man caught it on a sharp hook, and the fish was killed. -I believe I'm safer in a tree." - -"I believe so, too," said Zixi, and rode along more thoughtfully; for -she remembered her own desire, and wondered if it would also prove -foolish. - -Just as they left the river-bank she noticed the old alligator sunning -himself happily upon the bank. - -[Illustration: "'OF COURSE,' ANSWERED THE ALLIGATOR, OPENING ONE EYE TO -OBSERVE HIS QUESTIONER."] - -"Have you ceased weeping because you cannot climb a tree?" asked the -witch-queen. - -"Of course," answered the alligator, opening one eye to observe his -questioner. "For a boy climbed a tree near me yesterday and fell out of -it and broke his leg. It is quite foolish to climb trees. I'm sure I am -safer in the water." - -Zixi made no reply, but she agreed with the alligator, who called after -her sleepily: - -"Isn't it fortunate we cannot have everything we are stupid enough to -wish for?" - -Shortly afterward they left the river-bank and approached the -lilac-grove, the witch-queen riding first through the trees to show the -place where she had dropped the magic cloak. She knew it was near the -little spring where she had gazed at her reflection in the water; but, -although they searched over every inch of ground, they could discover no -trace of the lost cloak. - -"It is really too bad!" exclaimed Zixi, with vexation. "Some one must -have come through the grove and taken the cloak away." - -"But we must find it," said Bud, earnestly; "for otherwise I shall not -be able to rescue my people from the Roly-Rogues." - -"Let us inquire of every one we meet if they have seen the cloak," -suggested Princess Fluff. "In that way we may discover who has taken -it." - -So they made a camp on the edge of the grove, and for two days they -stopped and questioned all who passed that way. But none had ever seen -or heard of a cloak like that described. - -[Illustration: "'WE HAVE LOST A BEAUTIFUL CLOAK IN THE LILAC-GROVE,' -SAID QUEEN ZIXI TO THE SHEPHERD."] - -Finally an old shepherd came along, hobbling painfully after a flock of -five sheep; for he suffered much from rheumatism. - -"We have lost a beautiful cloak in the lilac-grove," said Zixi to the -shepherd. - -"When did you lose it?" asked the old man, pausing to lean upon his -stick. - -"Several days ago," returned the queen. "It was bright as the rainbow, -and woven with threads finer than--" - -"I know, I know!" interrupted the shepherd, "for I myself found it lying -upon the ground beneath the lilac-trees." - -"Hurrah!" cried Bud, gleefully; "at last we have found it!" And all the -others were fully as delighted as he was. - -"But where have you put the cloak?" inquired Zixi. - -"Why, I gave it to Dame Dingle, who lives under the hill yonder," -replied the man, pointing far away over the fields; "and she gave me in -exchange some medicine for my rheumatism, which has made the pain -considerably worse. So to-day I threw the bottle into the river." - -They did not pause to listen further to the shepherd's talk, for all -were now intent on reaching the cottage of Dame Dingle. - -So the soldiers saddled the horses, and in a few minutes they were -galloping away toward the hill. It was a long ride, over rough ground; -but finally they came near the hill and saw a tiny, tumbledown cottage -just at its foot. - -Hastily dismounting, Bud, Fluff, and the queen rushed into the cottage, -where a wrinkled old woman was bent nearly double over a crazy-quilt -upon which she was sewing patches. - -"Where is the cloak?" cried the three, in a breath. - -The woman did not raise her head, but counted her stitches in a slow, -monotonous tone. - -"Sixteen--seventeen--eighteen--" - -"Where is the magic cloak?" demanded Zixi, stamping her foot -impatiently. - -"Nineteen--" said Dame Dingle, slowly. "There! I've broken my needle!" - -"Answer us at once!" commanded Bud, sternly. "Where is the magic cloak?" - -The woman paid no attention to him whatever. She carefully selected a -new needle, threaded it after several attempts, and began anew to stitch -the patch. - -"Twenty!" she mumbled in a low voice; "twenty-one--" - -But now Zixi snatched the work from her hands and exclaimed; - -"If you do not answer at once I will give you a good beating!" - -"That is all right," said the dame, looking up at them through her -spectacles; "the patches take twenty-one stitches on each side, and if I -lose my count I get mixed up. But it's all right now. What do you want?" - -"The cloak the old shepherd gave you," replied the queen, sharply. - -"The pretty cloak with the bright colors?" asked the dame, calmly. - -"Yes! Yes!" answered the three, excitedly. - -"Why, that very patch I was sewing was cut from that cloak," said Dame -Dingle. "Isn't it lovely? And it brightens the rest of the crazy-quilt -beautifully." - -"Do you mean that you have cut up my magic cloak?" asked Fluff, in -amazement, while the others were too horrified to speak. - -"Certainly," said the woman. "The cloak was too fine for me to wear, and -I needed something bright in my crazy-quilt. So I cut up half of the -cloak and made patches of it." - -The witch-queen gave a gasp, and sat down suddenly upon a rickety bench. -Princess Fluff walked to the door and stood looking out, that the others -might not see the tears of disappointment in her eyes. Bud alone stood -scowling in front of the old dame, and presently he said to her, in a -harsh tone: - -"You ought to be smothered with your own crazy-quilt for daring to cut -up the fairy cloak!" - -"The fairy cloak!" echoed Dame Dingle. "What do you mean?" - -"That cloak was a gift to my sister from the fairies," said Bud; "and it -had a magic charm. Aren't you afraid the fairies will punish you for -what you have done?" - -[Illustration: "'WHERE IS THE CLOAK?' CRIED THE THREE, IN A BREATH."] - -Dame Dingle was greatly disturbed. - -"How could I know it?" she asked, anxiously; "how could I know it was a -magic cloak that old Edi gave to me?" - -"Well, it was; and woven by the fairies themselves," retorted the boy. -"And a whole nation is in danger because you have wickedly cut it up." - -Dame Dingle tried to cry, to show that she was sorry and so escape -punishment. She put her apron over her face, and rocked herself back and -forth, and made an attempt to squeeze a tear out of her eyes. - -Suddenly Zixi jumped up. - -"Why, it isn't so bad, after all!" she exclaimed. "We can sew the cloak -together again." - -"Of course!" said Fluff, coming from the doorway. "Why didn't we think -of that at once?" - -"Where is the rest of the cloak?" demanded Zixi. - -Dame Dingle went to a chest and drew forth the half of the cloak that -had not been cut up. There was no doubt about its being the magic cloak. -The golden thread Queen Lulea had woven could be seen plainly in the -web, and the brilliant colors were as fresh and lovely as ever. But the -flowing skirt of the cloak had been ruthlessly hacked by Dame Dingle's -shears, and presented a sorry plight. - -"Get us the patches you have cut!" commanded Zixi; and without a word -the dame drew from her basket five small squares and then ripped from -the crazy-quilt the one she had just sewn on. - -"But this isn't enough," said Fluff, when she had spread the cloak upon -the floor and matched the pieces. "Where is the rest of the cloak?" - -"Why,--why--" stammered Dame Dingle, with hesitation, "I gave them -away." - -"Gave them away! Who got them?" said Bud. - -"Why,--some friends of mine were here from the village last evening, and -we traded patches, so each of us would have a variety for our -crazy-quilts." - -"Well?" - -"And I gave each of them one of the patches from the pretty cloak." - -"Well, you _are_ a ninny!" declared Bud, scornfully. - -"Yes, your Majesty; I believe I am," answered Dame Dingle, meekly. - -"We must go to the village and gather up those pieces," said Zixi. "Can -you tell us the names of your friends?" she asked the woman. - -"Of course," responded Dame Dingle; "they were Nancy Nink, Betsy Barx, -Sally Sog, Molly Mitt, and Lucy Lum." - -"Before we go to the village let us make Dame Dingle sew these portions -of the cloak together," suggested Fluff. - -The dame was glad enough to do this, and she threaded her needle at -once. So deft and fine was her needlework that she mended the cloak most -beautifully, so that from a short distance away no one could discover -that the cloak had been darned. But a great square was still missing -from the front, and our friends were now eager to hasten to the village. - -"This will cause us some delay," said the witch-queen, more cheerfully; -"but the cloak will soon be complete again, and then we can have our -wishes." - -Fluff took the precious cloak over her arm, and then they all mounted -their horses and rode away toward the village, which Dame Dingle pointed -out from her doorway. Zixi was sorry for the old creature, who had been -more foolish than wicked; and the witch-queen left a bright gold piece -in the woman's hand when she bade her good-by, which was worth more to -Dame Dingle than three pretty cloaks. - -The ground was boggy and uneven, so they were forced to ride slowly to -the little village; but they arrived there at last, and began hunting -for the old women who had received pieces of the magic cloak. They were -easily found, and all seemed willing enough to give up their patches -when the importance of the matter was explained to them. - -At the witch-queen's suggestion, each woman fitted her patch to the -cloak and sewed it on very neatly; but Lucy Lum, the last of the five, -said to them: - -"This is only half of the patch Dame Dingle gave me. The other part I -gave to the miller's wife down in the valley where the river bends. But -I am sure she will be glad to let you have it. See--it only requires -that small piece to complete the cloak and make it as good as new." - -It was true--the magic cloak, except for a small square at the bottom, -was now complete; and such skillful needlewomen were these crazy-quilt -makers that it was difficult to tell where it had been cut and afterward -mended. - -But the miller's wife must now be seen; so they all mounted the horses -again, except Aunt Rivette, who grumbled that so much riding made her -bones rattle and that she preferred to fly. Which she did, frightening -the horses to such an extent with her wings that Bud made her keep well -in advance of them. - -They were all in good spirits now, for soon the magic cloak, almost as -good as new, would be again in their possession; and Fluff and Bud had -been greatly worried over the fate of their friends who had been left to -the mercy of the terrible Roly-Rogues. - -The path ran in a zigzag direction down into the valley; but at length -it led the party to the mill, where old Rivette was found sitting in the -doorway awaiting them. - -The miller's wife, when summoned, came to them drying her hands on her -apron, for she had been washing the dishes. - -"We want to get the bright-colored patch Lucy Lum gave you," explained -Fluff; "for it was part of my magic cloak, which the fairies gave to me, -and this is the place where it must be sewn to complete the garment." -And she showed the woman the cloak, with the square missing. - -"I see," said the miller's wife, nodding her head; "and I am very sorry -I cannot give you the piece to complete your cloak. But the fact is, I -considered it too pretty for my crazy-quilt, so I gave it to my son for -a necktie." - -[Illustration: "'AND WHERE IS YOUR SON?' DEMANDED ZIXI."] - -"And where is your son?" demanded Zixi. - -"Oh, he is gone to sea, for he is a sailor. By this time he is far away -upon the ocean." - -Bud, Fluff, and the witch-queen looked at one another in despair. This -seemed, indeed, to destroy all their hopes; for the one portion of the -cloak that they needed was far beyond their reach. - -Nothing remained but for them to return to Zixi's palace and await the -time when the miller's son should return from his voyage. But before -they went the queen said to the woman: - -"When he returns you may tell your son that if he will bring to me the -necktie you gave him, I will give him in return fifty gold pieces." - -"And I will give him fifty more," said Bud, promptly. - -"And I will give him enough ribbon to make fifty neckties," added Fluff. - -The miller's wife was delighted at the prospect. - -"Thank you! Thank you!" she exclaimed. "My boy's fortune is made. He can -now marry Imogene Gubb and settle down on a farm, and give up the sea -forever! And his neckties will be the envy of all the men in the -country. As soon as he returns I will send him to you with the bit of -the cloak which you need." - -But Zixi was so anxious that nothing might happen to prevent the -miller's son from returning the necktie, that she left two of her -soldiers at the mill, with instructions to bring the man to her palace -the instant he returned home. - -As they rode away they were all very despondent over the ill luck of -their journey. - -"He may be drowned at sea," said Bud. - -"Or he may lose the necktie on the voyage," said Fluff. - -"Oh, a thousand things _might_ happen," returned the queen; "but we need -not make ourselves unhappy imagining them. Let us hope the miller's son -will soon return and restore to us the missing patch." Which showed that -Zixi had not lived six hundred and eighty-three years without gaining -some wisdom. - -[Illustration: "QUEEN ZIXI TIED THE SILVER VIAL TO THE DOG'S NECK."] - - - - - Chapter XXII. - RUFFLES CARRIES THE SILVER VIAL. - - -When they were back at the witch-queen's palace in the city of Ix, the -queen insisted that Bud and Fluff, with their Aunt Rivette, should -remain her guests until the cloak could be restored to its former -complete state. And, for fear something else might happen to the -precious garment, a silver chest was placed in Princess Fluff's room and -the magic cloak safely locked therein, the key being carried upon the -chain around the girl's neck. - -But their plans to wait patiently were soon interfered with by the -arrival at Zixi's court of the talking dog, Ruffles, which had with much -difficulty escaped from the Roly-Rogues. - -Ruffles brought to them so sad and harrowing a tale of the sufferings of -the five high counselors and all the people of Noland at the hands of -the fierce Roly-Rogues, that Princess Fluff wept bitterly for her -friends, and Bud became so cross and disagreeable that even Zixi was -provoked with him. - -"Something really must be done," declared the queen. "I'll brew a -magical mess in my witch-kettle to-night, and see if I can find a way to -destroy those detestable Roly-Rogues." - -Indeed, she feared the creatures would some day find their way into Ix; -so when all the rest of those in the palace were sound asleep, Zixi -worked her magic spell, and from the imps she summoned she obtained -advice how to act in order to get rid of the Roly-Rogues. - -Next morning she questioned Ruffles carefully. - -"What do the Roly-Rogues eat?" she asked. - -"Everything," said the dog; "for they have no judgment, and consume -buttons and hairpins as eagerly as they do food. But there is one thing -they are really fond of, and that is soup. They oblige old Tollydob, the -lord high general, who works in the palace kitchen, to make them a -kettle of soup every morning; and this they all eat as if they were half -starving." - -"Very good!" exclaimed the witch-queen, with pleasure. "I think I see a -way of ridding all Noland of these monsters. Here is a Silver Vial -filled with a magic liquid. I will tie it around your neck, and you must -return to the city of Nole and carry the vial to Tollydob, the lord high -general. Tell him that on Thursday morning, when he makes the kettle of -soup, he must put the contents of the vial into the compound. But let no -one taste it afterward except the Roly-Rogues." - -"And what then?" asked Ruffles, curiously. - -"Then I will myself take charge of the monsters; and I have reason to -believe the good citizens of Noland will no longer find themselves -slaves." - -"All right," said the dog. "I will do as you bid me; for I long to free -my master and have revenge on the Roly-Rogues." - -So Queen Zixi tied the Silver Vial to the dog's neck by means of a broad -ribbon, and he started at once to return to Nole. - -And when he had gone, the queen summoned all her generals and bade them -assemble the entire army and prepare to march into Noland again. Only -this time, instead of being at enmity with the people of Noland, the -army of Ix was to march to their relief; and instead of bearing swords -and spears, each man bore a coil of strong rope. - -[Illustration: "HE STARTED AT ONCE TO RETURN TO NOLE."] - -"For," said Zixi, "swords and spears are useless where the Roly-Rogues -are concerned, as nothing can pierce their tough, rubber-like bodies. -And more nations have been conquered by cunning than by force of arms." - -Bud and Fluff, not knowing what the witch-queen meant to do, were much -disturbed by these preparations to march upon the Roly-Rogues. The -monsters had terrified them so greatly that they dreaded to meet with -them again, and Bud declared that the safest plan was to remain in -Zixi's kingdom and await the coming of the miller's son with the -necktie. - -"But," remonstrated Zixi, "in the meantime your people are suffering -terribly." - -"I know," said Bud; "and it nearly drives me frantic to think of it But -they will be no better off if we try to fight the Roly-Rogues and are -ourselves made slaves." - -"Why not try the magic cloak as it is," suggested the princess, "and see -if it won't grant wishes as before? There's only a small piece missing, -and it may not make any difference with the power the fairies gave to -it." - -"Hooray!" shouted Bud. "That's a good idea. It's a magic cloak just the -same, even if there is a chunk cut out of it." - -Zixi agreed that it was worth a trial, so the cloak was taken from the -silver casket and brought into the queen's reception-room. - -"Let us try it on one of your maids of honor, first," said Fluff; "and, -if it grants her wish, we will know the cloak has lost none of its magic -powers. Then you and Bud may both make your wishes." - -"Very well," returned the queen, and she summoned one of her maids. - -"I am going to lend you my cloak," said the princess to the maid; "and -while you wear it you must make a wish." - -She threw the cloak over the girl's shoulders, and after a moment's -thought the maid said: - -"I wish for a bushel of candies." - -"Fudge!" said Bud, scornfully. - -"No; all kinds of candies," answered the maid of honor. But, although -they watched her intently, the wish failed absolutely, for no bushel of -candies appeared in sight. - -"Let us try it again," suggested Fluff, while the others wore -disappointed expressions. "It was a foolish wish, anyhow; and perhaps -the fairies did not care to grant it." - -So another maid was called and given the cloak to wear. - -[Illustration: "'AND MAY I WISH FOR ANYTHING I DESIRE?' SHE ASKED -EAGERLY."] - -"And may I wish for anything I desire?" she asked eagerly. - -"Of course," answered the princess; "but, as you can have but one wish, -you must choose something sensible." - -"Oh, I will!" declared the maid. "I wish I had yellow hair and blue -eyes." - -"Why did you wish that?" asked Fluff, angrily, for the girl had pretty -brown hair and eyes. - -"Because the young man I am going to marry says he likes blondes better -than brunettes," answered the maid, blushing. - -But her hair did not change its color, for all the wish; and the maid -said, with evident disappointment: - -"Your magic cloak seems to be a fraud." - -"It does not grant foolish wishes," returned the princess, as she -dismissed her. - -When the maid had gone Zixi asked: - -"Well, are you satisfied?" - -"Yes," acknowledged Fluff. "The cloak will not grant wishes unless it is -complete. We must wait for the sailorman's necktie." - -"Then my army shall march to-morrow morning," said the queen, and she -went away to give the order to her generals. - - - - - Chapter XXIII. - THE DESTRUCTION OF THE MONSTERS. - - -It was Tuesday when the army of Ix started upon its second march into -Noland. With it were the witch-queen, King Bud, Princess Fluff, and Aunt -Rivette. At evening they encamped on the bank of the river, and on -Wednesday the army was ferried across, and marched up the side of the -mountain that separated them from the valley of Noland. By night they -had reached the summit of the mountain; but they did not mount upon the -ridge, for fear they might be seen by the Roly-Rogues. - -Zixi commanded them all to remain quietly behind the ridge, and they -lighted no fires and spoke only in whispers. - -And, although so many thousands of men lay close to the valley of -Noland, not a sound came from them to warn the monsters that an enemy -was near. - -Thursday morning dawned bright and pleasant, and as soon as the sun was -up the Roly-Rogues came crowding around the palace kitchen, demanding -that old Tollydob hurry the preparation of their soup. - -This the general did, trembling in spite of his ten feet of stature; for -if they were kept waiting the monsters were liable to prod his flesh -with their thorns. - -But Tollydob did not forget to empty the contents of the Silver Vial -into the soup, as the dog Ruffles had told him to do; and soon it was -being ladled out to the Roly-Rogues by Jikki, the four high counselors, -and a dozen other enslaved officers of King Bud. - -And the dog Ruffles ran through the city, crying to every Roly-Rogue he -met: "Hurry and get your soup before it is gone. It is especially good -this morning!" - -So every Roly-Rogue in the valley hurried to the palace kitchen for -soup; and there were so many that it was noon before the last were -served, while these became so impatient that they abused their slaves in -a sad manner. - -Yet, even while the last were eating, those who had earlier partaken of -the soup lay around the palace sound asleep and snoring loudly; for the -contents of the Silver Vial had the effect of sending all of them to -sleep within an hour, and rendering them wholly unconscious for a period -of ten hours. - -[Illustration: "AND THE DOG RUFFLES RAN THROUGH THE CITY, CRYING TO -EVERY ROLY-ROGUE HE MET: 'HURRY AND GET YOUR SOUP.'"] - -All through the city the Roly-Rogues lay asleep; and, as they always -withdrew their heads and limbs into their bodies when they slumbered, -they presented a spectacle of thousands of huge balls lying motionless. - -[Illustration: "ALL THROUGH THE CITY THE ROLY-ROGUES LAY ASLEEP."] - -When the big kettle was finally empty and the lord high general paused -to wipe the perspiration from his brow, the last of the Roly-Rogues were -rolling over on their backs from the effects of the potion which the -witch-queen brewed and placed in the Silver Vial. - -Aunt Rivette had been flying over the city since early morning; and -although the Roly-Rogues had been too intent upon their breakfast to -notice her, the old woman's sharp eyes had watched everything that took -place below. - -Now, when all the monsters had succumbed to the witch-potion, Aunt -Rivette flew back to the mountain where the army of Ix was hidden, and -carried the news to the witch-queen. - -Zixi at once ordered her generals to advance, and the entire army -quickly mounted the summit of the ridge and ran down the side of the -mountain to the gates of the city. - -The people, who saw that something unusual was taking place, greeted Bud -and Fluff and the witch-queen with shouts of gladness; and even Aunt -Rivette, when she flew down among them, was given three hearty cheers. - -But there was no time for joyous demonstrations while the streets and -public squares were cluttered with the sleeping bodies of the terrible -Roly-Rogues. The army of Ix lost no time in carrying out their queen's -instructions; and as soon as they entered the city they took the long -ropes they carried and wound them fast about the round bodies of the -monsters, securely fastening their heads and limbs into their forms so -that they could not stick them out again. - -Their enemies being thus rendered helpless, the people renewed their -shouts of joy and gratitude, and eagerly assisted the soldiers of Ix in -rolling all the Roly-Rogues outside the gates and to a wide ledge of the -mountain. - -The lord high general and all the other counselors threw away their -aprons and tools of servitude and dressed themselves in their official -robes. The soldiers of Tollydob's army ran for their swords and pikes, -and the women unlocked their doors and trooped into the streets of Nole -for the first time since the descent of the monsters. - -[Illustration: "ALL THE ROLY-ROGUES WERE THUS ROLLED INTO THE RIVER, -WHERE THEY BOBBED UP AND DOWN IN THE WATER."] - -But the task of liberation was not yet accomplished. All the Roly-Rogues -had to be rolled up the side of the mountain to the topmost ridge, and -so great was the bulk of their bodies that it took five or six men to -roll each one to the mountain-top; and even then they were obliged to -stop frequently to rest. - -But as soon as they got a Roly-Rogue to the ridge they gave it a push -and sent it bounding down the other side of the mountain until it fell -into the big river flowing swiftly below. - -During the afternoon all the Roly-Rogues were thus dumped into the -river, where they bobbed up and down in the water, spinning around and -bumping against one another until the current carried them out of sight -on their journey to the sea. It was rumored later that they had reached -an uninhabited island where they harm no one except themselves. - -"I'm glad they floated," said Zixi, as she stood upon the mountain ridge -and watched the last of the monsters float out of sight; "for if they -had sunk they would have filled up the river, there were so many of -them." - -It was evening when Noland at last became free from her terrible -tyrants; and the citizens illuminated the entire city that they might -spend the night in feasting and rejoicing over their freedom. The -soldiers of Ix were embraced and made much of; and at all the feasts -they were the honored guests, while the people of Noland pledged them -their sincere friendship forever. - -King Bud took possession of the royal palace again, and Jikki bustled -about and prepared a grand banquet for the king's guests,--although the -old valet grumbled a great deal because his six solemn servants would -not assist in waiting upon any one but himself. - -The Roly-Rogues had destroyed many things, but the servants of the -palace managed to quickly clear away the rubbish and to decorate the -banquet-hall handsomely. - -Bud placed the beautiful witch-queen upon his right hand and showed her -great honor, for he was really very grateful for her assistance in -rescuing his country from the invaders. - -The feasting and dancing lasted far into the night; but when at last the -people sought their beds they knew they might rest peacefully and free -from care, for the Roly-Rogues had gone forever. - - - - - Chapter XXIV. - THE SAILORMAN'S RETURN. - - -Next day the witch-queen returned with her army to the city of Ix, to -await the coming of the sailorman with the necktie, and King Bud set -about getting his kingdom into running order again. - -The lord high purse-bearer dug up his magic purse, and Bud ordered him -to pay the shopkeepers full value for everything the Roly-Rogues had -destroyed. The merchants were thus enabled to make purchases of new -stocks of goods; and although all travelers had for many days kept away -from Noland, for fear of the monsters, caravans now flocked in vast -numbers to the city of Nole with rich stores of merchandise to sell, so -that soon the entire city looked like a huge bazaar. - -Bud also ordered a gold piece given to the head of every family; and -this did no damage to the ever-filled royal purse, while it meant riches -to the poor people who had suffered so much. - -Princess Fluff had carried her silver chest back to the palace of her -brother, and in it lay, carefully folded, the magic cloak. Being now -fearful of losing it, she warned Jikki to allow no one to enter the room -in which lay the silver chest, except with her full consent, explaining -to him the value of the cloak. - -"And was it this cloak I wore when I wished for half a dozen servants?" -asked the old valet. - -"Yes," answered Fluff; "Aunt Rivette bade you return it to me, and you -were so careless of it that nearly all the high counselors used it -before I found it again." - -"Then," said Jikki, heedless of the reproof, "will your Highness please -use the cloak to rid me of these stupid servants? They are continually -at my heels, waiting to serve me; and I am so busy myself serving others -that those six young men almost drive me distracted. It wouldn't be so -bad if they would serve any one else; but they claim they are my -servants alone, and refuse to wait upon even his Majesty the king." - -"Sometime I will try to help you," answered Fluff; "but I shall not use -the cloak again until the miller's son returns from his voyage at sea." - -So Jikki was forced to wait as impatiently as the others for the -sailorman, and his servants had now become such a burden upon him that -he grumbled every time he looked around and saw them standing in a stiff -line behind him. - -Aunt Rivette again took possession of her rooms at the top of the -palace; and although Bud, grateful for her courage in saving him and his -sister from the Roly-Rogues, would gladly have given her handsomer -apartments, the old woman preferred to be near the roof, where she could -take flight into the air whenever it pleased her to go out. - -With her big wings and her power to fly as a bird, she was the envy of -all the old gossips she had known in the days when she worked as a -laundress; and now she would often alight upon the door-step of some -humble friend and tell of the wonderful adventures she had encountered. - -This never failed to surround her with an admiring circle of listeners, -and Aunt Rivette derived far more pleasure from her tattle than from -living in a palace with her nephew the king. - -The kingdom of Noland soon took on a semblance of its former prosperity, -and the Roly-Rogues were only remembered with shudders of repugnance, -and spoken of in awed whispers. - -And so the days wore away until late in the autumn, when, one morning, a -mounted soldier from Queen Zixi dashed into Nole and rode furiously up -to the palace gate. - -"The sailorman is found!" he shouted, throwing himself from his horse -and bowing low before little King Bud, who had come out to meet him. - -"Good," remarked Bud. - -"The Queen of Ix is even now riding to your Majesty's city with a large -escort surrounding the sailorman," continued the soldier. - -"And has he the necktie?" asked Bud, eagerly. - -"He is wearing it, your Majesty," answered the man; "but he refuses to -give it to any one but the Princess Fluff." - -"That's all right," said the king; and, rentering the palace, he -ordered Jikki to make preparations to receive the witch-queen and her -retinue. - -[Illustration: "'THE SAILORMAN IS FOUND!' HE SHOUTED."] - -When Zixi came to the city gates she found General Tollydob, in a -gorgeous new uniform, waiting to escort her to the palace. The houses -were gay with flags and streamers; bands were playing; and on each side -of the street along which the witch-queen rode were lines of soldiers to -keep the way clear of the crowding populace. - -Behind the queen came the sailorman, carefully guarded by Zixi's most -trusted soldiers. He looked uneasy at so great a reception, and rode his -horse as awkwardly as a sailor might. - -So the cavalcade came to the palace, which was thronged with courtiers -and ladies in waiting. - -Zixi and the sailorman were ushered into the great throne room, where -King Bud, wearing his ermine robe and jeweled crown, sat gravely upon -his throne, with Princess Fluff beside him. - -"Your Majesty," began the witch-queen, bowing prettily, "I have brought -you the sailorman at last. He has just returned from his voyage, and my -soldiers captured him at his mother's cottage by the mill. But he -refuses to give the necktie to any one except the Princess Fluff." - -"I am the Princess Fluff," said Meg to the sailor; "and your necktie is -part of my magic cloak. So please give it back to me." - -The sailor shifted uneasily from one foot to the other. - -"My mother told me," he finally said, "that King Bud would give me fifty -gold pieces for it, and the Queen of Ix would give me another fifty gold -pieces, and that your Highness would give me fifty neckties." - -"That is all true," returned Fluff; "so here are the fifty neckties." - -Tillydib, the lord high purse-bearer, counted out fifty gold pieces, and -Zixi's treasurer counted out another fifty, and all were given to the -sailorman. - -Then the miller's son unfastened the necktie from about his collar and -handed it to Fluff. - -During the murmur of satisfaction that followed, the girl unlocked her -silver chest, which Jikki had brought, and drew out the magic cloak. -Lifting the skirt of the garment, she attempted to fit the sailor's -necktie into the place it should go; and then, while every one looked on -with breathless interest, the girl lifted a white face to the sailorman -and exclaimed: - -"This is not the necktie your mother gave you!" - -[Illustration: "'THIS IS NOT THE NECKTIE YOUR MOTHER GAVE YOU!'"] - -For a moment there was silence, while the assemblage glared angrily upon -the sailor. Then the king, rising from his seat, demanded: - -"Are you sure, Fluff? Are you sure of that?" - -"Of course I'm sure," said the girl; "it is neither the shape nor the -color of the missing patch." - -Bud turned to the now trembling sailor. - -"Why have you tried to deceive us?" he asked sternly. - -"Oh, your Majesty!" returned the man, wringing his hands miserably, "I -lost the necktie in a gale at sea, for I knew nothing of its value. And -when I came home my mother told me of all the gold you had offered for -its return, and advised me to deceive you by wearing another necktie. -She said you would never know the difference." - -"Your mother is a foolish woman, as well as dishonest," answered Bud; -"and you shall both be severely punished. Tellydeb," he continued, -addressing the lord high executioner, "take this man to prison, and see -that he is fed on bread and water until further orders." - -"Not so!" exclaimed a sweet voice near the king; and then all looked up -to see the beautiful Lulea, queen of the fairies, standing beside the -throne. - - - - - Chapter XXV. - THE FAIRY QUEEN. - - -Every eye was now fixed upon the exquisite form of the fairy queen, -which shed a glorious radiance throughout the room, and filled every -heart with an awe and admiration not unmingled with fear. - -"The magic cloak was woven by my band," said the fairy, speaking so -distinctly that all could hear the words; "and our object was to bring -relief to suffering mortal--not to add to their worries. Some good the -cloak has accomplished, I am sure; but also has it been used foolishly, -and to no serious purpose. Therefore I, who gave the cloak, shall now -take it away. The good that has been done shall remain; but the foolish -wishes granted shall now be canceled." With these words, she turned and -lightly lifted the shimmering magic garment from the lap of the -princess. - -[Illustration: "'I WISH,' GRAVELY ANNOUNCED BUD, 'THAT I MAY BECOME THE -BEST KING THAT NOLAND HAS EVER HAD.'"] - -"One moment, please!" cried Bud, eagerly. "Cannot I have my wish? I -waited until I could wish wisely, you know; and then the cloak wouldn't -work." - -With a smile, Lulea threw the cloak over the boy's shoulders. - -"Wish!" said she. - -"I wish," announced Bud, gravely, "that I may become the best king that -Noland has ever had!" - -"Your wish is granted," returned the fairy, sweetly; "and it shall be -the last wish fulfilled through the magic cloak." - -But now Zixi rushed forward and threw herself upon her knees before the -fairy. - -"Oh, your Majesty--" she began eagerly; but Lulea instantly silenced her -with an abrupt gesture. - -"Plead not to me, Queen of Ix!" said the dainty immortal, drawing back -from Zixi's prostrate form. "You know that we fairies do not approve of -witchcraft. However long your arts may permit you to live, you must -always beware a mirror!" - -Zixi gave a sob and buried her pretty face in her hands; and it was -Fluff whose tender heart prompted her to raise the witch-queen and try -to comfort her. - -For a moment all present had looked at Zixi. When their eyes again -sought the form of the fairy, Lulea had vanished, and with her -disappeared forever from Noland the magic cloak. - -Some important changes had been wrought through the visit of the fairy. -Jikki's six servants were gone, to the old valet's great delight. The -ten-foot general had shrunken to six feet in height, Lulea having -generously refrained from reducing old Tollydob to his former short -stature. Ruffles, to the grief of the lord high steward, could no longer -talk; but Tallydab comforted himself with the knowledge that his dog -could at least understand every word addressed to him. The lord high -executioner found he could no longer reach farther than other men; but -the royal purse of old Tillydib remained ever filled, which assured the -future prosperity of the kingdom of Noland. - -As for Zixi, she soon became reconciled to her fate, and returned to Ix -to govern her country with her former liberality and justice. - -The last wish granted by the magic cloak was doubtless the most -beneficial and far-reaching of all; for King Bud ruled many years with -exceeding wisdom and gentleness, and was greatly beloved by each and -every one of his admiring subjects. - -The cheerfulness and sweet disposition of Princess Fluff became renowned -throughout the world, and when she grew to womanhood many brave and -handsome princes from other countries came to Nole to sue for her heart -and hand. One of these she married, and reigned as queen of a great -nation in after years, winning quite as much love and respect from her -people as his loyal subjects bestowed upon her famous brother, King Bud -of Noland. - -[Illustration: THE END] - - - - - Transcriber's Notes - - ---Copyright notice provided as in the original--this e-text is public - domain in the country of publication. - ---Generated a cover image, based on graphic elements from the book, and - released for free unrestricted use with this eBook. - ---Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and - dialect unchanged. - ---In the text versions, delimited italics text in _underscores_ (the - HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.) - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Queen Zixi of Ix, by L. 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clear:both; margin-left:4em; text-indent:0em; } - .toc dt a, .toc dd a { text-align:left; clear:right; float:left; font-variant:small-caps; } - .toc dt.sc { text-align:right; clear:both; font-variant:small-caps; } - .toc dt.scl { text-align:left; clear:both; font-variant:small-caps; } - .toc dt.sct { text-align:right; clear:both; font-variant:small-caps; margin-left:1em; } - .toc dt.jl { text-align:left; clear:both; font-variant:normal; } - .toc dt.scc { text-align:center; clear:both; font-variant:small-caps; } - .toc dt span.lj { text-align:left; display:block; float:left; } - .toc dt.jr { font-style:normal; } - .toc dt a span.cn, .toc dt span.cn, dt span.cn { width:3.5em; text-align:right; margin-right:.7em; float:left; } - dt .large {font-weight:bold; } - div.bcat dl dd { margin-left:4em; max-width:21em; } - div.bcat dl dt { text-indent:-2em; margin-left:2em; } - -.clear { clear:both; } -.htab { margin-left:8em; } - /* MAXWIDTH FOR JUVENILE BOOKS */ - p, blockquote, li, dd, dt, div.bcat, pre { text-align:justify; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; } - p, li, dd, dt, div.bcat, pre.internal dl { max-width:25em; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; } - blockquote { max-width:23em; } - - - div.verse { max-width:25em; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; } - div.bq { margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; max-width:23em; } -/* book advertisements */ - p.bkad {font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; margin-top:2em; max-width:20em; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; } - p.bkpr {font-size:90%; } - p.small { max-width:30em; } - dl.blist dt { margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; } - dl.blist, dl.biblio { margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; max-width:25em; } - dl.int dt.center { text-align:center; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; } -</style> -</head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Queen Zixi of Ix, by L. Frank Baum - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Queen Zixi of Ix - Or, the Story of the Magic Cloak - -Author: L. Frank Baum - -Release Date: October 13, 2017 [EBook #55737] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK QUEEN ZIXI OF IX *** - - - - -Produced by Mary Glenn Krause, David Edwards, Eric Gjovaag, -Sharon Joiner, Stephen Hutcheson, Carol Spears, University -of Alberta, University of Texas, University of Michigan -and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images -made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.) - - - - - - -</pre> - -<div class="img"> -<img class="cover" id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Queen Zixi of Ix" width="590" height="800" /> -</div> -<div class="img" id="pic1"> -<img src="images/i_000_0032.jpg" alt="" width="724" height="978" /> -<p class="caption">WEAVING THE MAGIC CLOAK.</p> -</div> -<div class="box"> -<h1>QUEEN ZIXI OF IX -<br /><span class="smaller">Or, the Story of the Magic Cloak</span></h1> -<p class="center"><span class="smaller">BY</span> -<br /><span class="large">L. FRANK BAUM</span> -<br /><span class="smaller">AUTHOR OF “THE WIZARD OF OZ”</span></p> -<p class="center"><span class="smaller">WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY</span> -<br />FREDERICK RICHARDSON</p> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/i_001.jpg" alt="Cameo of Queen Zixi" width="250" height="247" /> -</div> -<p class="center"><span class="small">TORONTO</span> -<br />THE COPP, CLARK COMPANY -<br /><span class="smaller">LIMITED -<br />1905</span></p> -</div> -<p class="center smaller"><span class="sc">Copyright, 1904, 1905, by</span> -<br />L. FRANK BAUM -<br />All Rights Reserved -<br /><i>Published October, 1905</i></p> -<p class="center smaller"><span class="ss">PRESS OF BRAUNWORTH & CO. -<br />BOOKBINDERS AND PRINTERS, BROOKLYN, N. Y.</span></p> -<p class="center smaller"><span class="ss">FULL PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS IN THREE COLORS -<br />BY THE DE VINNE PRESS</span></p> -<p class="tbcenter">TO MY SON -<br />FRANK JOSLYN BAUM</p> -<h2>CONTENTS</h2> -<dl class="toc"> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER I.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c1">The Weaving of the Magic Cloak</a> 3</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER II.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c2">The Book of Laws</a> 17</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER III.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c3">The Gift of the Magic Cloak</a> 29</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER IV.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c4">King Bud of Noland</a> 43</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER V.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c5">Princess Fluff</a> 55</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER VI.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c6">Bud Dispenses Justice</a> 67</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER VII.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c7">The Wings of Aunt Rivette</a> 81</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER VIII.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c8">The Royal Reception</a> 93</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER IX.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c9">Jikki has a Wish Granted</a> 107</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER X.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c10">The Counselors Wear the Magic Cloak</a> 117</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER XI.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c11">The Witch-Queen</a> 137</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER XII.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c12">Zixi Disguises Herself</a> 149</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER XIII.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c13">Tullydub Rescues the Kingdom</a> 158</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER XIV.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c14">The Rout of the Army of Ix</a> 173</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER XV.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c15">The Theft of the Magic Cloak</a> 181</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER XVI.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c16">The Plain Above the Clouds</a> 198</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER XVII.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c17">The Descent of the Roly-Rogues</a> 205</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER XVIII.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c18">The Conquest of Noland</a> 214</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER XIX.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c19">The Bravery of Aunt Rivette</a> 227</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER XX.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c20">In the Palace of the Witch-Queen</a> 240</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER XXI.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c21">The Search for the Magic Cloak</a> 251</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER XXII.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c22">Ruffles Carries the Silver Vial</a> 271</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER XXIII.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c23">The Destruction of the Monsters</a> 279</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER XXIV.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c24">The Sailorman’s Return</a> 289</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER XXV.</dt> -<dt><a href="#c25">The Fairy-Queen</a> 298</dt> -</dl> -<div class="pb" id="Page_3">3</div> -<h1 title="">QUEEN ZIXI OF IX; -<br /><span class="smaller">OR, THE STORY OF THE MAGIC CLOAK.</span></h1> -<h2 id="c1"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter I.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE WEAVING OF THE MAGIC CLOAK.</span></h2> -<p>The fairies assembled one moonlit night in a pretty -clearing of the ancient forest of Burzee.</p> -<p>The clearing was in the form of a circle, and all -around stood giant oak and fir trees, while in the -center the grass grew green and soft as velvet. If -any mortal had ever penetrated so far into the great -forest, and could have looked upon the fairy circle by -daylight, he might perhaps have seen a tiny path -worn in the grass by the feet of the dancing elves. -For here, during the full of the moon, the famous -fairy band, ruled by good Queen Lulea, loved to -dance and make merry while the silvery rays flooded -the clearing and caused their gauzy wings to sparkle -with every color of the rainbow.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_4">4</div> -<p>On this especial night, however, they were not -dancing. For the queen had seated herself upon a -little green mound, and while her band clustered -about her she began to address the fairies in a tone -of discontent.</p> -<p>“I am tired of dancing, my dears,” said she. -“Every evening since the moon grew big and round -we have come here to frisk about and laugh and disport -ourselves; and although those are good things -to keep the heart light, one may grow weary even of -merrymaking. So I ask you to suggest some new way -to divert both me and yourselves during this night.”</p> -<p>“That is a hard task,” answered one pretty sprite, -opening and folding her wings slowly—as a lady -toys with her fan. “We have lived through so many -ages that we long ago exhausted everything that -might be considered a novelty, and of all our recreations -nothing gives us such continued pleasure as dancing.”</p> -<p>“But I do not care to dance to-night!” replied -Lulea, with a little frown.</p> -<p>“We might create something, by virtue of our -fairy powers,” suggested one who reclined at the feet -of the queen.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_5">5</div> -<p>“Ah, that is just the idea!” exclaimed the dainty -Lulea, with brightening countenance. “Let us create -something. But what?”</p> -<p>“I have heard,” remarked another member of the -band, “of a thinking-cap having been made by some -fairies in America. And whatever mortal wore this -thinking-cap was able to conceive the most noble and -beautiful thoughts.”</p> -<p>“That was indeed a worthy creation,” cried the -little queen. “What became of the cap?”</p> -<p>“The man who received it was so afraid some one -else would get it and be able to think the same -exquisite thoughts as himself that he hid it safely -away—so safely that he himself never could think -afterward where he had placed it.”</p> -<p>“How unfortunate! But we must not make -another thinking-cap, lest it meet a like fate. Cannot -you suggest something, else?”</p> -<p>“I have heard,” said another, “of certain fairies -who created a pair of enchanted boots, which would -always carry their mortal wearer away from danger—and -never into it.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_6">6</div> -<p>“What a great boon to those blundering mortals!” -cried the queen. “And whatever became of the -boots?”</p> -<p>“They came at last into the possession of a great -general who did not know their powers. So he wore -them into battle one day, and immediately ran away, -followed by all his men, and the fight was won by -the enemy.”</p> -<p>“But did not the general escape danger?”</p> -<p>“Yes—at the expense of his reputation. So he -retired to a farm and wore out the boots tramping up -and down a country road and trying to decide why -he had suddenly become such a coward.”</p> -<p>“The boots were worn by the wrong man, surely,” -said the queen; “and that is why they proved a curse -rather than a blessing. But we want no enchanted -boots. Think of something else.”</p> -<p>“Suppose we weave a magic cloak,” proposed Espa, -a sweet little fairy who had not before spoken.</p> -<p>“A cloak? Indeed, we might easily weave that,” -returned the queen. “But what sort of magic powers -must it possess?”</p> -<p>“Let its wearer have any wish instantly fulfilled,” -said Espa, brightly.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_7">7</div> -<div class="img" id="pic2"> -<img src="images/i_007_0034.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="662" /> -<p class="caption">“‘SUPPOSE WE WEAVE A MAGIC CLOAK.’”</p> -</div> -<p>But at this there arose quite a murmur of protest -on all sides, which the queen immediately silenced -with a wave of her royal hand.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_8">8</div> -<p>“Our sister did not think of the probable consequences -of what she suggested,” declared Lulea, smiling -into the downcast face of little Espa, who seemed -to feel rebuked by the disapproval of the others. “An -instant’s reflection would enable her to see that such -power would give the cloak’s mortal wearer as many -privileges as we ourselves possess. And I suppose -you intended the magic cloak for a mortal wearer?” -she inquired.</p> -<p>“Yes,” answered Espa, shyly; “that was my -intention.”</p> -<p>“But the idea is good, nevertheless,” continued -the queen, “and I propose we devote this evening to -weaving the magic cloak. Only, its magic shall give -to its wearer the fulfilment of but one wish; and I -am quite sure that even that should prove a great -boon to the helpless mortals.”</p> -<p>“Suppose more than one person wears the cloak,” -one of the band said; “which then shall have the -one wish fulfilled?”</p> -<p>The queen devoted a moment to thought, and then -replied:</p> -<p>“Each possessor of the magic cloak may have one -wish granted, provided the cloak is not stolen from -its last wearer. In that case the magic power will -not be exercised on behalf of the thief.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_9">9</div> -<p>“But should there not be a limit to the number of -the cloak’s wearers?” asked the fairy lying at the -queen’s feet.</p> -<p>“I think not. If used properly our gift will prove -of great value to mortals. And if we find it is misused -we can at any time take back the cloak and -revoke its magic power. So now, if we are all agreed -upon this novel amusement, let us set to work.”</p> -<p>At these words the fairies sprang up eagerly; and -their queen, smiling upon them, waved her wand -toward the center of the clearing. At once a beautiful -fairy loom appeared in the space. It was not -such a loom as mortals use. It consisted of a large -and a small ring of gold, supported by a tall pole of -jasper. The entire band danced around it thrice, the -fairies carrying in each hand a silver shuttle wound -with glossy filaments finer than the finest silk. And -the threads on each shuttle appeared a different hue -from those of all the other shuttles.</p> -<p>At a sign from the queen they one and all -approached the golden loom and fastened an end of -thread in its warp. Next moment they were gleefully -dancing hither and thither, while the silver shuttles -flew swiftly from hand to hand and the gossamer-like -web began to grow upon the loom.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_10">10</div> -<p>Presently the queen herself took part in the sport, -and the thread she wove into the fabric was the -magical one which was destined to give the cloak its -wondrous power.</p> -<p>Long and swiftly the fairy band worked beneath -the old moon’s rays, while their feet tripped gracefully -over the grass and their joyous laughter tinkled like -silver bells and awoke the echoes of the grim forest -surrounding them. And at last they paused and -threw themselves upon the green with little sighs of -content. For the shuttles and loom had vanished; -the work was complete; and Queen Lulea stood -upon the mound holding in her hand the magic -cloak.</p> -<p>The garment was as beautiful as it was marvelous—each -and every hue of the rainbow glinted and -sparkled from the soft folds; and while it was light -in weight as swan’s-down, its strength was so great -that the fabric was well-nigh indestructible.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_11">11</div> -<p>The fairy band regarded it with great satisfaction, -for every one had assisted in its manufacture and -could admire with pardonable pride its glossy folds.</p> -<p>“It is very lovely, indeed!” cried little Espa. -“But to whom shall we present it?”</p> -<p>The question aroused a dozen suggestions, each -fairy seeming to favor a different mortal. Every -member of this band, as you doubtless know, was -the unseen guardian of some man or woman or child -in the great world beyond the forest, and it was but -natural that each should wish her own ward have -the magic cloak.</p> -<p>While they thus disputed, another fairy joined -them and pressed to the side of the queen.</p> -<p>“Welcome, Ereol,” said Lulea. “You are late.”</p> -<p>The new-comer was very lovely in appearance, and -with her fluffy golden hair and clear blue eyes was -marvelously fair to look upon. In a low, grave voice -she answered the queen:</p> -<p>“Yes, your Majesty, I am late. But I could not help -it. The old King of Noland, whose guardian I have -been since his birth, has passed away this evening, -and I could not bear to leave him until the end came.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_12">12</div> -<p>“So the old king is dead at last!” said the queen, -thoughtfully. “He was a good man, but woefully -uninteresting; and he must have wearied you greatly -at times, my sweet Ereol.”</p> -<div class="img" id="pic3"> -<img src="images/i_012_0035.jpg" alt="" width="733" height="592" /> -<p class="caption">“‘YES, YOUR MAJESTY, I AM LATE.’”</p> -</div> -<p>“All mortals are, I think, wearisome,” returned -the fairy, with a sigh.</p> -<p>“And who is the new King of Noland?” asked -Lulea.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_13">13</div> -<p>“There is none,” answered Ereol. “The old king -died without a single relative to succeed to his throne, -and his five high counselors were in a great dilemma -when I came away.”</p> -<p>“Well, my dear, you may rest and enjoy yourself -for a period, in order to regain your old lightsome -spirits. By and by I will appoint you guardian to -some newly born babe, that your duties may be less -arduous. But I am sorry you were not with us -to-night, for we have had rare sport. See! we have -woven a magic cloak.”</p> -<p>Ereol examined the garment with pleasure.</p> -<p>“And who is to wear it?” she asked.</p> -<p>Then again arose the good-natured dispute as to -which mortal in all the world should possess the -magic cloak. Finally the queen, laughing at the -arguments of her band, said to them:</p> -<p>“Come! Let us leave the decision to the Man in -the Moon. He has been watching us with a great -deal of amusement, and once, I am sure, I caught -him winking at us in quite a roguish way.”</p> -<p>At this every head was turned toward the moon; -and then a man’s face, full-bearded and wrinkled, but -with a jolly look upon the rough features, appeared -sharply defined upon the moon’s broad surface.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_14">14</div> -<p>“So I’m to decide another dispute, eh?” said he, -in a clear voice. “Well, my dears, what is it this time?”</p> -<p>“We wish you to say what mortal shall wear the -magic cloak which I and the ladies of my court have -woven,” replied Queen -Lulea.</p> -<p>“Give it to the first unhappy -person you meet,” -said the Man in the Moon. -“The happy mortals have -no need of magic cloaks.” -And with this advice the -friendly face of the Man -in the Moon faded away -until only the outlines remained -visible against the -silver disk.</p> -<p>The queen clapped her -hands delightedly.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic4"> -<img src="images/i_014_0036.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="643" /> -<p class="caption">“‘GIVE IT TO THE FIRST UNHAPPY PERSON YOU MEET.’”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_15">15</div> -<p>“Our Man in the Moon -is very wise,” she declared; -“and we shall follow his suggestion. Go, Ereol, -since you are free for a time, and carry the magic -cloak to Noland. And the first person you meet -who is really unhappy, be it man, woman, or child, -shall receive from you the -cloak as a gift from our -fairy band.”</p> -<p>Ereol bowed, and folded -the cloak over her arm.</p> -<p>“Come, my children,” -continued Lulea; “the -moon is hiding behind the -tree-tops, and it is time -for us to depart.”</p> -<div class="img" id="pic5"> -<img src="images/i_015_0036.jpg" alt="" width="352" height="359" /> -<p class="caption">“SAID THE MAN IN THE MOON.”</p> -</div> -<p>A moment later the fairies had disappeared, and -the clearing wherein they had danced and woven the -magic cloak lay shrouded in deepest gloom.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_16">16</div> -<div class="img" id="pic6"> -<img src="images/i_016_0038.jpg" alt="" width="318" height="613" /> -<p class="caption">JIKKI.</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_17">17</div> -<h2 id="c2"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter II.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE BOOK OF LAWS.</span></h2> -<p>On this same night great confusion and excitement -prevailed among the five high counselors of the kingdom -of Noland. The old king was dead and there -was none to succeed him as ruler of the country. He -had outlived every one of his relatives, and since the -crown had been in this one family for generations, it -puzzled the high counselors to decide upon a fitting -successor.</p> -<p>These five high counselors were very important -men. It was said that they ruled the kingdom while -the king ruled them; which made it quite easy for -the king and rather difficult for the people. The -chief counselor was named Tullydub. He was old -and very pompous, and had a great respect for the -laws of the land. The next in rank was Tollydob, -the lord high general of the king’s army. The third -was Tillydib, the lord high purse-bearer. The fourth -was Tallydab, the lord high steward. And the fifth -and last of the high counselors was Tellydeb, the lord -high executioner.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_18">18</div> -<p>These five had been careful not to tell the people -when the old king had become ill, for they feared -being annoyed by many foolish questions. They sat -in a big room next the bed-chamber of the king, in -the royal palace of Nole,—which is the capital city -of Noland,—and kept every one out except the king’s -physician, who was half blind and wholly dumb and -could not gossip with outsiders had he wanted to. -And while the high counselors sat and waited for the -king to recover or die, as he might choose, Jikki -waited upon them and brought them their meals.</p> -<p>Jikki was the king’s valet and principal servant. -He was as old as any of the five high counselors; -but they were all fat, whereas Jikki was wonderfully -lean and thin; and the counselors were solemn and -dignified, whereas Jikki was terribly nervous and very -talkative.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_19">19</div> -<p>“Beg pardon, my masters,” he would say every -five minutes, “but do you think his Majesty will get -well?” And then, before any of the high counselors -could collect themselves to answer, he continued: -“Beg pardon, but do you think his Majesty will die?” -And the next moment he would say: “Beg pardon, -but do you think his Majesty is any better or any -worse?”</p> -<p>And all this was so annoying to the high counselors -that several times one of them took up some -object in the room with the intention of hurling it at -Jikki’s head; but before he could throw it the old -servant had nervously turned away and left the -room.</p> -<p>Tellydeb, the lord high executioner, would often -sigh: “I wish there were some law that would permit -me to chop off Jikki’s head.” But then Tullydub, -the chief counselor, would say gloomily; “There -is no law but the king’s will, and he insists that Jikki -be allowed to live.”</p> -<p>So they were forced to bear with Jikki as best -they could; but after the king breathed his last -breath the old servant became more nervous and -annoying than ever.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_20">20</div> -<p>Hearing that the king was dead, Jikki made a -rush for the door of the bell-tower, but tripped over -the foot of Tollydob and fell upon the marble floor -so violently that his bones rattled, and he picked -himself up half dazed by the -fall.</p> -<p>“Where are you going?” -asked Tollydob.</p> -<p>“To toll the bell for the -king’s death,” answered Jikki.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic7"> -<img src="images/i_020_0037.jpg" alt="" width="740" height="630" /> -<p class="caption">“‘WHERE ARE YOU GOING?’ ASKED TOLLYDOB.”</p> -</div> -<p>“Well, remain here until -we give you permission to go,” commanded the lord -high general.</p> -<p>“But the bell ought to be tolled!” said Jikki.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_21">21</div> -<p>“Be silent!” growled the lord high purse-bearer. -“We know what ought to be done and what ought -not to be done.”</p> -<p>But this was not strictly true. In fact, the five -high counselors did not know what ought to be done -under these strange circumstances.</p> -<p>If they told the people the king was dead, and did -not immediately appoint his successor, then the whole -population would lose faith in them and fall to fighting -and quarreling among themselves as to who -should become king; and that would never in the -world do.</p> -<p>No; it was evident that a new king must be chosen -before they told the people that the old king was -dead.</p> -<p>But whom should they choose for the new king? -That was the important question.</p> -<p>While they talked of these matters, the ever-active -Jikki kept rushing in and saying:</p> -<p>“Hadn’t I better toll the bell?”</p> -<p>“No!” they would shout in a chorus; and then -Jikki would rush out again.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_22">22</div> -<p>So they sat and thought and counseled together -during the whole long night, and by morning they -were no nearer a solution of the problem than before.</p> -<p>At daybreak Jikki stuck his head into the room -and said:</p> -<p>“Hadn’t I better—”</p> -<p>“No!” they all shouted in a breath.</p> -<p>“Very well,” returned Jikki; “I was only going to -ask if I hadn’t better get you some breakfast.”</p> -<p>“Yes!” they cried, again in one breath.</p> -<p>“And shall I toll the bell?”</p> -<p>“No!” they screamed; and the lord high steward -threw an inkstand that hit the door several seconds -after Jikki had closed it and disappeared.</p> -<p>While they were at breakfast they again discussed -their future action in the choice of a king; and finally -the chief counselor had a thought that caused him to -start so suddenly that he nearly choked.</p> -<p>“The book!” he gasped, staring at his brother -counselors in a rather wild manner.</p> -<p>“What book?” asked the lord high general.</p> -<p>“The book of laws,” answered the chief counselor.</p> -<p>“I never knew there was such a thing,” remarked -the lord high executioner, looking puzzled. “I -always thought the king’s will was the law.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_23">23</div> -<p>“So it was! So it was when we had a king,” -answered Tullydub, excitedly. “But this book of -laws was written years ago, and was meant to be used -when the king was absent, or ill, or asleep.”</p> -<div class="img" id="pic8"> -<img src="images/i_023_0039.jpg" alt="" width="733" height="495" /> -<p class="caption">“‘NO!’ THEY ALL SHOUTED IN A BREATH.”</p> -</div> -<p>For a moment there was silence.</p> -<p>“Have you ever read the book?” then asked -Tillydib.</p> -<p>“No; but I will fetch it at once, and we shall see -if there is not a law to help us out of our difficulty.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_24">24</div> -<p>So the chief counselor brought the book—a huge -old volume that had a -musty smell to it and -was locked together with -a silver padlock. Then -the key had to be found, -which was no easy task; -but finally the great book -of laws lay open upon -the table, and all the five -periwigs of the five fat -counselors were bent over -it at once.</p> -<p>Long and earnestly -they searched the pages, -but it was not until after -noon that Tullydub suddenly -placed his broad -thumb upon a passage -and shouted:</p> -<p>“I have it! I have it!”</p> -<p>“What is it? Read -it! Read it aloud!” cried -the others.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic9"> -<img src="images/i_024_0040.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="890" /> -<p class="caption">“SO THE CHIEF COUNSELOR BROUGHT THE BOOK.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_25">25</div> -<div class="img" id="pic10"> -<img src="images/i_025_0041.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="591" /> -<p class="caption">“SUDDENLY PLACING HIS BROAD THUMB ON A PASSAGE, HE SHOUTED ‘I HAVE IT! I HAVE IT!’”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_27">27</div> -<p>Just then Jikki rushed into the room and asked:</p> -<p>“Shall I toll the bell?”</p> -<p>“No!” they yelled, glaring at him; so Jikki ran -out, shaking his head dolefully.</p> -<p>Then Tullydub adjusted his spectacles and leaned -over the book, reading aloud the following words:</p> -<p>“In case the king dies, and there is no one to succeed -him, the chief counselor of the kingdom shall -go at sunrise to the eastward gate of the city of Nole -and count the persons who enter through such gate -as soon as it is opened by the guards. And the -forty-seventh person that so enters, be it man, woman, -or child, rich or poor, humble or noble, shall immediately -be proclaimed king or queen, as the case may -be, and shall rule all the kingdom of Noland forever -after, so long as he or she may live. And if any one -in all the kingdom of Nole shall refuse to obey the -slightest wish of the new ruler, such person shall at -once be put to death. This is the law.”</p> -<p>Then all the five high counselors heaved a deep -sigh of relief and repeated together the words:</p> -<p>“This is the law.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_28">28</div> -<p>“But it’s a strange law, nevertheless,” remarked -the lord high purse-bearer. “I wish I knew who -will be the forty-seventh person to enter the east gate -to-morrow at sunrise.”</p> -<p>“We must wait and see,” answered the lord high -general. “And I will have my army assembled -and marshaled at the gateway, that the new ruler of -Noland may be welcomed in a truly kingly manner, -as well as to keep the people in order when they -hear the strange news.”</p> -<p>“Beg pardon!” exclaimed Jikki, looking in at the -doorway, “but shall I toll the bell?”</p> -<p>“No, you numskull!” retorted Tullydub, angrily. -“If the bell is tolled the people will be told, and they -must not know that the old king is dead until the -forty-seventh person enters the east gateway to-morrow -morning!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_29">29</div> -<h2 id="c3"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter III.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE GIFT OF THE MAGIC CLOAK.</span></h2> -<p>Nearly two days’ journey from the city of Nole, -yet still within the borders of the great kingdom of -Noland, was a little village lying at the edge of a -broad river. It consisted of a cluster of houses of -the humblest description, for the people of this village -were all poor and lived in simple fashion. Yet one -house appeared to be somewhat better than the others, -for it stood on the river-bank and had been built by -the ferryman whose business it was to carry all travelers -across the river. And, as many traveled that -way, the ferryman was able in time to erect a very -comfortable cottage, and to buy good furniture for it, -and to clothe warmly and neatly his two children.</p> -<p>One of these children was a little girl named Margaret, -who was called “Meg” by the villagers and -“Fluff” by the ferryman her father, because her hair -was so soft and fluffy.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_30">30</div> -<p>Her brother, who was two years younger, was -named Timothy; but Margaret had always called -him “Bud,” because she could not say “brother” -more plainly when first she began to talk; so nearly -every one who knew Timothy called him Bud, as -little Meg did.</p> -<p>These children had lost their mother when very -young, and the big ferryman had tried to be both -mother and father to them, and had reared them very -gently and lovingly. They were good children, and -were liked by every one in the village.</p> -<p>But one day a terrible misfortune befell them. -The ferryman tried to cross the river for a passenger -one very stormy night; but he never reached the -other shore. When the storm subsided and morning -came they found his body lying on the river-bank, -and the two children were left alone in the world.</p> -<p>The news was carried by travelers to the city of -Nole, where the ferryman’s only sister lived; and a -few days afterward the woman came to the village -and took charge of her orphaned niece and nephew.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_31">31</div> -<p>She was not a bad-hearted woman, this Aunt -Rivette; but she had worked hard all her life, and -had a stern face and a stern voice. She thought the -only way to make children behave was to box their -ears every now and then; so poor Meg, who had -been well-nigh heart-broken at her dear father’s loss, -had still more occasion for tears after Aunt Rivette -came to the village.</p> -<p>As for Bud, he was so impudent and ill-mannered -to the old lady that she felt obliged to switch him; -and afterward the boy became surly and silent, and -neither wept nor answered his aunt a single word. -It hurt Margaret dreadfully to see her little brother -whipped, and she soon became so unhappy at the -sorrowful circumstances in which she and her brother -found themselves that she sobbed from morning till -night and knew no comfort.</p> -<p>Aunt Rivette, who was a laundress in the city of -Nole, decided she would take Meg and Bud back -home with her.</p> -<p>“The boy can carry water for my tubs, and the -girl can help me with the ironing,” she said.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_32">32</div> -<p>So she sold all the heavier articles of furniture that -the cottage contained, as well as the cottage itself; -and all the remainder of her dead brother’s belongings -she loaded upon the back of the little donkey -she had ridden on her journey from Nole. It made -such a pile of packages that the load seemed bigger -than the donkey himself; but he was a strong little -animal, and made no complaint of his burden.</p> -<p>All this being accomplished, they set out one -morning for Nole, Aunt Rivette leading the donkey -by the bridle with one hand and little Bud with the -other, while Margaret followed behind, weeping anew -at this sad parting with her old home and all she had -so long loved.</p> -<p>It was a hard journey. The old woman soon -became cross and fretful, and scolded the little ones -at almost every step. When Bud stumbled, as he -often did, for he was unused to walking very far, -Aunt Rivette would box his ears or shake him violently -by the arm or tell him he was “a good-for-nothing -little beggar.” And Bud would turn upon -her with a revengeful look in his big eyes, but say -not a word. The woman paid no attention to Meg, -who continued to follow the donkey with tearful eyes -and drooping head.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_33">33</div> -<div class="img" id="pic11"> -<img src="images/i_033_0171.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="667" /> -<p class="caption">“IT WAS A HARD JOURNEY.”</p> -</div> -<p>The first night they obtained shelter at a farm-house. -But in the morning it was found that the -boy’s feet were so swollen and sore from the long -walk of the day before that he could not stand upon -them. So Aunt Rivette, scolding fretfully at his -weakness, perched Bud among the bundles atop the -donkey’s back, and in this way they journeyed the -second day, the woman walking ahead and leading -the donkey, and Margaret following behind.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_34">34</div> -<p>The laundress had hoped to reach the city of Nole -at the close of this day; but the overburdened donkey -would not walk very fast, so nightfall found them -still a two-hours’ journey from the city gates, and -they were forced to stop at a small inn.</p> -<p>But this inn was already overflowing with travelers, -and the landlord could give them no beds, nor -even a room.</p> -<p>“You can sleep in the stable if you like,” said he. -“There is plenty of hay to lie down upon.”</p> -<p>So they were obliged to content themselves with -this poor accommodation.</p> -<p>The old woman aroused them at the first streaks -of daybreak the next morning, and while she fastened -the packages to the donkey’s back Margaret stood in -the stable yard and shivered in the cold morning air.</p> -<p>The little girl felt that she had never been more -unhappy than at that moment, and when she thought -of her kind father and the happy home she had once -known, her sobs broke out afresh, and she leaned -against the stable door and wept as if her little heart -would break.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_36">36</div> -<div class="img" id="pic12"> -<img src="images/i_036_0168.jpg" alt="" width="725" height="1000" /> -<p class="caption">“OVER THE YOUTH’S ARM LAY FOLDED THE MAGIC CLOAK.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_37">37</div> -<p>Suddenly some one touched her arm, and she looked -up to see a tall and handsome youth standing before -her. It was none other than Ereol the fairy, who -had assumed this form for her appearance among -mortals; and over the youth’s arm lay folded the -magic cloak that had been woven the evening before -in the fairy circle of Burzee.</p> -<p>“Are you very unhappy, my dear?” asked Ereol, -in kindly tones.</p> -<p>“I am the most unhappy person in all the world!” -replied the girl, beginning to sob afresh.</p> -<p>“Then,” said Ereol, “I will present you with this -magic cloak, which has been woven by the fairies. -And while you wear it you may have your first wish -granted; and if you give it freely to any other mortal, -that person may also have one wish granted. So -use the cloak wisely, and guard it as a great treasure.”</p> -<p>Saying this the fairy messenger spread the folds of -the cloak and threw the brilliant-hued garment over -the shoulders of the girl.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_38">38</div> -<div class="img" id="pic13"> -<img src="images/i_038_0172.jpg" alt="" width="727" height="786" /> -<p class="caption">“‘WHAT! PUNISH ME, YOU RASCALLY FELLOW! WE’LL SEE ABOUT THAT.’”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_39">39</div> -<p>Just then Aunt Rivette led the donkey from the -stable, and seeing the beautiful cloak which the child -wore, she stopped short and demanded:</p> -<p>“Where did you get that?”</p> -<p>“This stranger gave it to me,” answered Meg, -pointing to the youth.</p> -<p>“Take it off! Take it off this minute and give it -me—or I will whip you soundly!” cried the woman.</p> -<p>“Stop!” said Ereol, sternly. “The cloak belongs -to this child alone, and if you dare take it from her I -will punish you severely.”</p> -<p>“What! Punish me! Punish me, you rascally -fellow! We’ll see about that.”</p> -<p>“We will, indeed,” returned Ereol, more calmly. -“The cloak is a gift from the fairies; and you dare -not anger them, for your punishment would be swift -and terrible.”</p> -<p>Now no one feared to provoke the mysterious -fairies more than Aunt Rivette; but she suspected -the youth was not telling her the truth, so she rushed -upon Ereol and struck at him with her upraised cane. -But, to her amazement, the form of the youth vanished -quickly into air, and then, indeed, she knew it -was a fairy that had spoken to her.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_40">40</div> -<p>“You may keep your cloak,” she said to Margaret, -with a little shiver of fear. “I would not touch it -for the world!”</p> -<p>The girl was very proud of her glittering garment, -and when Bud was perched upon the donkey’s back -and the old woman began trudging along the road to -the city, Meg followed after with much lighter steps -than before.</p> -<p>Presently the sun rose over the horizon, and its -splendid rays shone upon the cloak and made it -glisten gorgeously.</p> -<p>“Ah, me!” sighed the little girl, half aloud. “I -wish I could be happy again!”</p> -<p>Then her childish heart gave a bound of delight, -and she laughed aloud and brushed from her eyes -the last tear she was destined to shed for many a day. -For, though she spoke thoughtlessly, the magic cloak -quickly granted to its first wearer the fulfilment of -her wish.</p> -<p>Aunt Rivette turned upon her in surprise.</p> -<p>“What’s the matter with you?” she asked suspiciously, -for she had not heard the girl laugh since -her father’s death.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_41">41</div> -<div class="img" id="pic14"> -<img src="images/i_041_0173.jpg" alt="" width="544" height="759" /> -<p class="caption">“‘AH, ME!’ SIGHED THE LITTLE GIRL, HALF ALOUD.”</p> -</div> -<p>“Why, the sun is shining,” answered Meg, laughing -again. “And the air is sweet and fresh, and the -trees are green and beautiful, and the whole world is -very pleasant and delightful.” And then she danced -lightly along the dusty road and broke into a verse -of a pretty song she had learned at her father’s knee.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_42">42</div> -<p>The old woman scowled and trudged on again; -Bud looked down at his merry sister and grinned -from pure sympathy with her high spirits; and the -donkey stopped and turned his head to look solemnly -at the laughing girl behind him.</p> -<p>“Come along!” cried the laundress, jerking at the -bridle; “every one is passing us upon the road, and -we must hurry to get home before noon.”</p> -<p>It was true. A good many travelers, some on -horseback and some on foot, had passed them by -since the sun rose; and although the east gate of the -city of Nole was now in sight, they were obliged to -take their places in the long line that sought entrance -at the gate.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_43">43</div> -<h2 id="c4"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter IV.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">KING BUD OF NOLAND.</span></h2> -<p>The five high counselors of the kingdom of Noland -were both eager and anxious upon this important -morning. Long before sunrise Tollydob, the lord -high general, had assembled his army at the east -gate of the city; and the soldiers stood in two long -lines beside the entrance, looking very impressive in -their uniforms. And all the people, noting this unusual -display, gathered around at the gate to see what -was going to happen.</p> -<p>Of course no one knew what was going to happen; -not even the chief counselor nor his brother counselors. -They could only obey the law and abide by -the results.</p> -<p>Finally the sun arose and the east gate of the city -was thrown open. There were a few people waiting -outside, and they promptly entered.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_44">44</div> -<p>“One, two, three, four, five, six!” counted the chief -counselor, in a loud voice.</p> -<p>The people were much surprised at hearing this, -and began to question one another with perplexed -looks. Even the soldiers were mystified.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic15"> -<img src="images/i_044_0174.jpg" alt="" width="738" height="581" /> -<p class="caption">“A RAGGED, LIMPING PEDDLER ENTERED THE GATE.”</p> -</div> -<p>“Seven, eight, nine!” continued the chief counselor, -still counting those who came in.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_45">45</div> -<p>A breathless hush fell upon the assemblage.</p> -<p>Something very important and mysterious was -going on; that was evident. But what?</p> -<p>They could only wait and find out.</p> -<p>“Ten, eleven!” counted Tullydub, and then heaved -a deep sigh. For a famous nobleman had just entered -the gate, and the chief counselor could not help wishing -he had been number forty-seven.</p> -<p>So the counting went on, and the people became -more and more interested and excited.</p> -<p>When the number had reached thirty-one a strange -thing happened. A loud “boom!” sounded through -the stillness, and then another, and another. Some -one was tolling the great bell in the palace bell-tower, -and people began saying to one another in awed -whispers that the old king must be dead.</p> -<p>The five high counselors, filled with furious anger -but absolutely helpless, as they could not leave the -gate, lifted up their five chubby fists and shook them -violently in the direction of the bell-tower.</p> -<p>Poor Jikki, finding himself left alone in the palace, -could no longer resist the temptation to toll the bell; -and it continued to peal out its dull, solemn tones -while the chief counselor stood by the gate and -shouted:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_46">46</div> -<p>“Thirty-two, thirty-three, thirty-four!”</p> -<p>Only the mystery of this action could have kept -the people quiet when they learned from the bell that -their old king was dead.</p> -<p>But now they began to guess that the scene at the -east gate promised more of interest than anything -they might learn at the palace; so they stood very -quiet, and Jikki’s disobedience of orders did no great -harm to the plans of the five high counselors.</p> -<p>When Tullydub had counted up to forty the excitement -redoubled, for every one could see big drops of -perspiration standing upon the chief counselor’s brow, -and all the other high counselors, who stood just behind -him, were trembling violently with nervousness.</p> -<p>A ragged, limping peddler entered the gate.</p> -<p>“Forty-five!” shouted Tullydub.</p> -<p>Then came Aunt Rivette, dragging at the bridle -of the donkey.</p> -<p>“Forty-six!” screamed Tullydub.</p> -<p>And now Bud rode through the gate, perched -among the bundles on the donkey’s back and looking -composedly upon the throng of anxious faces that -greeted him.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_47">47</div> -<div class="img" id="pic16"> -<img src="images/i_047_0175.jpg" alt="" width="726" height="980" /> -<p class="caption">“‘FORTY-SEVEN!’ CRIED THE CHIEF COUNSELOR. ‘LONG LIVE -THE NEW KING OF NOLAND!’”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_49">49</div> -<p>“<i>Forty-seven!</i>” cried the chief counselor; and then -in his loudest voice he continued:</p> -<p>“Long live the new King of Noland!”</p> -<p>All the high counselors prostrated themselves in -the dusty road before the donkey. The old woman -was thrust back in the crowd by a soldier, where she -stood staring in amazement, and Margaret, clothed -in her beautiful cloak, stepped to the donkey’s side -and looked first at her brother and then at the group -of periwigged men, who bobbed their heads in the -dust before him and shouted:</p> -<p>“Long live the king!”</p> -<p>Then, while the crowd still wondered, the lord high -counselor arose and took from a soldier a golden -crown set with brilliants, a jeweled scepter, and a robe -of ermine. Advancing to Bud, he placed the crown -upon the boy’s head and the scepter in his hand, -while over his shoulders he threw the ermine robe.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_50">50</div> -<p>The crown fell over Bud’s ears, but he pushed it -back upon his head, so it would stay there; and as -the kingly robe spread over all the bundles on the -donkey’s back and quite covered them, the boy really -presented a very imposing appearance.</p> -<p>The people quickly rose to the spirit of the occasion. -What mattered it if the old king was dead, -now that a new king was already before them? They -broke into a sudden cheer, and, joyously waving their -hats and bonnets above their heads, joined eagerly in -the cry:</p> -<p>“Long live the King of Noland!”</p> -<p>Aunt Rivette was fairly stupefied. Such a thing -was too wonderful to be believed. A man in the -crowd snatched the bonnet from the old woman’s -head, and said to her brusquely:</p> -<p>“Why don’t you greet the new king? Are you a -traitor to your country?”</p> -<p>So she also waved her bonnet and screamed: -“Long live the king!” But she hardly knew what -she was doing or why she did it.</p> -<p>Meantime the high counselors had risen from their -knees and now stood around the donkey.</p> -<p>“May it please your Serene Majesty to condescend -to tell us who this young lady is?” asked Tullydub, -bowing respectfully.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_51">51</div> -<p>“That’s my sister Fluff,” said Bud, who was -enjoying his new position very much. All the counselors, -at this, bowed low to Margaret.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic17"> -<img src="images/i_051_0177.jpg" alt="" width="489" height="816" /> -<p class="caption">“SO SHE ALSO WAVED HER BONNET AND SCREAMED: ‘LONG LIVE THE KING!’”</p> -</div> -<p>“A horse for the Princess Fluff!” cried -the lord high general; and -the next moment she was -mounted upon a -handsome white -palfrey, where, -with her fluffy -golden hair and -smiling face and -the magnificent -cloak flowing -from her shoulders, -she looked -every inch a princess. -The people -cheered her, -too; for it was -long since any -girl or woman -had occupied the -palace of the King of Noland, and she was so pretty -and sweet that every one loved her immediately.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_52">52</div> -<div class="img" id="pic18"> -<img src="images/i_052_0178.jpg" alt="" width="717" height="490" /> -<p class="caption">“‘MAY IT PLEASE YOUR SERENE MAJESTY TO TELL US WHO THIS YOUNG LADY IS?’ ASKED TULLYDUB, RESPECTFULLY.”</p> -</div> -<p>And now the king’s chariot drove up, with its six -prancing steeds, and Bud was lifted from the back of -the donkey and placed in the high seat of the chariot.</p> -<p>Again the people shouted joyful greetings; the -band struck up a gay march tune, and then the royal -procession started for the palace.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_53">53</div> -<p>First came Tollydob and the officers; then the -king’s chariot, surrounded by soldiers; then the four -high counselors upon black horses, riding two on -each side of Princess Fluff; and, finally, the band of -musicians and the remainder of the royal army.</p> -<p>It was an imposing sight, and the people followed -after with cheers and rejoicings, while the lord high -purse-bearer tossed silver coins from his pouch for -any one to catch who could.</p> -<p>A message had been sent to warn Jikki that the -new king was coming, so he stopped tolling the death -knell, and instead rang out a glorious chime of welcome.</p> -<p>As for old Rivette finding herself and the donkey -alike deserted, she once more seized the bridle and -led the patient beast to her humble dwelling; and it -was just as she reached her door that King Bud of -Noland, amid the cheers and shouts of thousands, -entered for the first time the royal palace of Nole.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_54">54</div> -<div class="img" id="pic19"> -<img src="images/i_054_0301.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="583" /> -<p class="caption">“‘I WANT SOME NEW CLOTHES, AND SO DOES MY SISTER,’ BUD ANNOUNCED, AS BOLDLY AS POSSIBLE.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_55">55</div> -<h2 id="c5"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter V.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">PRINCESS FLUFF.</span></h2> -<p>Now when the new king had entered the palace -with his sister, the chief counselor stood upon a golden -balcony with the great book in his hand, and read -aloud, to all the people who were gathered below, the -law in regard to choosing a new king, and the severe -penalty in case any refused to obey his slightest wish. -And the people were glad enough to have a change -of rulers, and pleased that so young a king had been -given them. So they accepted both the law and the -new king cheerfully, and soon dispersed to their homes -to talk over the wonderful events of the day.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_56">56</div> -<p>Bud and Meg were ushered into beautifully furnished -rooms on the second floor of the palace, and -old Jikki, finding that he had a new master to serve, -flew about in his usual nervous manner, and brought -the children the most delicious breakfast they had -ever eaten in their lives.</p> -<p>Bud had been so surprised at his reception at the -gate and the sudden change in his condition that as -yet he had not been able to collect his thoughts. His -principal idea was that he was in a dream, and he -kept waiting until he should wake up. But the -breakfast was very real and entirely satisfying, and -he began to wonder if he could be dreaming, after -all.</p> -<p>The old servant, when he carried away the dishes, -bowed low to Bud and said: “Beg pardon, your -Majesty! But the lord high counselor desires to -know the king’s will.”</p> -<p>Bud stared at him a moment thoughtfully.</p> -<p>“Tell him I want to be left alone to talk with my -sister Fluff,” he replied.</p> -<p>Jikki again bowed low and withdrew, closing the -door behind him, and then the children looked at -each other solemnly, until Meg burst into a merry -laugh.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_57">57</div> -<p>“Oh, Bud!” she cried, “think of it! I’m the -royal Princess Fluff, and you’re the King of all -Noland! Isn’t it funny!” And then she danced -about the room in great delight.</p> -<p>Bud answered her seriously.</p> -<p>“What does it all mean, Fluff?” he said. “We’re -only poor children, you know; so I can’t really be a -king. And I wouldn’t be surprised if Aunt Rivette -came in any minute and boxed my ears.”</p> -<p>“Nonsense!” laughed Margaret. “Didn’t you -hear what that fat, periwigged man said about the -law? The old king is dead, and some one else had -to be king, you know; and the forty-seventh person -who entered the east gate was you, Bud, and so by -law you are the king of all this great country. Don’t -you see?”</p> -<p>Bud shook his head and looked at his sister.</p> -<p>“No, I don’t see,” he said. “But if you say it’s -all right, Fluff, why, it must be all right.”</p> -<p>“Of course it’s all right,” declared the girl, throwing -off her pretty cloak and placing it on a chair. -“You’re the rightful king, and can do whatever you -please; and I’m the rightful princess, because I’m -your sister; so I can do whatever <i>I</i> please. Don’t -you see, Bud?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_58">58</div> -<p>“But, look here, Fluff,” returned her brother, “if -you’re a princess, why do you wear that old gray -dress and those patched-up shoes? Father used to -tell us that princesses always wore the loveliest -dresses.”</p> -<p>Meg looked at herself and sighed.</p> -<p>“I really ought to have some new dresses, Bud. -And I suppose if you order them they will be ready -in no time. And you must have some new clothes, -too, for your jacket is ragged and soiled.”</p> -<p>“Do you really think it’s true, Fluff?” he asked -anxiously.</p> -<p>“Of course it’s true. Look at your kingly robe, -and your golden crown, and that stick with all those -jewels in it!”—meaning the scepter. “They’re true -enough, aren’t they?”</p> -<p>Bud nodded.</p> -<p>“Call in that old man,” he said. “I’ll order something, -and see if he obeys me. If he does, then I’ll -believe I’m really a king.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_59">59</div> -<p>“But now listen, Bud,” said Meg, gravely; “don’t -you let these folks see you’re afraid, or that you’re -not sure whether you’re a king or not. Order them -around and make them afraid of <i>you</i>. That’s what -the kings do in all the stories I ever read.”</p> -<p>“I will,” replied Bud. “I’ll order them around. -So you call in that old donkey with the silver buttons -all over him.”</p> -<p>“Here’s a bell-rope,” said Meg; “I’ll pull it.”</p> -<p>Instantly Jikki entered and bowed low to each of -the children.</p> -<p>“What’s your name?” asked Bud.</p> -<p>“Jikki, your gracious Majesty.”</p> -<p>“Who are you?”</p> -<p>“Your Majesty’s valet, if you please,” answered -Jikki.</p> -<p>“Oh!” said Bud. He didn’t know what a valet -was, but he wasn’t going to tell Jikki so.</p> -<p>“I want some new clothes, and so does my sister,” -Bud announced, as boldly as possible.</p> -<p>“Certainly, your Majesty. I’ll send the lord high -steward here at once.”</p> -<p>With this he bowed and rushed away, and presently -Tallydab, the lord high steward, entered the -room and with a low bow presented himself respectfully -before the children.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_60">60</div> -<p>“I beg your Majesty to command me,” said Tallydab, -gravely.</p> -<p>Bud was a little awed by his appearance, but he -resolved to be brave.</p> -<p>“We want some new clothes,” he said.</p> -<p>“They are already ordered, your Majesty, and will -be here presently.”</p> -<p>“Oh!” said Bud, and stopped short.</p> -<p>“I have ordered twenty suits for your Majesty and -forty gowns for the princess,” continued Tallydab; “and -I hope these will content your Majesty and the princess -until you have time to select a larger assortment.”</p> -<p>“Oh!” said Bud, greatly amazed.</p> -<p>“I have also selected seven maidens, the most -noble in all the land, to wait upon the princess. -They are even now awaiting her Highness in her -own apartments.”</p> -<p>Meg clapped her hands delightedly.</p> -<p>“I’ll go to them at once,” she cried.</p> -<p>“Has your Majesty any further commands?” asked -Tallydab. “If not your five high counselors would -like to confer with you in regard to your new duties -and responsibilities.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_61">61</div> -<p>“Send ’em in,” said Bud, promptly; and while -Margaret went to meet her new maids the king held -his first conference with his high counselors.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic20"> -<img src="images/i_061_0302.jpg" alt="" width="557" height="742" /> -<p class="caption">“‘I HAVE ORDERED TWENTY SUITS FOR YOUR MAJESTY AND FORTY GOWNS FOR THE PRINCESS.’”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_62">62</div> -<p>In answer to Tallydab’s summons the other four -periwigs, pompous and solemn, filed into the room -and stood in a row before Bud, who looked upon -them with a sensation of awe.</p> -<p>“Your Majesty,” began the venerable Tullydub, in -a grave voice, “we are here to instruct you, with your -gracious consent, in your new and important duties.”</p> -<p>Bud shifted uneasily in his chair. It all seemed -so unreal and absurd—this kingly title and polite -deference bestowed upon a poor boy by five dignified -and periwigged men—that it was hard for Bud to -curb his suspicion that all was not right.</p> -<p>“See here, all of you,” said he, suddenly, “is this -thing a joke? tell me, is it a joke?”</p> -<p>“A joke?” echoed all of the five counselors, in -several degrees of shocked and horrified tones; and -Tellydeb, the lord high executioner, added reproachfully:</p> -<p>“Could we, by any chance, have the temerity to -joke with your mighty and glorious Majesty?”</p> -<p>“That’s just it,” answered the boy. “I am not a -mighty and glorious Majesty. I’m just Bud, the -ferryman’s son, and you know it.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_63">63</div> -<p>“You are Bud, the ferryman’s son, to be sure,” -agreed the chief counselor, bowing courteously; “but -by the decrees of fate and the just and unalterable -laws of the land you are now become absolute ruler -of the great kingdom of Noland; therefore all that -dwell therein are your loyal and obedient servants.”</p> -<div class="img" id="pic21"> -<img src="images/i_063_0303.jpg" alt="" width="730" height="505" /> -<p class="caption">“‘A JOKE?’ ECHOED ALL OF THE FIVE COUNSELORS, IN SEVERAL DEGREES OF SHOCKED AND HORRIFIED TONES.”</p> -</div> -<p>Bud thought this over.</p> -<p>“Are you sure there’s no mistake?” he asked, -with hesitation.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_64">64</div> -<p>“There <i>can</i> be no mistake,” returned old Tullydub, -firmly; “for we, the five high counselors of the kingdom, -have ourselves interpreted and carried out the -laws of the land, and the people, your subjects, have -approved our action.”</p> -<p>“Then,” said Bud, “I suppose I’ll have to be king -whether I want to or not.”</p> -<p>“Your Majesty speaks but the truth,” returned the -chief counselor, with a sigh. “With or without your -consent, you are the king. It is the law.” And all -the others chanted in a chorus:</p> -<p>“It is the law.”</p> -<p>Bud felt much relieved. He had no notion whatever -of refusing to be a king. If there was no mistake, -and he was really the powerful monarch of -Noland, then there ought to be no end of fun and -freedom for him during the rest of his life. To be -his own master; to have plenty of money; to live in -a palace and order people around as he pleased—all -this seemed to the poor and friendless boy of yesterday -to be quite the most delightful fate that could -possibly overtake one.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_65">65</div> -<p>So lost did he become in thoughts of the marvelous -existence opening before him that he paid scant -attention to the droning speeches of the five aged -counselors, who were endeavoring to acquaint him -with the condition of affairs in his new kingdom, and -to instruct him in his many and difficult duties as its -future ruler.</p> -<p>For a full hour he sat quiet and motionless, and -they thought he was listening to these dreary affairs -of state; but suddenly he jumped up and astonished -the dignitaries by exclaiming:</p> -<p>“See here; you just fix up things to suit yourselves. -I’m going to find Fluff.” And with no -heed to protests, the new king ran from the room -and slammed the door behind him.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_66">66</div> -<div class="img" id="pic22"> -<img src="images/i_066_0304.jpg" alt="" width="441" height="716" /> -<p class="caption">“A MAN CAME IN LEADING A BOY BY THE ARM AND -HOLDING A SWITCH IN HIS OTHER HAND.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_67">67</div> -<h2 id="c6"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter VI.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">BUD DISPENSES JUSTICE.</span></h2> -<p>The next day the funeral of the old king took place, -and the new king rode in the grand procession in a -fine chariot, clothed in black velvet embroidered with -silver. Not knowing how to act in his new position, -Bud sat still and did nothing at all, which was just -what was expected of him.</p> -<p>But when they returned from the funeral he was -ushered into the great throne-room of the palace and -seated on the golden throne; and then the chief counselor -informed him that he must listen to the grievances -of his people and receive the homage of the -noblemen of Noland.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_68">68</div> -<p>Fluff sat on a stool beside the king, and the five -high counselors stood back of him in a circle; and -then the doors were thrown open and all the noblemen -of the country crowded in. One by one they -kissed first the king’s hand and then the princess’s -hand, and vowed they would always serve them -faithfully.</p> -<p>Bud did not like this ceremony. He whispered -to Fluff that it made him tired.</p> -<p>“I want to go upstairs and play,” he said to the -lord high steward. “I don’t see why I can’t.”</p> -<p>“Very soon your Majesty may go. Just now it -is your duty to hear the grievances of your people,” -answered Tallydab, gently.</p> -<p>“What’s the matter with ’em?” asked Bud, crossly. -“Why don’t they keep out of trouble?”</p> -<p>“I do not know, your Majesty; but there are -always disputes among the people.”</p> -<p>“But that isn’t the king’s fault, is it?” said Bud.</p> -<p>“No, your Majesty; but it’s the king’s place to -settle these disputes, for he has the supreme power.”</p> -<p>“Well, tell ’em to hurry up and get it over with,” -said the boy, restlessly.</p> -<p>Then a venerable old man came in leading a boy -by the arm and holding a switch in his other hand.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_69">69</div> -<p>“Your Majesty,” began the man, having first humbly -bowed to the floor before the king, “my son, whom -I have brought here with me, insists upon running -away from home, and I wish you would tell me what -to do with him.”</p> -<p>“Why do you run away?” Bud asked the boy.</p> -<p>“Because he whips me,” was the answer.</p> -<p>Bud turned to the man.</p> -<p>“Why do you whip the boy?” he inquired.</p> -<p>“Because he runs away,” said the man.</p> -<p>For a minute Bud looked puzzled.</p> -<p>“Well, if any one whipped me, I’d run away, too,” -he said at last. “And if the boy isn’t whipped or -abused he ought to stay at home and be good. But -it’s none of my business, anyhow.”</p> -<p>“Oh, your Majesty!” cried the chief counselor, -“it really must be your business. You’re the king, -you know; and everybody’s business is the king’s.”</p> -<p>“That isn’t fair,” said Bud, sulkily. “I’ve got -my own business to attend to, and I want to go upstairs -and play.”</p> -<p>But now Princess Fluff leaned toward the young -king and whispered something in his ear which made -his face brighten.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_70">70</div> -<p>“See here!” exclaimed Bud, “the first time this -man whips the boy again, or the first time the boy -runs away, I order my lord high executioner to give -them both a good switching. Now let them go home -and try to behave themselves.”</p> -<div class="img" id="pic23"> -<img src="images/i_070_0305.jpg" alt="" width="736" height="574" /> -<p class="caption">“NEXT CAME TWO OLD WOMEN, AND BETWEEN THEM THEY LED A COW.”</p> -</div> -<p>Every one applauded his decision, and Bud also -thought with satisfaction that he had hit upon a good -way out of the difficulty.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_71">71</div> -<p>Next came two old women, one very fat and the -other very thin; and between them they led a cow, -the fat woman having a rope around one horn and -the thin woman a rope around the other horn. Each -woman claimed she owned the cow, and they quarreled -so loudly and so long that the lord high executioner -had to tie a bandage over their mouths. When -peace was thus restored the high counselor said:</p> -<p>“Now, your Majesty, please decide which of these -two women owns the cow.”</p> -<p>“I can’t,” said Bud, helplessly.</p> -<p>“Oh, your Majesty, but you must!” cried all the -five high counselors.</p> -<p>Then Meg whispered to the king again, and the -boy nodded. The children had always lived in a -little village where there were plenty of cows, and the -girl thought she knew a way to decide which of the -claimants owned this animal.</p> -<p>“Send one of the women away,” said Bud. So -they led the lean woman to a little room near by and -locked her in.</p> -<p>“Bring a pail and a milking-stool,” ordered the -king.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_72">72</div> -<p>When they were brought, Bud turned to the fat -woman and ordered the bandage taken from her -mouth.</p> -<p>“The cow’s mine! It’s my cow! I own it!” -she screamed, the moment she could speak.</p> -<p>“Hold!” said the king. “If the cow belongs to -you, let me see you milk her.”</p> -<p>“Certainly, your Majesty, certainly!” she cried; -and seizing the pail and the stool, she ran up to the -left side of the cow, placed the stool, and sat down -upon it. But before she could touch the cow the -animal suddenly gave a wild kick that sent the -startled woman in a heap upon the floor, with her -head stuck fast in the milk-pail. Then the cow moved -forward a few steps and looked blandly around.</p> -<p>Two of the guards picked the woman up and pulled -the pail from her head.</p> -<p>“What’s the matter?” asked Bud.</p> -<p>“She’s frightened, of course,” whimpered the -woman, “and I’ll be black and blue by to-morrow -morning, your Majesty. Any cow would kick in -such a place as this.”</p> -<p>“Put this woman in the room and fetch the other -woman here,” commanded the king.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_73">73</div> -<p>So the lean woman was brought out and ordered -to milk the cow.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic24"> -<img src="images/i_073_0306.jpg" alt="" width="724" height="583" /> -<p class="caption">“THE ANIMAL SUDDENLY GAVE A WILD KICK THAT SENT THE STARTLED WOMAN IN A HEAP UPON THE FLOOR, -WITH HER HEAD STUCK FAST IN THE MILK-PAIL.”</p> -</div> -<p>She took the stool in one hand and the pail in the -other, and, approaching the cow softly on the <i>right</i> -side, patted the animal gently and said to it: “So, -Boss! So-o-o-o, Bossie, my darlin’! Good Bossie! -Nice Bossie!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_74">74</div> -<p>The cow turned her head to look at the lean woman, -and made no objection when she sat down and began -milking.</p> -<p>In a moment the king said:</p> -<p>“The cow is yours! Take her and go home!”</p> -<p>Then all the courtiers and people—and even the -five high counselors—applauded the king enthusiastically; -and the chief counselor lifted up his hands -and said:</p> -<p>“Another Solomon has come to rule us!”</p> -<p>And the people applauded again, till Bud looked -very proud and quite red in the face with satisfaction.</p> -<p>“Tell me,” he said to the woman, who was about -to lead the cow away, “tell me, where did you get -such a nice faithful Bossie as that?”</p> -<p>“Must I tell you the truth?” asked the woman.</p> -<p>“Of course,” said Bud.</p> -<p>“Then, your Majesty,” she returned, “I stole her -from that fat woman you have locked up in that room. -But no one can take the cow from me now, for the -king has given her to me.”</p> -<p>At this a sudden hush fell on the room, and Bud -looked redder than ever.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_75">75</div> -<p>“Then how did it happen that you could milk the -cow and she couldn’t?” demanded the king, angrily.</p> -<p>“Why, she doesn’t understand cows, and I do,” -answered the woman. “Good day, your Majesty. -Much obliged, I’m sure!”</p> -<p>And she walked away with the cow, leaving the -king and Princess Fluff and all the people much -embarrassed.</p> -<p>“Have we any cows in the royal stables?” asked -Bud, turning to Tullydub.</p> -<p>“Certainly, your Majesty; there are several,” answered -the chief counselor.</p> -<p>“Then,” said Bud, “give one of them to the fat -woman and send her home. I’ve done all the judging -I am going to do to-day, and now I’ll take my -sister upstairs to play.”</p> -<p>“Hold on! Hold on!” cried a shrill voice. “I -demand justice! Justice of the king! Justice of the -law! Justice to the king’s aunt.”</p> -<p>Bud looked down the room and saw Aunt Rivette -struggling with some of the guards. Then she broke -away from them and rushed to the throne, crying -again:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_76">76</div> -<p>“Justice, your Majesty!”</p> -<p>“What’s the matter with you?” asked Bud.</p> -<p>“Matter? Everything’s the matter with me. -Aren’t you the new king?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” said Bud. “That’s what I am.”</p> -<p>“Am I not your aunt? Am I not your aunt?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” said Bud, again.</p> -<p>“Well, why am I left to live in a hut and dress in -rags? Doesn’t the law say that every blood relation -of the king shall live in a royal palace?”</p> -<p>“Does it?” asked Bud, turning to Tullydub.</p> -<p>“The law says so, your Majesty.”</p> -<p>“And must I have that old crosspatch around me -all the time?” wailed the new king.</p> -<p>“Crosspatch yourself!” screamed Aunt Rivette, -shaking her fist at Bud. “I’ll teach you to crosspatch -me when I get you alone!”</p> -<p>Bud shuddered. Then he turned again to Tullydub.</p> -<p>“The king can do what he likes, can’t he?” the -boy asked.</p> -<p>“Certainly, your Majesty.”</p> -<p>“Then let the lord high executioner step forward!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_78">78</div> -<div class="img" id="pic25"> -<img src="images/i_078_0298.jpg" alt="" width="730" height="982" /> -<p class="caption">“‘THEN LET THE LORD HIGH EXECUTIONER STEP FORWARD!’”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_79">79</div> -<p>“Oh, Bud! What are you going to do?” said -Fluff, seizing him tightly by the arm.</p> -<p>“You let me alone!” answered Bud. “I’m not -going to be a king for nothing. And Aunt Rivette -whipped me once—sixteen hard switches! I counted -’em.”</p> -<p>The executioner was now bowing before him.</p> -<p>“Get a switch,” commanded the king.</p> -<p>The executioner brought a long, slender birch -bough.</p> -<p>“Now,” said Bud, “you give Aunt Rivette sixteen -good switches.”</p> -<p>“Oh, don’t! Don’t, Bud!” pleaded Meg.</p> -<p>Aunt Rivette fell on her knees, pale and trembling. -In agony she raised her hands.</p> -<p>“I’ll never do it again! Let me off, your Majesty!” -she screamed. “Let me off this once! I’ll never -do it again! Never! Never!”</p> -<p>“All right,” said Bud, with a cheery smile. “I’ll -let you off this time. But if you don’t behave, or if -you interfere with me or Fluff, I’ll have the lord high -executioner take charge of you. Just remember I’m -the king, and then we’ll get along all right. Now -you may go upstairs if you wish to and pick out a -room on the top story. Fluff and I are going to -play.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_80">80</div> -<p>With this he laid his crown carefully on the seat -of the throne and threw off his ermine robe.</p> -<p>“Come on, Fluff! We’ve had enough business -for to-day,” he said, and dragged the laughing princess -from the room, while Aunt Rivette meekly followed -the lord high steward up the stairs to a comfortable -apartment just underneath the roof.</p> -<p>She was very well satisfied at last; and very soon -she sent for the lord high purse-bearer and demanded -money with which to buy some fine clothes for herself.</p> -<p>This was given her willingly, for the law provided -for the comfort of every relative of the king, and -knowing this, Aunt Rivette fully intended to be the -most comfortable woman in the kingdom of Noland.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_81">81</div> -<h2 id="c7"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter VII.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE WINGS OF AUNT RIVETTE.</span></h2> -<p>Bud and Meg had plenty to occupy them in looking -over and admiring their new possessions. First -they went to the princess’s rooms, where Fluff ordered -her seven maids to spread out all the beautiful gowns -she had received. And forty of them made quite an -imposing show, I assure you. They were all dainty -and sweet and of rich material, suitable for all occasions, -and of all colors and shades. Of course there -were none with trains, for Margaret, although a princess, -was only a little girl; but the gowns were gay -with bright ribbons and jeweled buttons and clasps; -and each one had its hat and hosiery and slippers to -match.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_82">82</div> -<p>After admiring the dresses for a time, they looked -at Bud’s new clothes—twenty suits of velvets, brocades, -and finely woven cloths. Some had diamonds -and precious gems sewn on them for ornaments, while -others were plain; but the poorest suit there was finer -than the boy had ever dreamed of possessing.</p> -<p>There were also many articles of apparel to go -with these suits, such as shoes with diamond buckles, -silken stockings, neck laces, and fine linen; and there -was a beautiful little sword, with a gold scabbard and -a jeweled hilt, that the little king could wear on state -occasions.</p> -<p>However, when the children had examined the -gowns and suits to their satisfaction, they began looking -for other amusement.</p> -<p>“Do you know, Fluff,” said the boy, “there isn’t -a single toy or plaything in this whole palace?”</p> -<p>“I suppose the old king didn’t care for playthings,” -replied Fluff, thoughtfully.</p> -<p>Just then there was a knock at the door, and Aunt -Rivette came hobbling into the room. Her wrinkled -old face was full of eagerness, and in her hands she -clasped the purse of golden coins the lord high purse-bearer -had given her.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_83">83</div> -<p>“See what I’ve got!” she cried, holding out the -purse. “And I’m going to buy the finest clothes in -all the kingdom! And ride in the king’s carriage! -And have a man to wait upon me! And make -Mammy Skib and Mistress Kappleson and all the -other neighbors wild with jealousy!”</p> -<div class="img" id="pic26"> -<img src="images/i_083_0428.jpg" alt="" width="563" height="688" /> -<p class="caption">“AFTER ADMIRING THE DRESSES FOR A TIME, THEY LOOKED AT BUD’S NEW CLOTHES.”</p> -</div> -<p>“I don’t care,” said Bud.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_84">84</div> -<p>“Why, you owe everything to me!” cried Aunt -Rivette. “If I hadn’t brought you to Nole on the -donkey’s back, you wouldn’t have been the forty-seventh -person to enter the gate.”</p> -<p>“That’s true,” said Meg.</p> -<p>But Bud was angry.</p> -<p>“I know it’s true,” he said; “but look here, you -mustn’t bother us. Just keep out of our way, please, -and let me alone, and then I won’t care how many -new dresses you buy.”</p> -<p>“I’m going to spend every piece of this gold!” -she exclaimed, clasping the purse with her wrinkled -hands. “But I don’t like to go through the streets -in this poor dress. Won’t you lend me your cloak, -Meg, until I get back?”</p> -<p>“Of course I will,” returned the girl; and going -to the closet, she brought out the magic cloak the -fairy had given her and threw it over Aunt Rivette’s -shoulders. For she was sorry for the old woman, -and this was the prettiest cloak she had.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_85">85</div> -<div class="img" id="pic27"> -<img src="images/i_085_0429.jpg" alt="" width="733" height="1007" /> -<p class="caption">“ALMOST BEFORE SHE KNEW IT, AUNT RIVETTE HAD DESCENDED -TO THE ROOF OF THE ROYAL STABLES.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_87">87</div> -<p>So old Rivette, feeling very proud and anxious to -spend her money, left the palace and walked as fast -as her tottering legs would carry her down the street -in the direction of the shops. “I’ll buy a yellow -silk,” she mumbled to herself, half aloud, “and a -white velvet, and a purple brocade, and a sky-blue -bonnet with crimson plumes! And won’t the neighbors -stare then? Oh, dear! If I could only walk -faster! And the shops are so far! I wish I could -fly!”</p> -<p>Now she was wearing the magic cloak when she -expressed this wish, and no sooner had she spoken -than two great feathery wings appeared, fastened to -her shoulders.</p> -<p>The old woman stopped short, turned her head, -and saw the wings; and then she gave a scream and -a jump and began waving her arms frantically.</p> -<p>The wings flopped at the same time, raising her -slowly from the ground, and she began to soar gracefully -above the heads of the astonished people, who -thronged the streets below.</p> -<p>“Stop! Help! Murder!” shrieked Rivette, kicking -her feet in great agitation, and at the same time -flopping nervously her new wings. “Save me, some -one! Save me!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_88">88</div> -<p>“Why don’t you save yourself?” asked a man -below. “Stop flying, if you want to reach the earth -again!”</p> -<p>This struck old Rivette as a sensible suggestion. -She was quite a distance in the air by this time; but -she tried to hold her wings steady and not flop them, -and the result was that she began to float slowly -downward. Then, with horror, she saw she was -sinking directly upon the branches of a prickly-pear -tree; so she screamed and began flying again, and -the swift movement of her wings sent her high into -the air.</p> -<p>So great was her terror that she nearly fainted; -but she shut her eyes so that she might not see how -high up she was, and held her wings rigid and began -gracefully to float downward again.</p> -<p>By and by she opened her eyes and found one of -her sleeves was just missing the sharp point of a lightning-rod -on a tower of the palace. So she began -struggling and flopping anew, and, almost before she -knew it, Aunt Rivette had descended to the roof of -the royal stables. Here she sat down and began to -weep and wail, while a great crowd gathered below -and watched her.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_89">89</div> -<div class="img" id="pic28"> -<img src="images/i_089_0431.jpg" alt="" width="738" height="586" /> -<p class="caption">“‘HELP! GET A LADDER!’ WAILED THE OLD WOMAN.”</p> -</div> -<p>“Get a ladder! <i>Please</i> -get a ladder!” begged -old Rivette. “If you -don’t, I shall fall and break my neck.”</p> -<p>By this time Bud and Fluff had come out to see -what caused the excitement; and, to their amazement -they found their old aunt perched high up on the -stable roof, with two great wings growing out from -her back.</p> -<p>For a moment they could not understand what had -happened. Then Margaret cried:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_90">90</div> -<p>“Oh, Bud, I let her wear the magic cloak! She -must have made a wish!”</p> -<p>“Help! Help! Get a ladder!” wailed the old -woman, catching sight of her nephew and niece.</p> -<p>“Well, you <i>are</i> a bird, Aunt Rivette!” shouted -Bud, gleefully, for he was in a teasing mood. “You -don’t need a ladder! I don’t see why you can’t fly -down the same way you flew up.” And all the people -shouted: “Yes, yes! The king is right! Fly -down!”</p> -<p>Just then Rivette’s feet began to slip on the sloping -roof; so she made a wild struggle to save herself, and -the result was that she fluttered her wings in just -exactly the right way to sink down gradually to the -ground.</p> -<p>“You’ll be all right as soon as you know how to -use your wings,” said Bud, with a laugh. “But where -did you get ’em, anyhow?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know,” said Aunt Rivette, much relieved -to be on earth again, and rather pleased to have -attracted so much attention. “Are the wings -pretty?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_91">91</div> -<p>“They are perfectly lovely!” cried Fluff, clapping -her hands in glee. “Why, Aunt Rivette, I do believe -you must be the only person in all the world who -can fly!”</p> -<div class="img" id="pic29"> -<img src="images/i_091_0432.jpg" alt="" width="553" height="612" /> -<p class="caption">“‘WHY, AUNT RIVETTE, I DO BELIEVE YOU MUST BE THE ONLY PERSON IN ALL THE WORLD WHO CAN FLY!’”</p> -</div> -<p>“But I think you look like an overgrown buzzard,” -said Bud.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_92">92</div> -<p>Now it happened that all this praise, and the wondering -looks of the people, did a great deal to reconcile -Rivette to her new wings. Indeed, she began -to feel a certain pride and distinction in them; and, -finding she had through all the excitement retained -her grasp on the purse of gold, she now wrapped the -magic cloak around her and walked away to the shops, -followed by a crowd of men, women, and children.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_93">93</div> -<h2 id="c8"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter VIII.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE ROYAL RECEPTION.</span></h2> -<p>As for the king and Princess Fluff, they returned -to the palace and dressed themselves in some of their -prettiest garments, telling Jikki to have two ponies -saddled and ready for them to ride upon.</p> -<p>“We really <i>must</i> have some toys,” said Meg, with -decision; “and now that we are rich, there is no reason -why we can’t buy what we want.”</p> -<p>“That’s true,” answered Bud. “The old king -hadn’t anything to play with. Poor old man! I -wonder what he did to amuse himself.”</p> -<p>They mounted their ponies, and, followed by the -chief counselor and the lord high purse-bearer in one -of the state carriages, and a guard of soldiers for -escort, they rode down the streets of the city on a -pleasure-jaunt, amid the shouts of the loyal populace.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_94">94</div> -<p>By and by Bud saw a toy-shop in one of the streets, -and he and Fluff slipped down from their ponies and -went inside to examine the toys. It was a well-stocked -shop, and there were rows upon rows of -beautiful dolls on the shelves, which attracted Margaret’s -attention at once.</p> -<p>“Oh, Bud,” she exclaimed, “I must have one of -these dollies!”</p> -<p>“Take your choice,” said her brother, calmly, -although his own heart was beating with delight at -the sight of all the toys arranged before him.</p> -<p>“I don’t know which to choose,” sighed the little -princess, looking from one doll to another with longing -and indecision.</p> -<p>“We’ll take ’em all,” declared Bud.</p> -<p>“All! What—all these rows of dollies?” she -gasped.</p> -<p>“Why not?” asked the king. Then he turned to -the men who kept the shop and said:</p> -<p>“Call in that old fellow who carries the money.”</p> -<p>When the lord high purse-bearer appeared, Bud -said to him:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_95">95</div> -<p>“Pay the man for all these dolls; and for this—and -this—and this—and this!” and he began picking -out the prettiest toys in all the shop, in the most -reckless way you can imagine.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic30"> -<img src="images/i_095_0433.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="608" /> -<p class="caption">“‘WE’LL TAKE ’EM ALL,’ DECLARED BUD.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_96">96</div> -<p>The soldiers loaded the carriage down with Meg’s -dolls, and a big cart was filled with Bud’s toys. Then -the purse-bearer paid the bill, although he sighed -deeply several times while counting out the money. -But the new king paid no attention to old Tillydib; -and when the treasures were all secured the children -mounted their ponies and rode joyfully back to the -palace, followed in a procession by the carriage filled -with dolls, and the cart loaded with toys, while Tullydub -and Tillydib, being unable to ride in the carriage, -trotted along at the rear on foot.</p> -<p>Bud had the toys and dolls all carried upstairs into -a big room, and then he ordered everybody to keep -out while he and Fluff arranged their playthings -around the room and upon the tables and chairs, -besides littering the floor so that they could hardly -find a clear place large enough for some of their romping -games.</p> -<p>“After all,” he said to his sister, “it’s a good thing -to be a king!”</p> -<p>“Or even a princess,” added Meg, busily dressing -and arranging her dolls.</p> -<p>They made Jikki bring their dinner to them in the -“play-room,” as Bud called it; but neither of the children -could spare much time to eat, their treasures -being all so new and delightful.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_97">97</div> -<p>Soon after dusk, while Jikki was lighting the candles, -the chief counselor came to the door to say that -the king must be ready to attend the royal reception -in five minutes.</p> -<p>“I won’t,” said Bud. “I just won’t.”</p> -<p>“But you <i>must</i>, your Majesty!” declared old Tullydub.</p> -<p>“Am I not the king?” demanded Bud, looking -up from where he was arranging an army of wooden -soldiers.</p> -<p>“Certainly, your Majesty,” was the reply.</p> -<p>“And isn’t the king’s will the law?” continued -Bud.</p> -<p>“Certainly, your Majesty!”</p> -<p>“Well, if that is so, just understand that I won’t -come. Go away and let me alone!”</p> -<p>“But the people expect your Majesty to attend the -royal reception,” protested old Tullydub, greatly astonished. -“It is the usual custom, you know; and they -would be greatly disappointed if your Majesty did -not appear.”</p> -<p>“I don’t care,” said Bud. “You get out of here -and let me alone!”</p> -<p>“But, your Majesty—”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_98">98</div> -<p>The king threw a toy cannon at his chief counselor, -and the old man ducked to escape it, and then quickly -closed the door.</p> -<p>“Bud,” said the princess, softly, “you were just saying -it’s great fun to be a king.”</p> -<p>“So it is,” he answered promptly.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic31"> -<img src="images/i_098_0434.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="602" /> -<p class="caption">“THE KING THREW A TOY CANNON AT HIS CHIEF COUNSELOR.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_99">99</div> -<p>“But father used to tell us,” continued the girl, trying -a red hat on a brown-haired doll, “that people -in this world always have to pay for any good thing -they get.”</p> -<p>“What do you mean?” said Bud, with surprise.</p> -<p>“I mean if you’re going to be the king, and wear -fine clothes, and eat lovely dinners, and live in a palace, -and have countless servants, and all the playthings -you want, and your own way in everything and with -everybody—then you ought to be willing to pay for -all these pleasures.”</p> -<p>“How? But how <i>can</i> I pay for them?” demanded -Bud, staring at her.</p> -<p>“By attending the royal receptions, and doing all -the disagreeable things the king is expected to do,” -she answered.</p> -<p>Bud thought about it for a minute. Then he got -up, walked over to his sister, and kissed her.</p> -<p>“I b’lieve you’re right, Fluff,” he said, with a sigh. -“I’ll go to that reception to-night, and take it as I -would take a dose of medicine.”</p> -<p>“Of course you will!” returned Fluff, looking up -at him brightly; “and I’ll go with you! The dolls -can wait til to-morrow. Have Jikki brush your -hair, and I’ll get my maids to dress me!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_100">100</div> -<p>Old Tullydub was wondering how he might best -explain the king’s absence to the throng of courtiers -gathered to attend the royal reception, when, to his -surprise and relief, his Majesty entered the room, -accompanied by the Princess Fluff. The king wore -a velvet suit trimmed with gold lace, and at his side -hung the beautiful jeweled sword. Meg was dressed -in a soft white silken gown, and looked as sweet and -fair as a lily.</p> -<p>The courtiers and their ladies, who were all wearing -their most handsome and becoming apparel, received -their little king with great respect, and several -of the wealthiest and most noble among them came -up to Bud to converse with him.</p> -<p>But the king did not know what to say to these -great personages, and so the royal reception began to -be a very stupid affair.</p> -<p>Fluff saw that all the people were standing in stiff -rows and looking at one another uneasily, so she went -to Bud and whispered to him.</p> -<p>“Is there a band of musicians in the palace?” the -king inquired of Tellydeb, who stood near.</p> -<p>“Yes, your Majesty.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_101">101</div> -<p>“Send for them, then,” commanded Bud.</p> -<p>Presently the musicians appeared, and the king -ordered them to play a waltz. But the chief counselor -rushed up and exclaimed:</p> -<p>“Oh, your Majesty! This is against all rule and -custom!”</p> -<p>“Silence!” said Bud, angrily. “<i>I’ll</i> make the -rules and customs in this kingdom hereafter. We’re -going to have a dance.”</p> -<p>“But it’s so dreadful—so unconventional, your -Majesty! It’s so—what shall I call it?”</p> -<p>“Here! I’ve had enough of this,” declared Bud. -“You go and stand in that corner, with your face to -the wall, till I tell you to sit down,” he added, remembering -a time when his father, the ferryman, had -inflicted a like punishment upon him.</p> -<p>Somewhat to his surprise, Tullydub at once obeyed -the command, and then Bud made his first speech to -the people.</p> -<p>“We’re going to have a dance,” he said; “so pitch -in and have a good time. If there’s anything you -want, ask for it. You’re all welcome to stay as long -as you please and go home when you get ready.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_102">102</div> -<p>This seemed to please the company, for every one -applauded the king’s speech. Then the musicians -began to play, and the people were soon dancing and -enjoying themselves greatly.</p> -<p>Princess Fluff had a good many partners that evening, -but Bud did not care to dance—he preferred to -look on; and, after a time, he brought old Tullydub -out of his corner, and made the chief counselor promise -to be good and not annoy him again.</p> -<p>“But it is my duty to counsel the king,” protested -the old man, solemnly.</p> -<p>“When I want your advice I’ll ask for it,” said -Bud.</p> -<p>While Tullydub stood beside the throne, looking -somewhat sulky and disagreeable, the door opened -and Aunt Rivette entered the reception-room. She -was clothed in a handsome gown of bright-green velvet, -trimmed with red and yellow flowers, and the -wings stuck out from the folds at her back in a way -that was truly wonderful.</p> -<p>Aunt Rivette seemed in an amiable mood. She -smiled and curtsied to all the people, who stopped -dancing to stare at her, and she even fluttered her -wings once or twice to show that she was proud of -being unlike all the others present.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_103">103</div> -<div class="img" id="pic32"> -<img src="images/i_103_0435.jpg" alt="" width="602" height="999" /> -<p class="caption">“ONE SCREAMED ‘MURDER!’ AND THE -OTHER ‘HELP!’”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_104">104</div> -<p>Bud had to laugh at her, she looked so funny; and -then a mischievous thought came to him, and he commanded -old Tullydub to dance with her.</p> -<p>“But I don’t dance, your Majesty!” exclaimed the -horrified chief counselor.</p> -<p>“Try it; I’m sure you can dance,” returned Bud. -“If you don’t know how, it’s time you learned.”</p> -<p>So the poor man was forced to place his arm about -Aunt Rivette’s waist and to whirl her around in a -waltz. The old woman knew as little about dancing -as did Tullydub, and they were exceedingly awkward, -bumping into every one they came near. Presently -Aunt Rivette’s feet slipped, and she would have -tumbled upon the floor with the chief counselor had -she not begun to flutter her wings wildly.</p> -<p>So, instead of falling, she rose gradually into the -air, carrying Tullydub with her; for they clung to -each other in terror, and one screamed “Murder!” -and the other “Help!” in their loudest voices.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_105">105</div> -<p>Bud laughed until the tears stood in his eyes; but -Aunt Rivette, after bumping both her own head and -that of the chief counselor against the ceiling several -times, finally managed to control the action of her -wings and to descend to the floor again.</p> -<p>As soon as he was released, old Tullydub fled from -the room; and Aunt Rivette, vowing she would dance -no more, seated herself beside Bud and watched the -revel until nearly midnight, when the couriers and -their ladies dispersed to their own homes declaring -that they had never enjoyed a more delightful evening.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_106">106</div> -<div class="img" id="pic33"> -<img src="images/i_106_0545.jpg" alt="" width="485" height="703" /> -<p class="caption">“JIKKI HAD TO DESCEND THE STAIRS CAUTIOUSLY.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_107">107</div> -<h2 id="c9"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter IX.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">JIKKI HAS A WISH GRANTED.</span></h2> -<p>Next morning Aunt Rivette summoned Jikki to -her room, and said:</p> -<p>“Take these shoes and clean and polish them; and -carry down this tray of breakfast dishes; and send -this hat to the milliner to have the feathers curled; and -return this cloak to the Princess Fluff, with my compliments, -and say I’m much obliged for the loan of it.”</p> -<p>Poor Jikki hardly knew how to manage so many -orders. He took the shoes in his left hand, and the -tray of dishes he balanced upon the other upraised -palm. But the hat and cloak were too many for him. -So Aunt Rivette, calling him “a stupid idiot,”—probably -because he had no more hands,—set the -plumed hat upon Jikki’s head and spread the cloak -over his shoulders, and ordered him to make haste -away.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_108">108</div> -<p>Jikki was glad enough to go, for the fluttering of -Aunt Rivette’s wings made him nervous; but he had -to descend the stairs cautiously, for the hat was tipped -nearly over his eyes, and if he stumbled he would be -sure to spill the tray of dishes.</p> -<p>He reached the first landing of the broad stairs in -safety, but at the second landing the hat joggled forward -so that he could see nothing at all, and one of -the shoes dropped from his hand.</p> -<p>“Dear me!” sighed the old man; “I wonder what -I shall do now? If I pick up the shoe I shall drop -the dishes; and I can’t set down this tray because -I’m blinded by this terrible hat! Dear—dear! If -I’m to be at the beck and call of that old woman, and -serve the new king at the same time, I shall have my -hands full. My hands, in fact, are full now. I really -wish I had half a dozen servants to wait on <i>me</i>!”</p> -<p>Jikki knew nothing at all about the magic power -of the cloak that fell from his shoulders; so his astonishment -was profound when some one seized the shoe -from his left hand and some one else removed the -tray from his right hand, and still another person -snatched the plumed hat from his head.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_109">109</div> -<p>But then he saw, bowing and smirking before him, -six young men, who looked as much alike as peas in -the same pod, and all of whom wore very neat and -handsome liveries of wine-color, with silver buttons -on their coats.</p> -<p>Jikki blinked and stared at these people, and rubbed -his eyes to make sure he was awake.</p> -<p>“Who are you?” he managed to ask.</p> -<p>“We are your half a dozen servants, sir,” answered -the young men, speaking all together and bowing -again.</p> -<p>Jikki gasped and raised his hands with sudden -amazement as he gazed in wonder upon the row of -six smart servants.</p> -<p>“But—what—are you doing here?” he stammered.</p> -<p>“We are here to wait upon you, sir, as is our duty,” -they answered respectfully.</p> -<p>Jikki rubbed his left ear, as was his custom when -perplexed; and then he thought it all over. And -the more he thought the more perplexed he became.</p> -<p>“I don’t understand!” he finally said, in a weak -voice.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_110">110</div> -<div class="img" id="pic34"> -<img src="images/i_111_0546.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="322" /> -<p class="caption">“‘YOU WISHED FOR US, AND -HERE WE ARE,’ DECLARED THE SIX.”</p> -</div> -<p>“You wished for us, and here we are,” declared -the six, once more bowing low before him.</p> -<p>“I know,” said Jikki. “But I’ve often wished for -many other things—and never got a single one of -the wishes before!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_111">111</div> -<p>The young men did not attempt to explain this curious -fact. They stood in a straight row before their -master, as if awaiting his orders. One held the shoe -Jikki had dropped, another its mate, still another the -plumed hat, and a fourth the tray of dishes.</p> -<p>“You see,” remarked Jikki, shaking his head sadly -at the six, “I’m only a servant myself.”</p> -<p>“You are our master, sir!” announced the young -men, their voices blended into one.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_112">112</div> -<p>“I wish,” said Jikki, solemnly, “you were all back -where you came from!” And then he paused to see -if his wish also would be fulfilled. But no; the -magic cloak conferred the fulfilment of but one wish -upon its wearer, and the half a dozen servants remained -standing rigidly before him.</p> -<p>Jikki arose with a sigh.</p> -<p>“Come downstairs to my private room,” he said, -“and we’ll talk the matter over.”</p> -<p>So they descended the grand stairway to the main -hall of the grand palace, Jikki going first and his -servants following at a respectful distance. Just off -the hall Jikki had a pleasant room where he could -sit when not employed, and into this he led the -six.</p> -<p>After all, he considered, it would not be a bad thing -to have half a dozen servants; they would save his old -legs from many a tiresome errand. But just as they -reached the hall a new thought struck him and he -turned suddenly upon his followers:</p> -<p>“See here!” he exclaimed. “How much wages -do you fellows expect?”</p> -<p>“We expect no wages at all, sir,” they answered.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_113">113</div> -<p>“What! nothing at all!” Jikki was so startled that -he scarcely had strength remaining to stagger into his -private room and sink into a chair.</p> -<p>“No wages! Six servants, and no wages to pay!” -he muttered. “Why, it’s wonderful—marvelous—astounding!”</p> -<p>Then he thought to himself: “I’ll try ’em, and see -if they’ll really work.” And aloud he asked:</p> -<p>“How can I tell you apart—one from another?”</p> -<p>Each servant raised his right arm and pointed to a -silver badge upon his left breast; and then Jikki discovered -that they were all numbered, from “one” up -to “six.”</p> -<p>“Ah! very good!” said Jikki. “Now, number -six, take this shoe into the boot-room, and clean and -polish it.”</p> -<p>Number six bowed and glided from the room as -swiftly and silently as if he were obeying a command -of the King of Noland.</p> -<p>“Number five,” continued Jikki, “take this tray to -the kitchen.” Number five obeyed instantly, and -Jikki chuckled with delight.</p> -<p>“Number two, take this to the milliner in Royal -Street, and have the feathers curled.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_114">114</div> -<p>Number two bowed and departed almost before -the words had left Jikki’s mouth; and then the king’s -valet regarded the remaining three in some perplexity.</p> -<p>“Half a dozen servants is almost too many,” he -thought. “It will keep me busy to keep them busy. -I should have wished for only one—or two at the -most.”</p> -<p>Just then he remembered something.</p> -<p>“Number four,” said he, “go after number two -and tell the milliner that the hat belongs to Madam -Rivette, the king’s aunt.”</p> -<p>And a few moments later, when the remaining two -servants, standing upright before him, had begun to -make him nervous, Jikki cried out:</p> -<p>“Number three, take this other shoe down to the -boot-room and tell number six to clean and polish it -also.”</p> -<p>This left but one of the six unoccupied, and Jikki -was wondering what to do with him when a bell rang.</p> -<p>“That’s the king’s bell,” said Jikki.</p> -<p>“I am not the king’s servant; I am here only to -wait upon you,” said number one, without moving to -answer the bell.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_115">115</div> -<p>“Then I must go myself,” sighed the valet, and -rushed away to obey the king’s summons.</p> -<p>Scarcely had he disappeared when Tollydob, the -lord high general, entered the room and said in a -gruff voice:</p> -<p>“Where is Jikki? Where’s that rascal Jikki?”</p> -<p>Number one, standing stiffly at one end of the room, -made no reply.</p> -<p>“Answer me, you scoundrel!” roared the old general. -“Where’s Jikki?”</p> -<p>Still number one stood silent, and this so enraged -old Tollydob that he raised his cane and aimed a -furious blow at the young man. The cane seemed -to pass directly through the fellow, and it struck -the wall behind so forcibly that it split into two -parts.</p> -<p>This amazed Tollydob. He stared a moment at -the silent servant, and then turned his back upon -him and sat down in Jikki’s chair. Here his eyes -fell upon the magic cloak, which the king’s valet had -thrown down.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_116">116</div> -<p>Tollydob, attracted by the gorgeous coloring and -soft texture of the garment, picked up the cloak and -threw it over his shoulders; and then he walked to -a mirror and began admiring his reflection.</p> -<p>While thus engaged, Jikki returned, and the valet -was so startled at seeing the lord high general that -he never noticed the cloak at all.</p> -<p>“His Majesty has asked to see your Highness,” -said Jikki; “and I was about to go in search of you.”</p> -<p>“I’ll go to the king at once,” answered Tollydob, -and as he walked away Jikki suddenly noticed that -he was wearing the cloak. “Oho!” thought the -valet, “he has gone off with the Princess Fluff’s pretty -cloak; but when he returns from the king’s chamber -I’ll get it again and send number one to carry it to -its rightful owner.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_117">117</div> -<h2 id="c10"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter X.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE COUNSELORS WEAR THE MAGIC CLOAK.</span></h2> -<p>When Tollydob, still wearing the magic cloak, had -bowed before the king, Bud asked:</p> -<p>“How many men are there in the royal army, -general?”</p> -<p>“Seven thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven, -may it please your gracious Majesty,” returned Tollydob—“that -is, without counting myself.”</p> -<p>“And do they obey your orders promptly?” inquired -Bud, who felt a little doubt on this point.</p> -<p>“Yes, indeed!” answered the general, proudly. -“They are terribly afraid of my anger.”</p> -<p>“And yet you’re a very small man to command -so large an army,” said the king.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_118">118</div> -<p>The lord high general flushed with shame; for, -although he was both old and fat, he was so short of -stature that he stood but a trifle taller than Bud himself. -And, like all short men, he was very sensitive -about his height.</p> -<p>“I’m a terrible fighter, your Majesty,” declared -Tollydob, earnestly; “and when I’m on horseback -my small size is little noticed. Nevertheless,” he -added, with a sigh, “it is a good thing to be tall. I -wish I were ten feet high.”</p> -<p>No sooner were the words spoken than Bud gave -a cry of astonishment; for the general’s head shot -suddenly upward until his gorgeous hat struck the -ceiling and was jammed down tightly over the startled -man’s eyes and nose.</p> -<p>The room was just ten feet high, and Tollydob -was now ten feet tall; but for a time the old general -could not think what had happened to him, and Bud, -observing for the first time that Tollydob wore the -magic cloak, began to shriek with laughter at the -comical result of the old man’s wish.</p> -<p>Hearing the king laugh, the general tore the hat -from his head and looked at himself in mingled terror -and admiration.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_119">119</div> -<p>From being a very small man he had suddenly -become a giant, and the change was so great that -Tollydob might well be amazed.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic35"> -<img src="images/i_119_0000.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="866" /> -<p class="caption">“‘I WISH I WERE TEN FEET HIGH.’”</p> -</div> -<p>“What has happened, your Majesty?” he asked -in a trembling voice.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_120">120</div> -<p>“Why, don’t you see, you were wearing my sister’s -magic cloak,” said Bud, still laughing at the big man’s -woeful face; “and it grants to every wearer the fulfillment -of one wish.”</p> -<p>“Only one?” inquired poor Tollydob. “I’d like -to be a little smaller, I confess.”</p> -<p>“It can’t be helped now,” said Bud. “You wished -to be ten feet tall, and there you are! And there -you’ll have to stay, Tollydob, whether you like it or -not. But I’m very proud of you. You must be the -greatest general in all the world, you know!”</p> -<p>Tollydob brightened up at this, and tried to sit -down in a chair: but it crushed to pieces under his -weight; so he sighed and remained standing. Then -he threw the magic cloak upon the floor, with a little -shudder at its fairy powers, and said:</p> -<p>“If I’d only known, I might have become just six -feet tall instead of ten!”</p> -<p>“Never mind,” said Bud, consolingly. “If we ever -have a war, you will strike terror into the ranks of -the enemy, and every one in Noland will admire you -immensely. Hereafter you will be not only the lord -high general, but the lord <i>very</i> high general.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_121">121</div> -<p>So Tollydob went away to show himself to the -chief counselor; and he had to stoop very low to pass -through the doorway.</p> -<p>When Jikki saw the gigantic man coming out of -the king’s chamber, he gave a scream and fled in terror; -and, strange to say, this effect was very agreeable -to the lord high general, who loved to make people -fear him.</p> -<p>Bud ran to tell Fluff of the curious thing that had -happened to his general; and so it was that when -the lord high executioner entered the palace there -was no one around to receive him. He made his -way into the king’s chamber, and there he found the -magic cloak lying upon the floor.</p> -<p>“I’ve seen the Princess Fluff wearing this,” thought -the lord high executioner; “so it must belong to her. -I’ll take it to her rooms, for it is far too pretty to be -lying around in this careless way, and Jikki ought to -be scolded for allowing it.”</p> -<p>So Tellydeb picked up the cloak and laid it over -his arm; then he admired the bright hues that ran -through the fabric, and presently his curiosity got the -better of him; he decided to try it on and see how -he would look in it.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_122">122</div> -<p>While thus employed the sound of a girl’s sweet -laughter fell upon Tellydeb’s ears, seeming to come -from a far distance.</p> -<p>“The princess must be in the royal gardens,” he -said to himself. “I’ll go there and find her.”</p> -<p>So the lord high executioner walked through the -great hall, still wearing the cloak, and finally came to -the back of the palace and passed a doorway leading -into the gardens. All was quiet here, save for the -song of the birds as they fluttered among the trees; -but at the other end of the garden Tellydeb caught -a glimpse of a white gown, which he suspected might -be that of the little princess.</p> -<p>He walked along the paths slowly, enjoying the -scent of the flowers and the peacefulness of the scene; -for the lord high executioner was a gentle-natured -man and delighted in beautiful sights.</p> -<p>After a time he reached a fruit-orchard, and saw -hanging far up in a big tree a fine red apple. Tellydeb -paused and looked at this longingly.</p> -<p>“I wish I could reach that apple!” he said, with -a sigh, as he extended his arm upward.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_123">123</div> -<p>Instantly the arm stretched toward the apple, which -was at least forty feet away from the lord high executioner; -and while the astonished man eyed his elongated -arm in surprise, the hand clutched the apple, -plucked it, and drew it back to him; and there he -stood—the apple in his hand, and his arm apparently -the same as it had been before he accomplished the -wonderful feat.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic36"> -<img src="images/i_123_0549.jpg" alt="" width="738" height="604" /> -<p class="caption">“‘I WISH I COULD REACH THAT APPLE!’ HE SAID, WITH A SIGH, AS HE EXTENDED HIS ARM UPWARD.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_124">124</div> -<p>For a moment the counselor was overcome with -fear. The cloak dropped unnoticed from his shoulders -and fell upon the graveled walk, while Tellydeb -sank upon a bench and shivered.</p> -<p>“It—it was like magic!” he murmured. “I but -reached out my hand—so—it went nearly to the -top of the tree, and—”</p> -<p>Here he gave a cry of wonder, for again his arm -stretched the distance and touched the topmost -branches of the tree. He drew it back hastily, and -turned to see if any one had observed him. But this -part of the garden was deserted, so the old man -eagerly tested his new accomplishment.</p> -<p>He plucked a rose from a bush a dozen yards to -the right, and having smelled its odor he placed it -in a vase that stood twenty feet to his left. Then he -noted a fountain far across a hedge, and reaching the -distance easily, dipped his hand in the splashing -water. It was all very amazing, this sudden power -to reach a great distance, and the lord high executioner -was so pleased with the faculty that when he -discovered old Jikki standing in the palace doorway, -he laughingly fetched him a box on the ear that sent -the valet scampering away to his room in amazed -terror.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_125">125</div> -<p>Said Tellydeb to himself: “Now I’ll go home and -show my wife what a surprising gift I have acquired.”</p> -<p>So he left the garden; and not long afterward old -Tallydab, the lord high steward, came walking down -the path, followed by his little dog Ruffles. I am -not certain whether it was because his coat was so -shaggy or his temper so uncertain that Tallydab’s -dog was named Ruffles; but the name fitted well both -the looks and the disposition of the tiny animal. -Nevertheless, the lord high steward was very fond -of his dog, which followed him everywhere except to -the king’s council-chamber; and often the old man -would tell Ruffles his troubles and worries, and talk -to the dog just as one would to a person.</p> -<p>To-day, as they came slowly down the garden-walk, -Tallydab noticed a splendid cloak lying upon -the path.</p> -<p>“How very beautiful!” he exclaimed, as he stooped -to pick it up. “I have never seen anything like this -since the Princess Fluff first rode into Nole beside -her brother the king. Isn’t it a lovely cloak, Ruffles?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_126">126</div> -<p>The dog gave a subdued yelp and wagged his -stubby tail.</p> -<p>“How do I look in it, Ruffles?” continued the -lord high steward, wrapping the folds of the magic -cloak about him; “how do I look in such gorgeous -apparel?”</p> -<p>The dog stopped wagging its tail and looked up at -its master earnestly.</p> -<p>“How do I look?” again said Tallydab. “I declare, -I wish you could talk!”</p> -<p>“You look perfectly ridiculous,” replied the dog, -in a rather harsh voice.</p> -<p>The lord high steward jumped nearly three feet in -the air, so startled was he by Ruffles’s reply. Then -he bent down, a hand on each knee, and regarded -the dog curiously.</p> -<p>“I thought, at first, you had spoken!” said he.</p> -<p>“What caused you to change your mind?” asked -Ruffles, peevishly. “I <i>did</i> speak—I <i>am</i> speaking. -Can’t you believe it?”</p> -<p>The lord high steward drew a deep sigh of conviction.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_127">127</div> -<div class="img" id="pic37"> -<img src="images/i_127_0551.jpg" alt="" width="736" height="1009" /> -<p class="caption">“‘YOU LOOK PERFECTLY RIDICULOUS!’ REPLIED THE DOG.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_129">129</div> -<p>“I believe it!” he made answer. “I have always -declared you were a wonderful dog, and now you -prove I am right. Why, you are the only dog I ever -heard of who could talk!”</p> -<p>“Except in fairy tales,” said Ruffles, calmly. -“Don’t forget the fairy tales.”</p> -<p>“I don’t forget,” replied Tallydab. “But this isn’t -a fairy tale, Ruffles. It’s real life in the kingdom of -Noland.”</p> -<p>“To be sure,” answered Ruffles. “But see here, -my dear master: now that I am, at last, able to talk, -please allow me to ask you for something decent to -eat. I’d like a good meal for once, just to see what -it is like.”</p> -<p>“A good meal!” exclaimed the steward. “Why, -my friend, don’t I give you a big bone every day?”</p> -<p>“You do,” said the dog; “and I nearly break my -teeth on it, trying to crack it to get a little marrow. -Whatever induces people to give their dogs bones -instead of meat?”</p> -<p>“Why, I thought you liked bones!” protested Tallydab, -sitting on the bench and looking at his dog in -astonishment.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_130">130</div> -<p>“Well, I don’t. I prefer something to eat—something -good and wholesome, such as you eat yourself,” -growled Ruffles.</p> -<p>The lord high steward gave a laugh.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic38"> -<img src="images/i_130_0553.jpg" alt="" width="739" height="613" /> -<p class="caption">“‘WHY, I THOUGHT YOU LIKED BONES!’ PROTESTED TALLYDAB, SITTING ON THE BENCH AND -LOOKING AT HIS DOG IN ASTONISHMENT.”</p> -</div> -<p>“Why,” said he, “don’t you remember that old -Mother Hubbard?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_131">131</div> -<p>“Ah! that <i>was</i> a fairy tale,” interrupted Ruffles, -impatiently. “And there wasn’t even a bone in her -cupboard, after all. Don’t mention Mother Hubbard -to me, if you want to retain my friendship.”</p> -<p>“And that reminds me,” resumed the steward with -a scowl, “that a few minutes ago you said I looked -ridiculous in this lovely cloak.”</p> -<p>“You do!” said Ruffles, with a sniff. “It is a girl’s -cloak, and not fit for a wrinkled old man like you.”</p> -<p>“I believe you are right,” answered Tallydab, with -a sigh; and he removed the cloak from his shoulders -and hung it over the back of the garden seat. “In -regard to the meat that you so long for,” he added, -“if you will follow me to the royal kitchen I will see -that you have all you desire.”</p> -<p>“Spoken like a good friend!” exclaimed the dog. -“Let us go at once.”</p> -<p>So they passed down the garden to the kitchen -door, and the magic cloak, which had wrought such -wonderful things that day, still remained neglectfully -cast aside.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_132">132</div> -<p>It was growing dusk when old Tillydib, the lord -high purse-bearer, stole into the garden and sat upon -the bench to smoke his pipe in peace. All the afternoon -he had been worried by people with bills for -this thing or that, and the royal purse was very light -indeed when Tillydib had at last managed to escape -to the garden.</p> -<p>“If this keeps up,” he reflected, “there will be no -money left; and then I’m sure I don’t know what -will become of us all!”</p> -<p>The air was chilly. The old counselor shivered a -little, and noting the cloak that lay over the back of -the seat, drew it about his shoulders.</p> -<p>“It will be five months,” he muttered half aloud, -“before we can tax the people for more money; and -before five months are up the king and his counselors -may all starve to death—even in this splendid palace! -Heigh-ho! I wish the royal purse would -always remain full, no matter how much money I -drew from it!”</p> -<p>The big purse, which had lain lightly on his knee, -now slid off and pulled heavily upon the golden chain -which the old man wore around his neck to fasten -the purse to him securely.</p> -<p>Aroused from his anxious thoughts, Tillydib lifted -the purse to his lap again, and was astonished to feel -its weight. He opened the clasp and saw that the -huge sack was actually running over with gold -pieces.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_133">133</div> -<div class="img" id="pic39"> -<img src="images/i_133_0554.jpg" alt="" width="737" height="620" /> -<p class="caption">“‘I WISH THE ROYAL PURSE WOULD ALWAYS REMAIN FULL, NO MATTER HOW MUCH MONEY I DREW FROM IT!’”</p> -</div> -<p>“Now, where on earth did all this wealth come -from?” he exclaimed, shaking his head in a puzzled -way. “I’ll go at once and pay some of the creditors -who are waiting for me.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_134">134</div> -<p>So he ran to the royal treasury, which was a front -room in the palace, and began paying every one who -presented an account. He expected presently to -empty the purse; but no matter how heavily he drew -upon the contents, it remained ever as full as in the -beginning.</p> -<p>“It must be,” thought the old man, when the last -bill had been paid, “that my idle wish has in some -mysterious way been granted.”</p> -<p>But he did not know he owed his good fortune to -the magic cloak, which he still wore.</p> -<p>As he was leaving the room, he met the king and -Princess Fluff, who were just come from dinner; and -the girl exclaimed:</p> -<p>“Why, there is my cloak! Where did you get it, -Tillydib?”</p> -<p>“I found it in the garden,” answered the lord high -purse-bearer; “but take it, if it is yours. And here -is something to repay you for the loan of it;” and he -poured into her hands a heap of glittering gold.</p> -<p>“Oh, thank you!” cried Fluff; and taking the precious -cloak she dropped the gold into it and carried -it to her room.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_135">135</div> -<p>“I’ll never lend it again unless it is really necessary,” -she said to herself. “It was very careless of -Aunt Rivette to leave my fairy cloak in the garden.”</p> -<p>And then after carefully folding it and wrapping -it up she locked it in a drawer, and hid the key -where no one but herself could find it.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_136">136</div> -<div class="img" id="pic40"> -<img src="images/i_136_0668.jpg" alt="" width="622" height="843" /> -<p class="caption">“THIS WAS THE MOMENT QUAVO HAD EAGERLY AWAITED.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_137">137</div> -<h2 id="c11"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter XI.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE WITCH-QUEEN.</span></h2> -<p>It is not very far from the kingdom of Noland to -the kingdom of Ix. If you followed the steps of -Quavo the minstrel, you would climb the sides of a -steep mountain-range, and go down on the other side, -and cross a broad and swift river, and pick your way -through a dark forest. You would then have reached -the land of Ix and would find an easy path into the -big city.</p> -<p>But even before one came to the city he would see -the high marble towers of Queen Zixi’s magnificent -palace, and pause to wonder at its beauty.</p> -<p>Quavo the minstrel had been playing his harp in -the city of Nole, and his eyes were sharp; so he had -seen many things to gossip and sing about, and therefore -never doubted he would be warmly welcomed -by Queen Zixi.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_138">138</div> -<p>He reached the marble palace about dusk, one -evening, and was bidden to the feast which was about -to be served.</p> -<p>A long table ran down the length of the lofty hall -built in the center of the palace; and this table was -covered with gold and silver platters bearing many -kinds of meats and fruits and vegetables, while tall, -ornamented stands contained sweets and delicacies to -tickle the palate.</p> -<p>At the head of the table, on a jeweled throne, sat -Queen Zixi herself, a vision of radiant beauty and -charming grace.</p> -<p>Her hair was yellow as spun gold, and her wondrous -eyes raven black in hue. Her skin was fair -as a lily, save where her cheek was faintly tinted with -a flush of rose-color.</p> -<p>Dainty and lovely, indeed, was the Queen of Ix in -appearance; yet none of her lords or attendants cast -more than a passing glance upon her beauty. For -they were used to seeing her thus.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_139">139</div> -<p>There were graybeards at her table this evening -who could remember the queen’s rare beauty since -they were boys; ay, and who had been told by their -fathers and grandfathers of Queen Zixi’s loveliness -when they also were mere children. In fact, no one -in Ix had ever heard of the time when the land was -not ruled by this same queen, or when she was not -in appearance as young and fair as she was to-day. -Which easily proves she was not an ordinary person -at all.</p> -<p>And I may as well tell you here that Queen Zixi, -despite the fact that she looked to be no more than -sixteen, was in reality six hundred and eighty-three -years of age, and had prolonged her life in this extraordinary -way by means of the arts of witchcraft.</p> -<p>I do not mean by this that she was an evil person. -She had always ruled her kingdom wisely and liberally, -and the people of Ix made no manner of complaint -against their queen. If there were a war, she -led her armies in person, clad in golden mail and -helmet; and in years of peace she taught them to -sow and reap grain, and to fashion many useful articles -of metal, and to build strong and substantial -houses. Nor were her taxes ever more than the people -could bear.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_140">140</div> -<p>Yet, for all this, Zixi was more feared than loved; -for every one remembered she was a witch, and also -knew she was hundreds of years old. So, no matter -how amiable their queen might be, she was always -treated with extreme respect, and folks weighed well -their words when they conversed with her.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic41"> -<img src="images/i_140_0669.jpg" alt="" width="704" height="525" /> -<p class="caption">“‘STOP!’ CRIED THE QUEEN, WITH SUDDEN EXCITEMENT.”</p> -</div> -<p>Next the queen, on both sides of the table, sat her -most favored nobles and their ladies; farther down -were the rich merchants and officers of the army; and -at the lower end were servants and members of the -household. For this was the custom in the land of Ix.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_141">141</div> -<p>Quavo the harpist sat near the lower end; and, -when all had been comfortably fed, the queen called -upon him for a song. This was the moment Quavo -had eagerly awaited. He took his harp, seated himself -in a niche of the wall, and, according to the manner -of ancient minstrels, he sang of the things he had -seen in other lands, thus serving his hearers with the -news of the day as well as pleasing them with his -music. This is the way he began:</p> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“Of Noland now a tale I’ll sing,</p> -<p class="t0">Where reigns a strangely youthful king—</p> -<p class="t0">A boy, who has by chance alone</p> -<p class="t0">Been called to sit upon a throne.</p> -<p class="t0">His sister shares his luck, and she</p> -<p class="t0">The fairies’ friend is said to be;</p> -<p class="t0">For they did mystic arts invoke</p> -<p class="t0">And weave for her a magic cloak</p> -<p class="t0">Which grants its wearer—thus I’m told—</p> -<p class="t0">Gifts more precious far than gold.</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“She’s but to wish, and her desire</p> -<p class="t0">Quite instantly she will acquire;</p> -<p class="t0">And when she lends it to her friends,</p> -<p class="t0">The favor unto them extends.</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_142">142</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“For one who wears the cloak can fly</p> -<p class="t0">Like any eagle in the sky.</p> -<p class="t0">And one did wish, by sudden freak,</p> -<p class="t0">His dog be granted power to speak;</p> -<p class="t0">And now the beast can talk as well</p> -<p class="t0">As I, and also read and spell.</p> -<p class="t0">And—”</p> -</div> -<p>“Stop!” cried the queen, with sudden excitement. -“Do you lie, minstrel, or are you speaking the truth?”</p> -<p>Secretly glad that his news was received thus eagerly, -Quavo continued to twang the harp as he replied -in verse:</p> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“Now may I die at break of day,</p> -<p class="t0">If false is any word I say.”</p> -</div> -<p>“And what is this cloak like—and who owns it?” -demanded the queen, impetuously.</p> -<p>Sang the minstrel:</p> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“The cloak belongs to Princess Fluff;</p> -<p class="t0">’Tis woven of some secret stuff</p> -<p class="t0">Which makes it gleam with splendor bright</p> -<p class="t0">That fills beholders with delight.”</p> -</div> -<p>Thereafter the beautiful Zixi remained lost in -thought, her dainty chin resting within the hollow -of her hand and her eyes dreamily fixed upon the -minstrel.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_143">143</div> -<div class="img" id="pic42"> -<img src="images/i_143_0670.jpg" alt="" width="695" height="863" /> -<p class="caption">“SHE MADE A SOLEMN VOW THAT SHE WOULD SECURE THE MAGIC CLOAK WITHIN A YEAR.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_144">144</div> -<p>And Quavo, judging that his news had brought -him into rare favor, told more and more wonderful -tales of the magic cloak, some of which were true, -while others were mere inventions of his own; for -newsmongers, as every one knows, were ever unable -to stick to facts since the world began.</p> -<p>All the courtiers and officers and servants listened -with wide eyes and parted lips to the song, marveling -greatly at what they had heard. And when it was -finally ended, and the evening far spent, Queen Zixi -threw a golden chain to the minstrel as a reward and -left the hall, attended by her maidens.</p> -<p>Throughout the night which followed, she tossed -sleeplessly upon her bed, thinking of the magic cloak -and longing to possess it. And when the morning -sun rose over the horizon, she made a solemn vow -that she would secure the magic cloak within a year, -even if it cost her the half of her kingdom.</p> -<p>Now the reason for this rash vow, showing Zixi’s -intense desire to possess the cloak, was very peculiar. -Although she had been an adept at witchcraft for -more than six hundred years, and was able to retain -her health and remain in appearance young and beautiful, -there was one thing her art was unable to deceive, -and that one thing was a mirror.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_145">145</div> -<div class="img" id="pic43"> -<img src="images/i_145_0671.jpg" alt="" width="730" height="981" /> -<p class="caption">“QUEEN ZIXI LEFT THE HALL ATTENDED BY HER MAIDENS.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_147">147</div> -<p>To mortal eyes Zixi was charming and attractive; -yet her reflection in a mirror showed to her an ugly -old hag, bald of head, wrinkled, with toothless gums -and withered, sunken cheeks.</p> -<p>For this reason the queen had no mirror of any -sort about the palace. Even from her own dressing-room -the mirror had been banished, and she depended -upon her maids and hair-dressers to make her look -as lovely as possible. She knew she was beautiful -in appearance to others; her maids declared it continually, -and in all eyes she truly read admiration.</p> -<p>But Zixi wanted to admire herself; and that was -impossible so long as the cold mirrors showed her -reflection to be the old hag others would also have -seen had not her arts of witchcraft deceived them.</p> -<p>Everything else a woman and a queen might -desire Zixi was able to obtain by her arts. Yet the -one thing she could <i>not</i> have made her very unhappy.</p> -<p>As I have already said, she was not a bad queen. -She used her knowledge of sorcery to please her own -fancy or to benefit her kingdom, but never to injure -any one else. So she may be forgiven for wanting -to see a beautiful girl reflected in a mirror, instead -of a haggard old woman in her six hundred and -eighty-fourth year.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_148">148</div> -<p>Zixi had given up all hope of ever accomplishing -her object until she heard of the magic cloak. The -powers of witches are somewhat limited; but she -knew that the powers of fairies are boundless. So -if the magic cloak could grant any human wish, as -Quavo’s song had told her was the case, she would -manage to secure it and would at once wish for a -reflection in the mirror of the same features all others -beheld—and then she would become happy and -content.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_149">149</div> -<h2 id="c12"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter XII.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">ZIXI DISGUISES HERSELF.</span></h2> -<p>Now, as might be expected, Queen Zixi lost no -time in endeavoring to secure the magic cloak. The -people of Ix were not on friendly terms with the people -of Noland; so she could not visit Princess Fluff -openly; and she knew it was useless to try to borrow -so priceless a treasure as a cloak which had been the -gift of the fairies. But one way remained to her—to -steal the precious robe.</p> -<p>So she began her preparations by telling her people -she would be absent from Ix for a month, and -then she retired to her own room and mixed, by the -rules of witchcraft, a black mess in a silver kettle, and -boiled it until it was as thick as molasses. Of this -inky mixture she swallowed two teaspoonfuls every -hour for six hours, muttering an incantation each -time. At the end of the six hours her golden hair -had become brown and her black eyes had become -blue; and this was quite sufficient to disguise the -pretty queen so that no one would recognize her. -Then she took off her richly embroidered queenly -robes, and hung them up in a closet, putting on a -simple gingham dress, a white apron, and a plain hat -such as common people of her country wore.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_150">150</div> -<div class="img" id="pic44"> -<img src="images/i_150_0673.jpg" alt="" width="696" height="875" /> -<p class="caption">“OF THIS INKY MIXTURE SHE SWALLOWED TWO TEASPOONFULS EVERY HOUR FOR SIX HOURS.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_151">151</div> -<p>When these preparations had been made, Zixi -slipped out the back door of the palace and walked -through the city to the forest; and, although she met -many people, no one suspected that she was the queen.</p> -<p>It was rough walking in the forest; but she got -through at last, and reached the bank of the river. -Here a fisherman was found, who consented to ferry -her across in his boat; and afterward Zixi climbed -the high mountain and came down the other side into -the kingdom of Noland.</p> -<p>She rented a neat little cottage just at the north -gateway of the city of Nole, and by the next morning -there was a sign over the doorway which announced:</p> -<p class="center">MISS TRUST’S -<br />ACADEMY OF WITCHERY -<br />FOR YOUNG LADIES.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_152">152</div> -<p>Then Zixi had printed on green paper a lot of -handbills which read as follows:</p> -<blockquote> -<p class="center"><span class="sc">Miss Trust</span>,</p> -<p>A pupil of the celebrated Professor Hatrack -of Hooktown-on-the-Creek, is now located at -Woodbine Villa (North Gateway of Nole), -and is prepared to teach the young ladies of -this city the <i>Arts of Witchcraft</i> according -to the most modern and approved methods. -Terms moderate. References required.</p> -</blockquote> -<p>These handbills she hired a little boy to carry to -all the aristocratic houses in Nole, and to leave one -on each door-step. Several were left on the different -door-steps of the palace, and one of these came to the -notice of Princess Fluff.</p> -<p>“How funny!” she exclaimed on reading it. “I’ll -go, and take all my eight maids with me. It will be -no end of fun to learn to be a witch.”</p> -<p>Many other people in Nole applied for instruction -in “Miss Trust’s Academy,” but Zixi told them all -she had no vacancies. When, however, Fluff and her -maids arrived, she welcomed them with the utmost -cordiality, and consented to give them their first lesson -at once.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_153">153</div> -<p>When she had seated them in her parlor, Zixi said:</p> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“If you wish to be a witch,</p> -<p class="t">You must speak an incantation:</p> -<p class="t">You must with deliberation</p> -<p class="t0">Say: ‘The when of why is which!’”</p> -</div> -<p>“What does that mean?” asked Fluff.</p> -<p>“No one knows,” answered Zixi; “and therefore -it is a fine incantation. Now, all the class will please -repeat after me the following words:</p> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“Erig-a-ma-role, erig-a-ma-ree;</p> -<p class="t0">Jig-ger-nut, jog-ger-nit, que-jig-ger-ee.</p> -<p class="t0">Sim-mer-kin, sam-mer-kin, sem-mer-ga-roo;</p> -<p class="t0">Zil-li-pop, zel-li-pop, lol-li-pop-loo!”</p> -</div> -<p>They tried to do this, but their tongues stumbled -constantly over the syllables, and one of the maids -began to laugh.</p> -<p>“Stop laughing, please!” cried Zixi, rapping her -ruler on the table. “This is no laughing matter, I -assure you, young ladies. The science of witchcraft -is a solemn and serious study, and I cannot teach it -you unless you behave.”</p> -<p>“But what’s it all about?” asked Fluff.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_154">154</div> -<p>“I’ll explain what it’s about to-morrow,” said Zixi, -with dignity. “Now, here are two important incantations -which you must learn by heart before you come -to to-morrow’s lesson. If you can speak them correctly -and rapidly, and above all very distinctly, I will -then allow you to perform a wonderful witchery.”</p> -<p>She handed them each a slip of paper on which -were written the incantations, as follows:</p> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="tc">Incantation No. 1.</p> -<p class="tc">(To be spoken only in the presence of a black cat.)</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">This is that, and that is this;</p> -<p class="t0">Bliss is blest, and blest is bliss.</p> -<p class="t0">Who is that, and what is who;</p> -<p class="t0">Shed is shod, and shud is shoe!</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="tc">Incantation No. 2.</p> -<p class="tc">(To be spoken when the clock strikes twelve.)</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">What is which, and which is what;</p> -<p class="t0">Pat is pet, and pit is pat;</p> -<p class="t0">Hid is hide, and hod is hid;</p> -<p class="t0">Did is deed, and done is did!</p> -</div> -<p>“Now, there is one thing more,” continued Zixi; -“and this is very important. You must each wear -the handsomest and most splendid cloak you can -secure when you come to me to-morrow morning.”</p> -<p>This request made Princess Fluff thoughtful all the -way home, for she at once remembered her magic -cloak, and wondered if the strange Miss Trust knew -she possessed it.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_155">155</div> -<p>She asked Bud about it that night, and the young -king said:</p> -<p>“I’m afraid this witch-woman is some one trying -to get hold of your magic cloak. I would advise you -not to wear it when she is around, or, more than -likely, she may steal it.”</p> -<div class="img" id="pic45"> -<img src="images/i_155_0675.jpg" alt="" width="734" height="592" /> -<p class="caption">“‘NOW, THERE IS ONE THING MORE,’ CONTINUED ZIXI, ‘AND THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.’”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_156">156</div> -<p>So Fluff did not wear her magic cloak the next -day, but selected in its place a pretty blue cape edged -with gold. When she and her maids reached the -cottage, Zixi cried out angrily:</p> -<p>“That is not your handsomest cloak. Go home -at once and get the other one!”</p> -<p>“I won’t,” said Fluff, shortly.</p> -<p>“You must! You must!” insisted the witch-woman. -“I can teach you nothing unless you wear -the other cloak.”</p> -<p>“How did you know I had another cloak?” asked -the princess, suspiciously.</p> -<p>“By witchcraft, perhaps,” said Zixi, mildly. “If -you want to be a witch you must wear it.”</p> -<p>“I don’t want to be a witch,” declared Fluff. -“Come, girls, come; let’s go home at once.”</p> -<p>“Wait—wait!” implored Zixi, eagerly. “If you’ll -get the cloak I will teach you the most wonderful -things in the world! I will make you the most powerful -witch that ever lived!”</p> -<p>“I don’t believe you,” replied Fluff; and then she -marched back to the palace with all her maids.</p> -<p>But Zixi knew her plot had failed; so she locked -up the cottage and went back again to Ix, climbing -the mountain and crossing the river and threading -the forest with angry thoughts and harsh words.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_157">157</div> -<div class="img" id="pic46"> -<img src="images/i_157_0676.jpg" alt="" width="724" height="571" /> -<p class="caption">“‘THAT IS NOT YOUR HANDSOMEST CLOAK. GO HOME AT ONCE AND GET THE OTHER ONE!’”</p> -</div> -<p>Yet the queen was more determined than ever to -secure the magic cloak. As soon as she had reëntered -her palace and by more incantations had again -transformed her hair to yellow and her eyes to black -and dressed herself in her royal robes, she summoned -her generals and counselors and told them to make -ready to war upon the kingdom of Noland.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_158">158</div> -<h2 id="c13"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter XIII.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">TULLYDUB RESCUES THE KINGDOM.</span></h2> -<p>All soldiers love to fight; so when the army of -Ix learned that they were to go to war, they rejoiced -exceedingly over the news.</p> -<p>They polished up their swords and battle-axes, and -sewed all the missing buttons on their uniforms, and -mended their socks, and had their hair cut, and were -ready to march as soon as the queen was ready to -have them start.</p> -<p>King Bud of Noland had an army of seven thousand -seven hundred and seventy-seven men, besides -a general ten feet high; but the Queen of Ix had an -army more than twice as big, and she decided to lead -it in person, so that when she had conquered the city -of Nole she herself could seize the precious magic -cloak which she so greatly coveted.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_160">160</div> -<div class="img" id="pic47"> -<img src="images/i_160_0022.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="998" /> -<p class="caption">“QUEEN ZIXI RODE OUT AT THE HEAD OF HER ARMY, CLAD -IN A SUIT OF MAIL.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_161">161</div> -<p>Therefore Queen Zixi rode out at the head of her -army, clad in a suit of mail, with a glittering helmet -upon her head that was surmounted by a flowing -white plume. And all the soldiers cheered their -queen and had no doubt at all that she would win a -glorious victory.</p> -<p>Quavo the minstrel, who wandered constantly -about, was on his way to Noland again; and while -Queen Zixi’s army was cutting a path through the -forest and making a bridge to cross the river, he came -speedily by a little-known path to the city of Nole, -where he told Tullydub, the lord high counselor, what -was threatening his king.</p> -<p>So, trembling with terror, Tullydub hastened to -the palace and called a meeting of the five high counselors -in the king’s antechamber.</p> -<p>When all were assembled, together with Bud and -Fluff, the old man told his news and cried:</p> -<p>“We shall all be slaughtered and our kingdom -sacked and destroyed, for the army of Ix is twice as -big as our own—yes, twice as big!”</p> -<p>“Oh, pooh! What of that?” said Tollydob, scornfully; -“have they a general as tall as I am?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_162">162</div> -<p>“Certainly not,” said the chief counselor. “Who -ever saw a man as tall as you are?”</p> -<p>“Then I’ll fight and conquer them!” declared -Tollydob, rising and walking about the room, so that -all might see where his head just grazed the ceiling.</p> -<p>“But you can’t, general; you can’t fight an army -by yourself!” remonstrated Tullydub, excitedly. “And -being so big, you are a better mark for their arrows -and axes.”</p> -<p>At this the general sat down rather suddenly and -grew pale.</p> -<p>“Perhaps we can buy them off,” remarked the lord -high purse-bearer, jingling the purse that now never -became empty.</p> -<p>“No, I’m afraid not,” sighed Tullydub. “Quavo -the minstrel said they were bent upon conquest, and -were resolved upon a battle.”</p> -<p>“And their queen is a witch,” added Tallydab, -nervously. “We must not forget that.”</p> -<p>“A witch!” exclaimed Princess Fluff, with sudden -interest. “What does she look like?”</p> -<p>But all shook their heads at the question, and Tullydub -explained:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_163">163</div> -<p>“None of us has ever seen her, for we have never -been friendly with the people of Ix. But from all -reports, Queen Zixi is both young and beautiful.”</p> -<div class="img" id="pic48"> -<img src="images/i_163_0039.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="632" /> -<p class="caption">“THE GENERAL SAT DOWN SUDDENLY AND GREW PALE.”</p> -</div> -<p>“Maybe it’s the one who wanted to teach me -witchcraft in order to steal my magic cloak!” said -Fluff, with sudden excitement. “And when she -found she couldn’t steal it, she went back after her -army.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_164">164</div> -<p>“What magic cloak do you refer to?” asked Tullydub.</p> -<p>“Why, the one the fairies gave me,” replied Fluff.</p> -<p>“Is it of gorgeous colors with golden threads running -through it?” asked the lord high general, now -thoroughly interested.</p> -<p>“Yes,” said the princess, “the very same.”</p> -<p>“And what peculiar powers does it possess?”</p> -<p>“Why, it grants its wearer the fulfillment of one -wish,” she answered.</p> -<p>All the high counselors regarded her earnestly.</p> -<p>“Then that was the cloak I wore when I wished -to be ten feet high!” said Tollydob.</p> -<p>“And I wore it when I wished I could reach the -apple,” said Tellydeb.</p> -<p>“And I wore it when I wished that my dog Ruffles -could speak,” said Tallydab.</p> -<p>“And I wore it when I wished the royal purse -would always remain full,” said Tillydib.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_165">165</div> -<p>“I did not know that,” remarked Fluff, thoughtfully. -“But I’ll never forget that I lent it to Aunt -Rivette, and that was the time she wished she could -fly!”</p> -<p>“Why, it’s wonderful!” cried old Tullydub. “Has -it granted you, also, a wish?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” said Fluff, brightly. “And I’ve been -happy ever since.”</p> -<p>“And has your brother, the king, had a wish?” -Tullydub inquired eagerly.</p> -<p>“No,” said Bud. “I can still have mine.”</p> -<p>“Then why doesn’t your Majesty wear the cloak -and wish that your army shall conquer the Queen of -Ix’s?” asked the lord high counselor.</p> -<p>“I’m saving my wish,” answered Bud, “and it -won’t be that, either.”</p> -<p>“But unless something is done we shall all be -destroyed,” protested Tullydub.</p> -<p>“Then wear the cloak yourself,” said Bud. “You -haven’t had a wish yet.”</p> -<p>“Good!” cried the four other counselors; and the -lord high general added: “That will surely save us -from any further worry.”</p> -<p>“I’ll fetch the cloak at once,” said Fluff, and she -ran quickly from the room to get it.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_166">166</div> -<p>“Supposing,” Tullydub remarked hesitatingly, “the -magic power shouldn’t work?”</p> -<p>“Oh, but it will!” answered the general.</p> -<p>“I’m sure it will,” said the steward.</p> -<p>“I know it will,” declared -the purse-bearer.</p> -<p>“It cannot fail,” affirmed -the executioner; “remember -what it has already -done for us!”</p> -<p>Then Fluff arrived -with the cloak; and, -after considering carefully -how he would speak -his wish, the lord high -counselor drew the cloak -over his shoulders -and said -solemnly:</p> -<p>“I wish that -we shall be -able to defeat our enemies, and drive them all -from the kingdom of Noland.”</p> -<div class="img" id="pic49"> -<img src="images/i_166_0040.jpg" alt="" width="516" height="623" /> -<p class="caption">“THE LORD HIGH COUNSELOR DREW THE CLOAK OVER HIS SHOULDERS.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_167">167</div> -<p>“Didn’t you make two wishes instead of one?” -asked the princess, anxiously.</p> -<p>“Never mind,” said the general; “if we defeat -them it will be easy enough to drive them from our -kingdom.”</p> -<p>The lord high counselor removed the cloak and -carefully refolded it.</p> -<p>“If it grants my wish,” said he, thoughtfully, “it -will indeed be lucky for our country that the Princess -Fluff came to live in the palace of the king.”</p> -<p class="tb">The queen formed her men into a line of battle -facing the army of Nole, and they were so numerous -in comparison with their enemies that even the more -timorous soldiers gained confidence, and stood up -straight and threw out their chests as if to show how -brave they were.</p> -<p>Then Queen Zixi, clad in her flashing mail and -mounted upon her magnificent white charger, rode -slowly along the ranks, her white plume nodding -gracefully with the motion of the horse.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_168">168</div> -<p>And when she reached the center of the line she -halted, and addressed her army in a voice that sounded -clear as the tones of a bell and reached to every listening -ear.</p> -<p>“Soldiers of the land of Ix,” she began, “we are -about to engage in a great battle for conquest and -glory. Before you lies the rich city of Nole, and -when you have defeated yonder army and gained the -gates you may divide among yourselves all the plunder -of gold and silver and jewels and precious stones -that the place contains.”</p> -<p>Hearing this, a great shout of joy arose from the -soldiers, which Zixi quickly silenced with a wave of -her white hand.</p> -<p>“For myself,” she continued, “I desire nothing -more than a cloak that is owned by the Princess -Fluff. All else shall be given to my brave army.”</p> -<p>“But—supposed we do not win the battle?” asked -one of her generals, anxiously. “What then do we -gain?”</p> -<p>“Nothing but disgrace,” answered the queen, -haughtily. “But how can we fail to win when I -myself lead the assault? Queen Zixi of Ix has fought -a hundred battles and never yet met with defeat!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_169">169</div> -<p>There was more cheering at this, for Zixi’s words -were quite true. Nevertheless, her soldiers did not -like the look of that silent army of Nole standing so -steadfastly before the gates and facing the invaders -with calm determination.</p> -<p>Zixi herself was somewhat disturbed at this sight, -for she could not guess what powers the magic cloak -had given to the Nolanders. But in a loud and undaunted -voice she shouted the command to advance; -and while trumpets blared and drums rolled, the great -army of Ix awoke to action and marched steadily -upon the men of Nole.</p> -<p>Bud, who could not bear to remain shut up in his -palace while all this excitement was occurring outside -the city gates, had slipped away from Fluff and joined -his gigantic general, Tollydob. He was, of course, -unused to war, and when he beheld the vast array -of Zixi’s army he grew fearful that the magic cloak -might not be able to save his city from conquest.</p> -<p>Yet the five high counselors, who were all present, -seemed not to worry the least bit.</p> -<p>“They’re very pretty soldiers to look at,” remarked -old Tollydob, complacently. “I’m really sorry to -defeat them, they march so beautifully.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_170">170</div> -<p>“But do not let your kind-hearted admiration for -the enemy interfere with our plans,” said the lord -high executioner, who was standing by with his hands -in his pockets.</p> -<p>“Oh, I won’t!” answered the big general, with a -laugh which was succeeded by a frown. “Yet I can -never resist admiring a fine soldier, whether he fights -for or against me. For instance, just look at that -handsome officer riding beside Queen Zixi—her -chief general, I think. Isn’t he sweet? He looks -just like an apple, he is so round and wears such a -tight-fitting red jacket. Can’t you pick him for me, -friend Tellydeb?”</p> -<div class="img" id="pic50"> -<img src="images/i_171_0043.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="436" /> -<p class="caption">“THE LORD HIGH EXECUTIONER SUDDENLY STRETCHED OUT HIS LONG ARM, AND -REACHED THE FAR-AWAY GENERAL OF IX, AND PULLED HIM FROM HIS HORSE.”</p> -</div> -<p>“I’ll try.” And the lord high executioner suddenly -stretched out his long arm, and reached the -far-away general of Ix, and pulled him from the back -of his horse.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_171">171</div> -<p>Then, amid the terrified cries that came from the -opposing army, Tellydeb dragged his victim swiftly -over the ground until he was seized by the men of -Nole and firmly bound with cords.</p> -<p>“Thank you, my friend,” said the general, again -laughing and then frowning. “Now get for me that -pretty queen, if you please.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_172">172</div> -<p>Once more the long arm of the lord high executioner -shot out toward the army of Ix. But Zixi’s -keen eyes saw it coming, and instantly she disappeared, -her magical arts giving her power to become -invisible.</p> -<p>Tellydeb, puzzled to find the queen gone, seized -another officer instead of her and dragged him quickly -over the intervening space to his own side, where he -was bound by the Nolanders and placed beside his -fellow-captive.</p> -<p>Another cry of horror came from the army of Ix, -and with one accord the soldiers stopped short in -their advance. Queen Zixi, appearing again in their -midst, called upon her wavering soldiers to charge -quickly upon the foe.</p> -<p>But the men, bewildered and terrified, were deaf -to her appeals. They fled swiftly back, over the brow -of the hill, and concealed themselves in the wooded -valley until the sun set. And it was far into the -night before Queen Zixi succeeded in restoring her -line of battle.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_173">173</div> -<h2 id="c14"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter XIV.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE ROUT OF THE ARMY OF IX.</span></h2> -<p>The next day was a busy one in the city of Nole. -The ten-foot lord high general marched his seven -thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven men out -of the city gates and formed them in line of battle on -the brow of a hill. Then he asked Aunt Rivette to -fly over the top of the mountain and see where the -enemy was located.</p> -<p>The old woman gladly undertook the mission. She -had by this time become an expert flier, and, being -proud to resemble a bird, she dressed herself in flowing -robes of as many colors as a poll-parrot could -boast. When she mounted into the air, streamers of -green and yellow silk floated behind her in quite a -beautiful and interesting fashion, and she was admired -by all beholders.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_174">174</div> -<p>Aunt Rivette flew high above the mountain-top, -and there she saw the great army of Queen Zixi -climbing up the slope on the other side. The army -also saw her, and stopped short in amazement at seeing -a woman fly like a bird. They had before this -thought their queen sure of victory, because she was -a witch and possessed many wonderful arts; but now -they saw that the people of Noland could also do -wonderful things, and it speedily disheartened them.</p> -<p>Zixi ordered them to shoot a thousand arrows at -Aunt Rivette, but quickly countermanded the order, -as the old woman was too high to be injured, and the -arrows would have been wasted.</p> -<p>When the army of Ix had climbed the mountain -and was marching down again toward Nole, the lord -high steward sent his dog Ruffles to them to make -more mischief. Ruffles trotted soberly among the -soldiers of Ix, and once in a while he would pause -and say in a loud voice:</p> -<p>“The army of Noland will conquer you.”</p> -<p>Then all the soldiers would look around to see who -had spoken these fearful words, but could see nothing -but a little dog; and Ruffles would pretend to be -scratching his nose with his left hind foot, and would -look so innocent that they never for a moment suspected -he could speak.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_175">175</div> -<div class="img" id="pic51"> -<img src="images/i_175_0041.jpg" alt="" width="733" height="436" /> -<p class="caption">“AND RUFFLES WOULD PRETEND TO BE SCRATCHING HIS NOSE WITH HIS LEFT HIND FOOT.”</p> -</div> -<p>“We are surrounded by invisible foes!” cried the -soldiers; and they would have fled even then had not -Queen Zixi called them cowards and stubbornly declared -that they only fancied they had heard the -voices speak. Some of them believed her, and some -did not; but they decided to remain and fight, since -they had come so far to do so.</p> -<p>Then they formed in line of battle again and marched -boldly toward the army of Noland.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_176">176</div> -<p>While they were still a good way off, and the generals -were riding in front of their soldiers, the lord -high executioner suddenly stretched out his long arm -and pulled another general of Ix from his horse, as -he had done the day before, dragging him swiftly -over the ground between the opposing armies until -he was seized by the men of Nole and tightly bound -with cords.</p> -<p>The soldiers of Ix uttered murmurs of horror at -this sight, and stopped again.</p> -<p>Immediately the long arm shot out, and pulled -another general from their ranks, and made him -prisoner.</p> -<p>Queen Zixi raved and stormed with anger; but -the lord high executioner, who was enjoying himself -immensely, continued to grab officer after officer and -make them prisoners: and so far there had been no -sign of battle; not an arrow had been fired nor an -ax swung.</p> -<p>Then, to complete the amazement of the enemy, -the gigantic ten-foot general of the army of Nole -stepped in front of his men and waved around his -head a flashing sword six feet in length, while he -shouted in a voice like a roar of thunder, that made -the army of Ix tremble:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_177">177</div> -<p>“Forward, soldiers of Noland—forward! Destroy -the enemy, and let none escape!”</p> -<div class="img" id="pic52"> -<img src="images/i_177_0044.jpg" alt="" width="539" height="695" /> -<p class="caption">“THE GIGANTIC TEN-FOOT GENERAL OF THE ARMY OF NOLE STEPPED -IN FRONT OF HIS MEN.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_178">178</div> -<div class="img" id="pic53"> -<img src="images/i_178_0045.jpg" alt="" width="638" height="733" /> -<p class="caption">“BUD WAS SO AMUSED AT THE SIGHT OF THE FLYING FOE THAT HE ROLLED ON -THE GROUND IN LAUGHTER.”</p> -</div> -<p>It was more than the army of Ix could bear. Filled -with terror, the soldiers threw down their arms and -fled in a great panic, racing over the mountain-top -and down the other side and then scattering in every -direction, each man for himself and as if he feared -the entire army of Noland was at his heels.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_179">179</div> -<p>But it wasn’t. Not a soldier of Nole had moved -in pursuit. Every one was delighted at the easy victory, -and King Bud was so amused at the sight of -the flying foe that he rolled on the ground in laughter, -and even the fierce-looking General Tollydob grinned -in sympathy.</p> -<p>Then, with bands playing and banners flying, the -entire army marched back into the city, and the war -between Noland and Ix was over.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_180">180</div> -<div class="img" id="pic54"> -<img src="images/i_180_0164.jpg" alt="" width="554" height="682" /> -<p class="caption">“‘WHY DO YOU WAIL SO LOUDLY?’ SHE ASKED.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_181">181</div> -<h2 id="c15"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter XV.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE THEFT OF THE MAGIC CLOAK.</span></h2> -<p>When the soldiers of Queen Zixi ran away, they -fled in so many different directions that the bewildered -queen could not keep track of them. Her -horse, taking fright, dashed up the mountain-side and -tossed Zixi into a lilac-bush, after which he ran off -and left her.</p> -<p>One would think such a chain of misfortunes could -not fail to daunt the bravest. But Zixi had lived too -many years to allow such trifles as defeat and flight -to ruin her nerves; so she calmly disentangled herself -from the lilac-bush and looked around to see where -she was.</p> -<p>It was very quiet and peaceful on this part of the -mountain-side. Her glittering army had disappeared -to the last man.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_182">182</div> -<p>In the far distance she could see the spires and -turreted palaces of the city of Nole, and behind her -was a thick grove of lilac-trees bearing flowers in full -bloom.</p> -<p>This lilac-grove gave Zixi an idea. She pushed -aside some of the branches and entered the cool, -shadowy avenues between the trees.</p> -<p>The air was heavy with the scent of the violet -flowers, and tiny humming-birds were darting here -and there to thrust their long bills into the blossoms -and draw out the honey for food. Butterflies there -were, too, and a few chipmunks perched high among -the branches. But Zixi walked on through the trees -in deep thought, and presently she had laid new plans.</p> -<p>For since the magic cloak was so hard to get she -wanted it more than ever.</p> -<p>By and by she gathered some bits of the lilac-bark, -and dug some roots from the ground. Next she -caught six spotted butterflies, from the wings of which -she brushed off all the round, purple spots. Then -she wandered on until she came upon a little spring -of water bubbling from the ground, and filling a cup-shaped -leaf of the tatti-plant from the spring, she -mixed her bark and roots and butterfly spots in the -liquid and boiled it carefully over a fire of twigs; for -tatti-leaves will not burn so long as there is water -inside them.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_183">183</div> -<p>When her magical compound was ready, Zixi muttered -an incantation and drank it in a single draught.</p> -<p>A few moments later the witch-queen had disappeared, -and in her place stood the likeness of a pretty -young girl dressed in a simple white gown with pink -ribbons at the shoulders and a pink sash around her -waist. Her light-brown hair was gathered into two -long braids that hung down her back, and she had -two big blue eyes that looked very innocent and sweet. -Besides these changes, both the nose and the mouth -of the girl differed in shape from those of Zixi; so -that no one would have seen the slightest resemblance -between the two people, or between Miss Trust and -the girl who stood in the lilac-grove.</p> -<p>The transformed witch-queen gave a sweet, rippling -laugh, and glanced at her reflection in the still waters -of the spring. And then the girlish face frowned, -for the image glaring up at her was that of a wrinkled, -toothless old hag.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_184">184</div> -<p>“I really must have that cloak,” sighed the girl; -and then she turned and walked out of the lilac-grove -and down the mountain-side toward the city of Nole.</p> -<p>The Princess Fluff was playing tennis with her -maids in a courtyard of the royal palace, when Jikki -came to say that a girl wished to speak with her -Highness.</p> -<p>“Send her here,” said Fluff.</p> -<p>So the witch-queen came to her, in the guise of the -fair young girl; and bowing in a humble manner -before the princess, she said: “Please, your Highness, -may I be one of your maids?”</p> -<p>“Why, I have eight already!” answered Fluff, -laughing.</p> -<p>“But my father and mother are both dead; and I -have come all the way from my castle to beg you to let -me wait upon you,” said the girl, looking at the little -princess with a pleading expression in her blue eyes.</p> -<p>“Who are you?” asked Fluff.</p> -<p>“I am daughter of the Lord Hurrydole, and my -name is Adlena,” replied the girl, which was not altogether -a falsehood, because one of her ancestors had -borne the name Hurrydole, and Adlena was one of -her own names.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_185">185</div> -<p>“Then, Adlena,” said Fluff, brightly, “you shall -certainly be one of my maids; for there is plenty of -room in the palace, and the more girls I have around -me the happier I shall be.”</p> -<p>So Queen Zixi, under the name of Adlena, became -an inmate of the king’s palace; and it was not many -days before she learned where the magic cloak was -kept. For the princess gave her a key to a drawer -and told her to get from it a blue silk scarf she wished -to wear, and directly under the scarf lay the fairy -garment.</p> -<p>Adlena would have seized it at that moment had -she dared; but Fluff was in the same room, so she -only said: “Please, princess, may I look at that pretty -cloak?”</p> -<p>“Of course,” answered Fluff; “but handle it carefully, -for it was given me by the fairies.”</p> -<p>So Adlena unfolded the cloak and looked at it very -carefully, noting exactly the manner in which it was -woven. Then she folded it again, arranged it in the -drawer, and turned the key, which the princess immediately -attached to a chain which she always wore -around her neck.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_186">186</div> -<p>That night, when the witch-queen was safely locked -in her own room and could not be disturbed, she -called about her a great many of those invisible imps -that serve the most skilful witches, commanding them -to weave for her a cloak in the exact likeness of the -one given Princess Fluff by the fairies.</p> -<p>Of course the imps had never seen the magic cloak; -but Zixi described it to them accurately, and before -morning they had woven a garment so closely resembling -the original that the imitation was likely to deceive -any one.</p> -<p>Only one thing was missing, and that was the -golden thread woven by Queen Lulea herself, and -which gave the cloak its magic powers.</p> -<p>Of course the imps of Zixi could not get this golden -thread, nor could they give any magical properties to -the garment they had made at the witch’s command; -but they managed to give the cloak all of the many -brilliant colors of the original, and Zixi was quite -satisfied.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_187">187</div> -<p>The next day Adlena wore this cloak while she -walked in the garden. Very soon Princess Fluff saw -her and ran after the girl, crying indignantly: “See -here! What do you mean by wearing my cloak? -Take it off instantly!”</p> -<div class="img" id="pic55"> -<img src="images/i_187_0159.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="623" /> -<p class="caption">“‘WHICH IS MINE?’ SHE FINALLY ASKED, IN A STARTLED VOICE.”</p> -</div> -<p>“It isn’t your cloak. It is one of my own,” replied -the girl, calmly.</p> -<p>“Nonsense! There can’t be two such cloaks in -the world,” retorted Fluff.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_188">188</div> -<p>“But there are,” persisted Adlena. “How could -I get the one in your drawer when the key is around -your own neck?”</p> -<p>“I’m not sure I don’t know,” admitted the princess, -beginning to be puzzled. “But come with me into -my rooms. If my fairy cloak is indeed in the drawer, -then I will believe you.”</p> -<p>So they went to the drawer, and of course found -the magic cloak, as the cunning Zixi had planned. -Fluff pulled it out and held the two up together to -compare them; and they seemed to be exactly alike.</p> -<p>“I think yours is a little the longer,” said Adlena, -and threw it over the shoulders of the princess. “No, -I think mine is the longer,” she continued; and removing -the magic cloak, put her own upon Fluff. -They seemed to be about the same length, but Adlena -kept putting first one and then the other upon the -princess, until they were completely mixed, and the -child could not have told one from the other.</p> -<p>“Which is mine?” she finally asked, in a startled -voice.</p> -<p>“This, of course,” answered Adlena, folding up the -imitation cloak which the imps had made, and putting -it away in the drawer.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_189">189</div> -<p>Fluff never suspected the trick, so Zixi carried away -the magic cloak she had thus cleverly stolen; and -she was so delighted with the success of her stratagem -that she could have screamed aloud for pure joy.</p> -<p>As soon as she was alone and unobserved, the -witch-queen slipped out of the palace, and, carrying -the magic cloak in a bundle under her arm, ran down -the streets of Nole and out through the gate in the -wall and away toward the mountain where the lilac-grove -lay.</p> -<p>“At last!” she kept saying to herself. “At last -I shall see my own beautiful reflection in a mirror, -instead of that horrid old hag!”</p> -<p>When she was safe in the grove she succeeded, -by means of her witchcraft, in transforming the girl -Adlena back into the beautiful woman known throughout -the kingdom of Ix as Queen Zixi. And then -she lost no time in throwing the magic cloak over -her shoulders.</p> -<p>“I wish,” she cried in a loud voice, “that my reflection -in every mirror will hereafter show the same face -and form as that in which I appear to exist in the -sight of all mortals!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_190">190</div> -<p>Then she threw off the cloak and ran to the crystal -spring, saying: “Now, indeed, I shall at last see the -lovely Queen Zixi!”</p> -<p>But as she bent over the spring, she gave a sudden -shriek of disappointed rage; for glaring up at her -from the glassy surface of the water was the same -fearful hag she had always seen as the reflection of -her likeness!</p> -<p>The magic cloak would grant no wish to a person -who had stolen it.</p> -<p>Zixi, more wretched than she had ever been before -in her life, threw herself down upon her face in the -lilac-grove and wept for more than an hour, which is -an exceedingly long time for tears to run from one’s -eyes. And when she finally arose, two tiny brooks -flowed from the spot and wound through the lilac-trees—one -to the right and one to the left.</p> -<p>Then, leaving the magic cloak—to possess which -she had struggled so hard and sinfully—lying unheeded -upon the ground, the disappointed witch-queen -walked slowly away, and finally reached the -bank of the great river.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_191">191</div> -<div class="img" id="pic56"> -<img src="images/i_191_0162.jpg" alt="" width="729" height="1002" /> -<p class="caption">“SHE THREW OFF THE CLOAK AND RAN TO THE CRYSTAL SPRING.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_193">193</div> -<p>Here she found a rugged old alligator who lay -upon the bank, weeping with such bitterness that the -sight reminded Zixi of her own recent outburst of -sorrow.</p> -<p>“Why do you weep, friend?” she asked, for her -experience as a witch had long since taught her the -language of the beasts and birds and reptiles.</p> -<p>“Because I cannot climb a tree,” answered the -alligator.</p> -<p>“But why do you wish to climb a tree?” she questioned, -surprised.</p> -<p>“Because I can’t,” returned the alligator, squeezing -two more tears from his eyes.</p> -<p>“But that is very foolish!” exclaimed the witch-queen, -scornfully.</p> -<p>“Oh, I don’t know,” said the alligator. “It doesn’t -strike me that it’s much more foolish than the fancies -some other people have.”</p> -<p>“Perhaps not,” replied Zixi, more gently, and -walked away in deep thought.</p> -<p>While she followed the river-bank, to find a ferry -across, the dusk fell, and presently a gray owl came -out of a hollow in a tall tree and sat upon a limb, -wailing dismally.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_194">194</div> -<p>Zixi stopped and looked at the bird.</p> -<p>“Why do you wail so loudly?” she asked.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic57"> -<img src="images/i_194_0160.jpg" alt="" width="551" height="704" /> -<p class="caption">“‘BECAUSE I CANNOT CLIMB A TREE,’ ANSWERED THE ALLIGATOR.”</p> -</div> -<p>“Because I cannot swim in the river like a fish,” -answered the owl, and it screeched so sadly that it -made the queen shiver.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_195">195</div> -<p>“Why do you wish to swim?” she inquired.</p> -<p>“Because I can’t,” said the owl, and buried its head -under its wing with a groan.</p> -<p>“But that is absurd!” cried Zixi, with impatience.</p> -<p>The owl had an ear out, and heard her. So it -withdrew its head long enough to retort:</p> -<p>“I don’t think it’s any more absurd than the longings -of some other folks.”</p> -<p>“Perhaps you are right,” said the queen, and hung -her head as she walked on.</p> -<p>By and by she found a ferryman with a boat, and -he agreed to row her across the river. In one end -of the boat crouched a little girl, the ferryman’s daughter, -and she sobbed continually, so that the sound of -the child’s grief finally attracted Zixi’s attention.</p> -<p>“Why do you sob?” questioned the queen.</p> -<p>“Because I want to be a man,” replied the child, -trying to stifle her sobs.</p> -<p>“Why do you want to be a man?” asked Zixi, -curiously.</p> -<p>“Because I’m a little girl,” was the reply.</p> -<p>This made Zixi angry.</p> -<p>“You’re a little fool!” she exclaimed loudly.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_196">196</div> -<p>“There are other fools in the world,” said the child, -and renewed her sobs.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic58"> -<img src="images/i_196_0165.jpg" alt="" width="744" height="567" /> -<p class="caption">“‘WHY DO YOU SOB?’ QUESTIONED THE QUEEN.”</p> -</div> -<p>Zixi did not reply, but she thought to herself:</p> -<p>“We are all alike—the alligator, the owl, the girl, -and the powerful Queen of Ix. We long for what -we cannot have, yet desire it not so much because it -would benefit us, as because it is beyond our reach. -If I call the others fools, I must also call myself a -fool for wishing to see the reflection of a beautiful -girl in my mirror when I know it is impossible. So -hereafter I shall strive to be contented with my lot.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_197">197</div> -<p>This was a wise resolution, and the witch-queen -abided by it for many years. She was not very bad, -this Zixi; for it must be admitted that few have the -courage to acknowledge their faults and strive to correct -them, as she did.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_198">198</div> -<h2 id="c16"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter XVI.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE PLAIN ABOVE THE CLOUDS.</span></h2> -<p>I have already mentioned how high the mountains -were between Noland and the land of Ix; but at the -north of the city of Nole were mountains much higher—so -high, indeed, that they seemed to pierce the -clouds, and it was said the moon often stopped on -the highest peak to rest. It was not one single slope -up from the lowlands; but first there was a high -mountain, with a level plain at the top; and then -another high mountain, rising from the level and -capped with a second plain; and then another mountain, -and so on; which made them somewhat resemble -a pair of stairs. So that the people of Nole, who -looked upon the North Mountains with much pride, -used to point them out as “The Giant’s Stairway,” -forgetting that no giant was ever big enough to use -such an immense flight of stairs.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_199">199</div> -<p>Many people had climbed the first mountain, and -upon the plain at its top flocks of sheep were fed; -and two or three people boasted they had climbed -the second steep; but beyond that the mountains -were all unknown to the dwellers in the valley of -Noland. As a matter of fact, no one lived upon -them; they were inhabited only by a few small animals -and an occasional vulture or eagle which nested -in some rugged crag.</p> -<p>But at the top of all was an enormous plain that -lay far above the clouds, and here the Roly-Rogues -dwelt in great numbers.</p> -<p>I must describe these Roly-Rogues to you, for they -were unlike any other people in all the world. Their -bodies were as round as a ball—if you can imagine -a ball fully four feet in thickness at the middle. And -their muscles were as tough and elastic as india-rubber. -They had heads and arms resembling our own, -and very short legs; and all these they could withdraw -into their ball-like bodies whenever they wished, -very much as a turtle withdraws its legs and head -into its shell.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_200">200</div> -<p>The Roly-Rogues lived all by themselves in their -country among the clouds, and there were thousands -and thousands of them. They were quarrelsome by -nature, but could seldom hurt one another; because, -if they fought, they would withdraw their arms and -legs and heads into their bodies, and roll themselves -at one another with much fierceness. But when they -collided they would bounce apart again, and little -harm was done.</p> -<p>In spite of their savage dispositions the Roly-Rogues -had as yet done no harm to any one but -themselves, as they lived so high above the world -that other people knew nothing of their existence. -Nor did they themselves know, because of the clouds -that floated between, of the valleys which lay below -them.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_201">201</div> -<p>But, as ill luck would have it, a few days after King -Bud’s army had defeated the army of Ix, one of the -Roly-Rogues, while fighting with another, rolled too -near the edge of the plain whereon they dwelt, and -bounded down the mountain-side that faced Noland. -Wind had scattered the clouds, so his fellows immediately -rolled themselves to the edge and watched the -luckless Roly-Rogue fly down the mountain, bounce -across the plain, and thence speed down the next -mountain. By and by he became a dot to their eyes, -and then a mere speck; but as the clouds had just -rolled away for a few moments the Roly-Rogues -could see, by straining their eyes, the city of Nole -lying in the valley far below.</p> -<p>It seemed, from that distance, merely a toy city, -but they knew it must be a big place to show so far -away; and since they had no cities of their own, they -became curious to visit the one they had just discovered.</p> -<p>The ruler of the Roly-Rogues, who was more quarrelsome -than any of the rest, had a talk with his chief -men about visiting the unknown city.</p> -<p>“We can roll down the mountain just as our brother -did,” he argued.</p> -<p>“But how in the world could we ever get back -again?” said one of the chiefs, sticking his head up -to look with astonishment at the ruler.</p> -<p>“We don’t want to get back,” said the other, excitedly. -“Some one has built many houses and palaces -at the foot of the mountains, and we can live in those, if -they are big enough and if there are enough of them.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_202">202</div> -<div class="img" id="pic59"> -<img src="images/i_202_0166.jpg" alt="" width="584" height="397" /> -<p class="caption">“ALL THE HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS -OF ROLY-ROGUES THAT WERE IN EXISTENCE -ASSEMBLED UPON THE EDGE OF -THEIR PLAIN, AND, AT THE WORD OF THEIR -RULER, HURLED THEMSELVES DOWN THE -MOUNTAIN WITH TERRIBLE CRIES AND -WENT BOUNDING AWAY TOWARD THE -PEACEFUL CITY OF NOLE.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_204">204</div> -<p>“Perhaps the people won’t let us,” suggested another -chief, who was not in favor of the expedition.</p> -<p>“We will fight them and destroy them,” retorted -the ruler, scowling at the chief as if he would make -him ashamed of his cowardice.</p> -<p>“Then we must all go together,” said a third chief; -“for, if only a few go, we may find ourselves many -times outnumbered and at last be overcome.”</p> -<p>“Every Roly-Rogue in the country shall go!” -declared the ruler, who brooked no opposition when -once he had made up his mind to a thing.</p> -<p>On the plain grew a grove of big thorn-trees, bearing -thorns as long and sharp as swords; so the ruler -commanded each of his people to cut two of the -thorns, one for each hand, with which to attack whatever -foes they might meet when they reached the -unknown valley.</p> -<p>Then, on a certain day, all the hundreds and thousands -of Roly-Rogues that were in existence assembled -upon the edge of their plain, and, at the word -of their ruler, hurled themselves down the mountain -with terrible cries and went bounding away toward -the peaceful city of Nole.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_205">205</div> -<h2 id="c17"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter XVII.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE DESCENT OF THE ROLY-ROGUES.</span></h2> -<p>King Bud and Princess Fluff were leading very -happy and peaceful lives in their beautiful palace. -All wars and dangers seemed at an end, and there -was nothing to disturb their content.</p> -<p>All the gold that was needed the royal purse-bearer -was able to supply from his overflowing purse. The -gigantic General Tollydob became famous throughout -the world, and no nation dared attack the army of -Noland. The talking dog of old Tallydab made -every one wonder, and people came many miles to -see Ruffles and hear him speak. It was said that all -this good fortune had been brought to Noland by the -pretty Princess Fluff, who was a favorite of the fairies; -and the people loved her on this account as well as -for her bright and sunny disposition.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_206">206</div> -<div class="img" id="pic60"> -<img src="images/i_206_0285.jpg" alt="" width="552" height="711" /> -<p class="caption">“THE GREAT BALL STRUCK THE FIELD NEAR THEM.”</p> -</div> -<p>King Bud caused his subjects some little anxiety, -to be sure; for they never could tell what he was -liable to do next, except that he was sure to do something -unexpected. But much is forgiven a king; and -if Bud made some pompous old nobleman stand on -his head, to amuse a mob of people, he would give -him a good dinner afterward and fill his purse with -gold to make up for the indignity. Fluff often reproved -her brother for such pranks, but Bud’s soul -was flooded with mischief, and it was hard for him -to resist letting a little of the surplus escape now and -then.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_207">207</div> -<p>After all, the people were fairly content and prosperous, -and no one was at all prepared for the disasters -soon to overtake them.</p> -<p>One day, while King Bud was playing at ball with -some of his courtiers on a field outside the city gates, -the first warning of trouble reached him. Bud had -batted a ball high into the air, and while looking upward -for it to descend he saw another ball bound -from the plain at the top of the North Mountains, -fly into the air, and then sink gradually toward him. -As it approached, it grew bigger and bigger, until it -assumed mammoth proportions; and then, while the -courtiers screamed in terror, the great ball struck the -field near them, bounced high into the air, and came -down directly upon the sharp point of one of the palace -towers, where it stuck fast with a yell that sounded -almost human.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_208">208</div> -<p>For some moments Bud and his companions were -motionless through surprise and fear; then they rushed -into the city and stood among the crowd of people -which had congregated at the foot of the tower to -stare at the big ball impaled upon its point. Once in -a while, two arms, two short legs, and a head would -dart out from the ball and wiggle frantically, and then -the yell would be repeated and the head and limbs -withdrawn swiftly into the ball.</p> -<p>It was all so curious that the people were justified -in staring at it in amazement; for certainly no one -had ever seen or heard of a Roly-Rogue before, or -even known such a creature existed.</p> -<p>Finally, as no one else could reach the steeple-top, -Aunt Rivette flew into the air and circled slowly -around the ball. When next its head was thrust out, -she called:</p> -<p>“Are you a mud-turtle or a man?”</p> -<p>“I’ll show you which, if I get hold of you,” answered -the Roly-Rogue, fiercely.</p> -<p>“Where did you come from?” asked Aunt Rivette, -taking care the wiggling arms did not grab her.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_209">209</div> -<div class="img" id="pic61"> -<img src="images/i_209_0283.jpg" alt="" width="738" height="1002" /> -<p class="caption">“‘WHERE DID YOU COME FROM?’ ASKED AUNT RIVETTE.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_211">211</div> -<p>“That is none of your business,” said the RolyRogue. -“But I didn’t intend to come, that you may -depend upon.”</p> -<p>“Are you hurt?” she inquired, seeing that the -struggles of the creature made him spin around upon -the steeple-point like a windmill.</p> -<p>“No, I’m not hurt at all,” declared the Roly-Rogue; -“but I’d like to know how to get down.”</p> -<p>“What would you do if we helped you to get free?” -asked Aunt Rivette.</p> -<p>“I’d fight every one of those idiots who are laughing -at me down there!” said the creature, its eyes -flashing wickedly.</p> -<p>“Then you’d best stay where you are,” returned -old Rivette, who flew back to earth again to tell Bud -what the Roly-Rogue had said.</p> -<p>“I believe that is the best place for him,” said Bud; -“so we’ll let him stay where he is. He’s not very -ornamental, I must say, but he’s very safe up there -on top of the steeple.”</p> -<p>“We might have him gilded,” proposed the old -woman, “and then he’d look better.”</p> -<p>“I’ll think it over,” said the king, and he went -away to finish his ball game.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_212">212</div> -<p>The people talked and wondered about the queer -creature on the steeple, but no one could say where -it came from or what it was; they were naturally -much puzzled.</p> -<p>The next day was bright with sunshine; so, early -in the forenoon, Bud and Fluff had the royal cook -fill their baskets with good things to eat, and set out -to picnic on the bank of the river that separated Noland -from the kingdom of Ix. They rode ponies, to -reach the river sooner than by walking; and their -only companions were Tallydab, the lord high steward, -and his talking dog, Ruffles.</p> -<p>It was after this picnic party had passed over the -mountain, and were securely hidden from any one in -the city of Nole, that the ruler of the Roly-Rogues -and his thousands of followers hurled themselves -down from their land above the clouds and began -bounding toward the plain below.</p> -<p>The people first heard a roar that sounded like -distant thunder; and when they looked toward the -North Mountains they saw the air black with tiny -bouncing balls that seemed to drop from the drifting -clouds which always had obscured the highest peak.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_213">213</div> -<p>But, although appearing small when first seen, -these balls grew rapidly larger as they came nearer; -and then, with sharp reports like pistol-shots, they -began dropping upon the plain by dozens and hundreds -and then thousands.</p> -<p>As soon as they touched the ground they bounded -upward again, like rubber balls the children throw -upon the floor; but each bound was less violent than -the one preceding it, until finally within the streets of -the city and upon all the fields surrounding it lay the -thousands of Roly-Rogues that had fallen from the -mountain-peak.</p> -<p>At first they lay still, as if stunned by their swift -journey and collision with the hard earth; but after -a few seconds they recovered, thrust out their heads -and limbs, and scrambled upon their flat feet.</p> -<p>Then the savage Roly-Rogues uttered hoarse shouts -of joy, for they were safely arrived at the city they -had seen from afar, and the audacious adventure was -a success.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_214">214</div> -<h2 id="c18"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">CHAPTER XVIII.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE CONQUEST OF NOLAND.</span></h2> -<p>It would be impossible to describe the amazement -of the people of Nole when the Roly-Rogues came -upon them.</p> -<p>Not only was the descent wholly unexpected, but -the appearance of the invaders was queer enough to -strike terror to the stoutest heart.</p> -<p>Their round bodies were supported by short, strong -legs having broad, flattened feet to keep them steady. -Their arms were short, and the fingers of their hands, -while not long, were very powerful.</p> -<p>But the heads were the most startling portions of -these strange creatures. They were flat and thick -on the top, with leathery rolls around their necks; so -that, when the head was drawn in, its upper part -rounded out the surface of the ball. In this peculiar -head the Roly-Rogue had two big eyes as shiny as -porcelain, a small stubby nose, and a huge mouth. -Their strange leather-like clothing fitted their bodies -closely and was of different colors—green, yellow, -red, and brown.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_215">215</div> -<p>Taken altogether, the Roly-Rogues were not pretty -to look at; and although their big eyes gave them a -startled or astonished expression, nothing seemed ever -to startle or astonish them in the least.</p> -<p>When they arrived in the valley of Nole, after their -wonderful journey down the mountains, they scrambled -to their feet, extended their long arms with the -thorns clasped tight in their talon-like fingers, and -rushed in a furious crowd and with loud cries upon -the terror-stricken people.</p> -<p>The soldiers of Tollydob’s brave army had not even -time to seize their weapons; for such a foe, coming -upon them through the air, had never been dreamed -of.</p> -<p>And the men of Nole, who might have resisted -the enemy, were too much frightened to do more than -tremble violently and gasp with open mouths. As -for the women and children, they fled screaming into -the houses and bolted or locked the doors, which was -doubtless the wisest thing they could have done.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_216">216</div> -<div class="img" id="pic62"> -<img src="images/i_217_0287.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="527" /> -<p class="caption">“AS FOR THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN, -THEY FLED SCREAMING INTO THE HOUSES.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_217">217</div> -<p>General Tollydob was asleep when the calamity of -this invasion occurred; but hearing the shouts, he ran -out of his mansion and met several of the Roly-Rogues -face to face. Without hesitation the brave general -rushed upon them; but two of the creatures promptly -rolled themselves against him from opposite directions, -so that the ten-foot giant was crushed between -them until there was not a particle of breath left in -his body. No sooner did these release him than two -other Roly-Rogues rolled toward him; but Tollydob -was not to be caught twice, so he gave a mighty jump -and jumped right over their heads, with the result -that the balls crashed against each other.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_218">218</div> -<p>This made the two Roly-Rogues so angry that -they began to fight each other savagely, and the general -started to run away. But other foes rolled after -him, knocked him down, and stuck their thorns into -him until he yelled for mercy and promised to become -their slave.</p> -<p>Tullydub, the chief counselor, watched all this from -his window, and it frightened him so greatly that he -crawled under his bed and hid, hoping the creatures -would not find him. But their big round eyes were -sharp at discovering things; so the Roly-Rogues had -not been in Tullydub’s room two minutes before he -was dragged from beneath his bed, and prodded with -thorns until he promised obedience to the conquerors.</p> -<p>The lord high purse-bearer, at the first alarm, dug -a hole in the garden of the royal palace and buried -his purse so no one could find it but himself. But -he might have saved himself this trouble, for the Roly-Rogues -knew nothing of money or its uses, being -accustomed to seizing whatever they desired without -a thought of rendering payment for it.</p> -<p>Having buried his purse, old Tillydib gave himself -up to the invaders as their prisoner; and this saved -him the indignity of being conquered.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_219">219</div> -<div class="img" id="pic63"> -<img src="images/i_219_0288.jpg" alt="" width="755" height="644" /> -<p class="caption">“OTHER FOES ROLLED AFTER HIM AND KNOCKED HIM DOWN.”</p> -</div> -<p>The lord high executioner may really be credited -with making the only serious fight of the day; for -when the Roly-Rogues came upon him, Tellydeb -seized his ax, and, before the enemy could come near, -he reached out his long arm and cleverly sliced the -heads off several of their round bodies.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_220">220</div> -<p>The others paused for a moment, being unused to -such warfare and not understanding how an arm -could reach so far.</p> -<p>But, seeing their heads were in danger, about a -hundred of the creatures formed themselves into balls -and rolled upon the executioner in a straight line, -hoping to crush him.</p> -<p>They could not see what happened after they began -to roll, their heads being withdrawn; but Tellydeb -watched them speed toward him, and, stepping aside, -he aimed a strong blow with his ax at the body of -the first Roly-Rogue that passed him. Instead of -cutting the rubber-like body, the ax bounced back -and flew from Tellydeb’s hand into the air, falling -farther away than the long arm of the executioner -could reach. Therefore he was left helpless, and was -wise enough to surrender without further resistance.</p> -<p>Finding no one else to resist them, the Roly-Rogues -contented themselves with bounding against -the terrorized people, great and humble alike, and -knocking them over, laughing boisterously at the figures -sprawling in the mud of the streets.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_221">221</div> -<p>And then they would prick the bodies of the men -with their sharp thorns, making them spring to their -feet again with shrieks of fear, only to be bowled over -again the next minute.</p> -<p>But the monsters soon grew weary of this amusement, -for they were anxious to explore the city they -had so successfully invaded. They flocked into the -palace and public buildings, and gazed eagerly at the -many beautiful and, to them, novel things that were -found. The mirrors delighted them, and they fought -one another for the privilege of standing before the -glasses to admire the reflection of their horrid -bodies.</p> -<p>They could not sit in the chairs, for the round -bodies would not fit them; neither could the Roly-Rogues -understand the use of beds. For when they -rested or slept the creatures merely withdrew their -limbs and heads, rolled over upon their backs, and -slept soundly—no matter where they might be.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_222">222</div> -<p>The shops were all entered and robbed of their -wares, the Roly-Rogues wantonly destroying all that -they could not use. They were like ostriches in eating -anything that looked attractive to them; one of -the monsters swallowed several pretty glass beads, -and some of the more inquisitive of them invaded the -grocery-shops and satisfied their curiosity by tasting of -nearly everything in sight. It was funny to see their -wry faces when they sampled the salt and vinegar.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic64"> -<img src="images/i_222_0289.jpg" alt="" width="558" height="665" /> -<p class="caption">“STEPPING ASIDE, TELLYDEB AIMED A STRONG BLOW WITH HIS AX AT THE -BODY OF THE FIRST ROLY-ROUGE.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_223">223</div> -<p>Presently the entire city was under the dominion -of the Roly-Rogues, who forced the unhappy people -to wait upon them and amuse them; and if any hesitated -to obey their commands, the monsters would -bump against them, pull their hair, and make them -suffer most miserably.</p> -<p>Aunt Rivette was in her room at the top of the -palace when the Roly-Rogues invaded the city of -Nole. At first she was as much frightened as the -others; but she soon remembered she could escape -the creatures by flying; so she quietly watched them -from the windows. By and by, as they explored the -palace, they came to Aunt Rivette’s room and broke -in the door; but the old woman calmly stepped out -of her window upon a little iron balcony, spread her -great wings, and flew away before the Roly-Rogues -could catch her.</p> -<p>Then she soared calmly through the air, and having -remembered that Bud and Fluff had gone to the river -on a picnic, she flew swiftly in that direction and -before long came to where the children and old Tallydab -were eating their luncheon, while the dog Ruffles, -who was in good spirits, sang a comic song to -amuse them.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_224">224</div> -<p>They were much surprised to see Aunt Rivette -flying toward them; but when she alighted and told -Bud that his kingdom had been conquered by the -Roly-Rogues and all his people enslaved, the little -party was so astonished that they stared at one another -in speechless amazement.</p> -<p>“Oh, Bud, what shall we do?” finally asked Fluff, -in distress.</p> -<p>“Don’t know,” said Bud, struggling to swallow a -large piece of sandwich that in his excitement had -stuck fast in his throat.</p> -<p>“One thing is certain,” remarked Aunt Rivette, -helping herself to a slice of cake, “our happy lives -are now ruined forever. We should be foolish to -remain here; and the sooner we escape to some other -country where the Roly-Rogues cannot find us, the -safer we shall be.”</p> -<p>“But why run away?” asked Bud. “Can’t something -else be done? Here, Tallydab, you’re one -of my counselors. What do you say about this affair?”</p> -<p>Now the lord high steward was a deliberate old -fellow, and before he replied he dusted the crumbs -from his lap, filled and lighted his long pipe, and -smoked several whiffs in a thoughtful manner.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_225">225</div> -<p>“It strikes me,” said he at last, “that by means of -the Princess Fluff’s magic cloak we can either destroy -or scatter these rascally invaders and restore the kingdom -to peace and prosperity.”</p> -<div class="img" id="pic65"> -<img src="images/i_225_0290.jpg" alt="" width="757" height="523" /> -<p class="caption">“‘BUT WHERE’S THE CLOAK?’ ASKED THE DOG.”</p> -</div> -<p>“Sure enough!” replied Bud. “Why didn’t we -think of that before?”</p> -<p>“You will have to make the wish, Bud,” said Fluff, -“for all the rest of us have wished, and you have not -made yours yet.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_226">226</div> -<p>“All right,” answered the king. “If I must, I -must. But I’m sorry I have to do it now, for I was -saving my wish for something else.”</p> -<p>“But where’s the cloak?” asked the dog, rudely -breaking into the conversation. “You can’t wish -without the cloak.”</p> -<p>“The cloak is locked up in a drawer in my room -at the palace,” said Fluff.</p> -<p>“And our enemies have possession of the palace,” -continued Tallydab, gloomily. “Was there ever such -ill luck!”</p> -<p>“Never mind,” said Aunt Rivette, “I’ll fly back -and get it—that is, if the Roly-Rogues haven’t already -broken open the drawer and discovered the -cloak.”</p> -<p>“Please go at once, then!” exclaimed Fluff. “Here -is the key,” and she unfastened it from the chain at -her neck and handed it to her aunt. “But be careful, -whatever you do, that those horrible creatures do -not catch you.”</p> -<p>“I’m not afraid,” said Aunt Rivette, confidently. -And taking the key, the old lady at once flew away -in the direction of the city of Nole, promising to -return very soon.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_227">227</div> -<h2 id="c19"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter XIX.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE BRAVERY OF AUNT RIVETTE.</span></h2> -<p>The Roly-Rogues were so busy rioting that they -did not look into the air and discover Aunt Rivette -flying over the city. So she alighted, all unobserved, -upon a balcony of the palace, just outside the chamber -of the Princess Fluff, and succeeded in entering -the room.</p> -<p>The creatures had ransacked this apartment, as they -had every other part of the royal palace, and Fluff’s -pretty dresses and ornaments were strewn about in -dreadful confusion. But the drawer in which rested -the magic cloak was still locked, and in a few moments -the old woman had the precious garment in -her hands.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_228">228</div> -<p>It was, as we know, the imitation cloak Queen Zixi -had made and exchanged for the real one; but so -closely did it resemble the fairy cloak that Aunt Rivette -had no idea she was carrying a useless garment -back to her little niece and nephew. On the contrary, -she thought to herself: “Now we can quickly -dispose of these monstrous rogues and drive them -back to their own country.”</p> -<p>Hearing some one moving about in the next room, -she ran to the window and soon was flying away -with the cloak to the place where she had left Bud -and Fluff.</p> -<p>“Good!” cried the lord high steward, when he -saw the cloak. “Now we have nothing more to fear. -Put on your cloak, your Majesty, and make the wish.”</p> -<p>Bud threw the cloak over his shoulders.</p> -<p>“What shall I wish?” he asked.</p> -<p>“Let me see,” answered Tallydab. “What we -want is to get rid of these invaders. Wish them all -in the kingdom of Ix.”</p> -<p>“Oh, no!” cried Fluff; “it would be wicked to -injure Queen Zixi and her people. Let us wish the -Roly-Rogues back where they came from.”</p> -<p>“That would be folly!” said the dog Ruffles, with -an accent of scorn. “For they could easily return -again to our city of Nole, having once learned the -way there.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_229">229</div> -<p>“That is true,” agreed Aunt Rivette. “The safest -thing to do is to wish them all dead.”</p> -<p>“But it would be an awful job to bury so many -great balls,” objected Bud. “It would keep all our -people busy for a month, at least.”</p> -<p>“Why not wish them dead and buried?” asked -Ruffles. “Then they would be out of the way for -good and all.”</p> -<p>“A capital idea!” responded Tallydab.</p> -<p>“But I haven’t seen these curious creatures yet,” -said Bud; “and if I now wish them all dead and -buried, I shall never get a glimpse of one of them. -So let’s walk boldly into the city, and when they -appear to interfere with us I’ll make the wish and -the Roly-Rogues will instantly disappear.”</p> -<p>So the entire party returned to the city of Nole; -Bud and Fluff riding their ponies, Aunt Rivette fluttering -along beside them, and the lord high steward -walking behind with his dog.</p> -<p>The Roly-Rogues were so much surprised to see -this little party boldly entering the streets of the city, -and showing no particle of fear of them, that they at -first made no offer to molest them.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_230">230</div> -<p>Even when Bud roared with laughter at their queer -appearance, and called them “mud-turtles” and “foot-balls,” -they did not resent the insults; for they had -never heard of either a turtle or a foot-ball before.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic66"> -<img src="images/i_230_0404.jpg" alt="" width="727" height="573" /> -<p class="caption">“HE MADE OLD TULLYDUB, THE LORD COUNSELOR, ROCK HIM GENTLY AS HE LAY UPON HIS BACK.”</p> -</div> -<p>When the party had reached the palace and the -children had dismounted, Bud laughed yet louder; -for the gigantic General Tollydob came to the kitchen -door, wearing an apron while he polished a big -dish-pan, the Roly-Rogues having made him a -scullion.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_231">231</div> -<div class="img" id="pic67"> -<img src="images/i_231_0405.jpg" alt="" width="733" height="593" /> -<p class="caption">“JIKKI WAS SCRATCHING THE BACK OF ANOTHER ROLY-ROGUE.”</p> -</div> -<p>The ruler of the Roly-Rogues was suffering from -a toothache, so he had rolled himself into a ball and -made old Tullydub, the lord high counselor, rock him -gently as he lay upon his back, just as one would rock -a baby’s cradle.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_232">232</div> -<div class="img" id="pic68"> -<img src="images/i_232_0409.jpg" alt="" width="731" height="570" /> -<p class="caption">“THE LORD HIGH PURSE-BEARER WAS WAVING A FAN.”</p> -</div> -<p>Jikki was scratching the back of another Roly-Rogue -with a sharp garden-rake, while Jikki’s six -servants stood in a solemn row at his back. They -would do anything for Jikki, but they would not lift -a finger to serve any one else; so the old valet had -to do the scratching unaided.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_233">233</div> -<p>These six young men had proved a great puzzle -to the Roly-Rogues, for they found it impossible to -touch them or injure them in any way; so, after several -vain attempts to conquer them, they decided to -leave Jikki’s servants alone.</p> -<p>The lord high purse-bearer was waving a fan to -keep the flies off two of the slumbering monsters; -and the lord high executioner was feeding another -Roly-Rogue with soup from a great ladle, the creature -finding much amusement in being fed in this -manner.</p> -<p>King Bud, feeling sure of making all his enemies -disappear with a wish, found rare sport in watching -his periwigged counselors thus serving their captors; -so he laughed and made fun of them until the Roly-Rogue -ruler stuck his head out and commanded the -boy to run away.</p> -<p>“Why, you ugly rascal, I’m the King of Noland,” -replied Bud; “so you’d better show me proper -respect.”</p> -<p>With that he picked up a good-sized pebble and -threw it at the ruler. It struck him just over his -aching tooth, and with a roar of anger the Roly-Rogue -bounded toward Bud and his party.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_234">234</div> -<p>The assault was so sudden that they had much ado -to scramble out of the way; and as soon as Bud -could escape the rush of the huge ball, he turned -squarely around and shouted:</p> -<p>“I wish every one of the Roly-Rogues dead and -buried!”</p> -<div class="img" id="pic69"> -<img src="images/i_234_0410.jpg" alt="" width="552" height="633" /> -<p class="caption">“THE LORD HIGH EXECUTIONER WAS FEEDING ANOTHER ROLY-ROGUE WITH -SOUP FROM A GREAT LADLE.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_235">235</div> -<p>Hearing this and seeing that the king wore the -magic cloak, all the high counselors at once raised a -joyful shout, and Fluff and Bud gazed upon the Roly-Rogues -expectantly, thinking that of course they -would disappear.</p> -<p>But Zixi’s cloak had no magic powers whatever; -and now dozens of the Roly-Rogues, aroused to anger, -bounded toward Bud’s little party.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic70"> -<img src="images/i_235_0411.jpg" alt="" width="725" height="502" /> -<p class="caption">“THE LORD HIGH STEWARD AND HIS DOG WENT DOWN BEFORE THE RUSH.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_236">236</div> -<p>I am sure the result would have been terrible had -not Aunt Rivette suddenly come to the children’s -rescue. She threw one lean arm around Bud and -the other around Fluff, and then, quickly fluttering -her wings, she flew with them to the roof of the palace, -which they reached in safety.</p> -<p>The lord high steward and his dog went down -before the rush, and the next moment old Tallydab -was crying loudly for mercy, while Ruffles limped -away to a safe spot beneath a bench under an apple-tree, -howling at every step and shouting angry epithets -at the Roly-Rogues.</p> -<p>“I wonder what’s the matter with the cloak,” gasped -Bud. “The old thing’s a fraud; it didn’t work.”</p> -<p>“Something went wrong, that’s certain,” replied -Fluff. “You’re sure you hadn’t wished before, -aren’t you?”</p> -<p>“Yes, I’m sure,” said Bud.</p> -<p>“Perhaps,” said Aunt Rivette, “the fairies have no -power over these horrible creatures.”</p> -<p>“That must be it, of course,” said the princess. -“But what shall we do now? Our country is entirely -conquered by these monsters; so it isn’t a safe -place for us to stay in.”</p> -<p>“I believe I can carry you anywhere you’d like to -go,” said Aunt Rivette. “You’re not so very heavy.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_237">237</div> -<div class="img" id="pic71"> -<img src="images/i_237_0407.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="986" /> -<p class="caption">“‘I’LL SOON CARRY YOU OVER THE MOUNTAIN AND THE RIVER -INTO THE KINGDOM OF IX.’”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_239">239</div> -<p>“Suppose we go to Queen Zixi, and ask her to -protect us?” the princess suggested.</p> -<p>“That’s all right, if she doesn’t bear us a grudge. -You know we knocked out her whole army,” remarked -Bud.</p> -<p>“Quavo the minstrel says she is very beautiful, -and kind to her people,” said the girl.</p> -<p>“Well, there’s no one else we can trust,” Bud answered -gloomily; “so we may as well try Zixi. But -if you drop either of us on the way, Aunt Rivette, -I’ll have to call in the lord high executioner.”</p> -<p>“Never fear,” replied the old woman. “If I drop -you, you’ll never know what has happened. So each -one of you put an arm around my neck, and cling -tight, and I’ll soon carry you over the mountain and -the river into the kingdom of Ix.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_240">240</div> -<h2 id="c20"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter XX.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">IN THE PALACE OF THE WITCH-QUEEN.</span></h2> -<p>Bud and Fluff were surprised at the magnificence -of the city of Ix. The witch-queen had reigned there -so many centuries that she found plenty of time to -carry out her ideas; and the gardens, shrubbery, and -buildings were beautifully planned and cared for.</p> -<p>The splendid palace of the queen was in the center -of a delightful park, with white marble walks leading -up to the front door.</p> -<p>Aunt Rivette landed the children at the entrance -to this royal park, and they walked slowly toward -the palace, admiring the gleaming white statues, the -fountains and flowers, as they went.</p> -<p>It was beginning to grow dusk, and the lights were -gleaming in the palace window when they reached -it. Dozens of liveried servants were standing near -the entrance, and some of these escorted the strangers -with much courtesy to a reception room. There a -gray-haired master of ceremonies met them and asked -in what way he might serve them.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_241">241</div> -<p>This politeness almost took Bud’s breath away, -for he had considered Queen Zixi in the light of an -enemy rather than a friend; but he decided not to -sail under false colors, so he drew himself up in royal -fashion and answered:</p> -<p>“I am King Bud of Noland, and this is my sister, -Princess Fluff, and my Aunt Rivette. My kingdom -has been conquered by a horde of monsters, and I -have come to the Queen of Ix to ask her assistance.”</p> -<p>The master of ceremonies bowed low and said:</p> -<p>“I’m sure Queen Zixi will be glad to assist your -Majesty. Permit me to escort you to rooms, that -you may prepare for an interview with her as soon -a she can receive you.”</p> -<p>So they were led to luxurious chambers, and were -supplied with perfumed baths and clean raiment, -which proved very refreshing after their tedious journey -through the air.</p> -<p>It was now evening; and when they were ushered -into the queen’s reception-room the palace was brilliantly -lighted.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_242">242</div> -<p>Zixi, since her great disappointment in the lilac-grove, -had decided that her longing to behold a beautiful -reflection in her mirror was both impossible and -foolish; so she had driven the desire from her heart -and devoted herself to ruling her kingdom wisely, as -she had ruled before the idea of stealing the magic -cloak had taken possession of her. And when her -mind was in normal condition the witch-queen was -very sweet and agreeable in disposition.</p> -<p>So Queen Zixi greeted Bud and his sister and -aunt with great kindness, kissing Fluff affectionately -upon her cheek and giving her own hand to Bud to -kiss.</p> -<p>It is not strange that the children considered her -the most beautiful person they had ever beheld; and -to them she was as gentle as beautiful, listening with -much interest to their tale of the invasion of the Roly-Rogues, -and promising to assist them by every means -in her power.</p> -<p>This made Bud somewhat ashamed of his past enmity; -so he said bluntly: “I am sorry we defeated -your army and made them run.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_244">244</div> -<div class="img" id="pic72"> -<img src="images/i_244_0386.jpg" alt="" width="729" height="996" /> -<p class="caption">“QUEEN ZIXI GREETED BUD AND HIS SISTER AND AUNT -WITH GREAT KINDNESS.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_245">245</div> -<p>“Why, that was the only thing you could do, when -I had invaded your dominion,” answered Zixi. “I -admit that you were in the right, and that I deserved -my defeat.”</p> -<p>“But why did you try to conquer us?” asked Fluff.</p> -<p>“Because I wanted to secure the magic cloak, of -which I had heard so much,” returned the queen, -frankly.</p> -<p>“Oh!” said the girl.</p> -<p>“But, of course, you understand that if I had known -the magic cloak could not grant any more wishes, I -would not have been so eager to secure it,” continued -Zixi.</p> -<p>“No,” said Bud; “the old thing won’t work any -more; and we nearly got captured by the Roly-Rogues -before we found it out.”</p> -<p>“Oh, have you the cloak again?” asked Zixi, with -a look of astonishment.</p> -<p>“Yes, indeed,” returned the princess; “it was locked -up in my drawer, and Aunt Rivette managed to get -it for me before the Roly-Rogues could find it.”</p> -<p>“Locked in your drawer?” repeated the witch-queen, -musingly. “Then, I am sorry to say, you -have not the fairy cloak at all, but the imitation one.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_246">246</div> -<p>“What do you mean?” asked Fluff, greatly surprised.</p> -<p>“Why, I must make a confession,” said Zixi, with -a laugh. “I tried many ways to steal your magic -cloak. First, I came to Nole as ‘Miss Trust.’ Do -you remember?”</p> -<p>“Oh, yes!” cried Fluff; “and I mistrusted you -from the first.”</p> -<p>“And then I sent my army to capture the cloak. -But, when both of these plans failed, I disguised myself -as the girl Adlena.”</p> -<p>“Adlena!” exclaimed the princess. “Why, I’ve -often wondered what became of my maid Adlena, -and why she left me so suddenly and mysteriously.”</p> -<p>“Well, she exchanged an imitation cloak for the -one the fairies had given you,” said Zixi, with a smile. -“And then she ran away with the precious garment, -leaving in your drawer a cloak that resembled the -magic garment but had no magical charms.”</p> -<p>“How dreadful!” said Fluff.</p> -<p>“But it did me no good,” went on the queen, sadly; -“for when I made a wish the cloak could not grant it.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_247">247</div> -<p>“Because it was stolen!” cried the girl, eagerly. -“The fairy who gave it to me said that if the cloak -was stolen it would never grant a wish to the thief.”</p> -<p>“Oh,” said Zixi, astonished, “I did not know that.”</p> -<p>“Of course not,” Fluff replied, with a rather triumphant -smile. “But if you had only come to me -and told me frankly that you wanted to use the cloak, -I would gladly have lent it to you, and then you could -have had your wish.”</p> -<p>“Well, well!” said Zixi, much provoked with herself. -“To think I have been so wicked all for nothing, -when I might have succeeded without the least -trouble had I frankly asked for what I wanted!”</p> -<p>“But—see here!” said Bud, beginning to understand -the tangle of events; “I must have worn the -imitation cloak when I made my wish, and that was -the reason that my wish didn’t come true.”</p> -<p>“To be sure,” rejoined Fluff. “And so it is nothing -but the imitation cloak we have brought here.”</p> -<p>“No wonder it would not destroy and bury the -Roly-Rogues!” declared the boy, sulkily. “But if this -is the imitation, where, then, is the real magic cloak?”</p> -<p>“Why, I believe I left it in the lilac-grove,” replied -Zixi.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_248">248</div> -<p>“Then we must find it at once,” said Bud; “for -only by its aid can we get rid of those Roly-Rogues.”</p> -<p>“And afterward I will gladly lend it to you also; -I promise now to lend it to you,” said Fluff, turning -to the queen; “and your wish will be fulfilled, after -all—whatever it may be.”</p> -<div class="img" id="pic73"> -<img src="images/i_248_0412.jpg" alt="" width="725" height="488" /> -<p class="caption">“‘BECAUSE IT WAS STOLEN!’ CRIED THE GIRL, EAGERLY.”</p> -</div> -<p>This expression of kindness and good will brought -great joy to Zixi, and she seized the generous child -in her arms and kissed her with real gratitude.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_249">249</div> -<p>“We will start for the lilac-grove to-morrow morning,” -she exclaimed delightedly; “and before night -both King Bud and I will have our wishes fulfilled!”</p> -<p>Then the witch-queen led them to her royal banquet-hall, -where a most delightful dinner was served. -And all the courtiers and officers of Zixi bowed low, -first before the King of Noland and then before his -sweet little sister, and promised them the friendship -of the entire kingdom of Ix.</p> -<p>Quavo the wandering minstrel chanced to be present -that evening, and he sang a complimentary song -about King Bud; and a wonderful song about the -“Flying Lady,” meaning Aunt Rivette; and a beautiful -song about the lovely Princess Fluff.</p> -<p>So every one was happy and contented, as they -all looked forward to the morrow to regain the magic -cloak, and by its means to bring an end to all their -worries.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_250">250</div> -<div class="img" id="pic74"> -<img src="images/i_250_0523.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="565" /> -<p class="caption">“‘NO, INDEED,’ ANSWERED THE GRAY OWL. ‘I BELIEVE I AM SAFER IN A TREE.’”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_251">251</div> -<h2 id="c21"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter XXI.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE SEARCH FOR THE MAGIC CLOAK.</span></h2> -<p>The sun had scarcely risen next morning when our -friends left the city of Ix in search of the magic cloak. -All were mounted on strong horses, with a dozen soldiers -riding behind to protect them from harm, while -the royal steward of the witch-queen followed with -two donkeys laden with hampers of provisions from -which to feed the travelers on their way.</p> -<p>It was a long journey to the wide river, but they -finally reached it, and engaged the ferryman to take -them across. The ferryman did not like to visit the -other shore, which was in the kingdom of Noland; -for several of the Roly-Rogues had already been seen -upon the mountain-top. But the guard of soldiers -reassured the man; so he rowed his big boat across -with the entire party, and set them safely on the -shore. The ferryman’s little daughter was in the -boat, but she was not sobbing to-day. On the contrary, -her face was all smiles.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_252">252</div> -<p>“Do you not still wish to be a man?” asked Zixi, -patting the child’s head.</p> -<p>“No, indeed!” answered the little maid. “For I -have discovered all men must work very hard to support -their wives and children, and to buy them food and -raiment. So I have changed my mind about becoming -a man, especially as that would be impossible.”</p> -<p>It was not far from the ferry to the grove of lilacs, -and as they rode along Zixi saw the gray owl sitting -contentedly in a tree and pruning its feathers.</p> -<p>“Are you no longer wailing because you cannot -swim in the river?” asked the witch-queen, speaking -in the owl language.</p> -<p>“No, indeed,” answered the gray owl. “For, as I -watched a fish swimming in the water, a man caught -it on a sharp hook, and the fish was killed. I believe -I’m safer in a tree.”</p> -<p>“I believe so, too,” said Zixi, and rode along more -thoughtfully; for she remembered her own desire, -and wondered if it would also prove foolish.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_253">253</div> -<p>Just as they left the river-bank she noticed the -old alligator sunning himself happily upon the bank.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic75"> -<img src="images/i_253_0524.jpg" alt="" width="736" height="552" /> -<p class="caption">“‘OF COURSE,’ ANSWERED THE ALLIGATOR, OPENING ONE EYE TO OBSERVE HIS QUESTIONER.”</p> -</div> -<p>“Have you ceased weeping because you cannot -climb a tree?” asked the witch-queen.</p> -<p>“Of course,” answered the alligator, opening one -eye to observe his questioner. “For a boy climbed -a tree near me yesterday and fell out of it and broke -his leg. It is quite foolish to climb trees. I’m sure -I am safer in the water.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_254">254</div> -<p>Zixi made no reply, but she agreed with the alligator, -who called after her sleepily:</p> -<p>“Isn’t it fortunate we cannot have everything we -are stupid enough to wish for?”</p> -<p>Shortly afterward they left the river-bank and approached -the lilac-grove, the witch-queen riding first -through the trees to show the place where she had -dropped the magic cloak. She knew it was near the -little spring where she had gazed at her reflection in -the water; but, although they searched over every -inch of ground, they could discover no trace of the -lost cloak.</p> -<p>“It is really too bad!” exclaimed Zixi, with vexation. -“Some one must have come through the grove -and taken the cloak away.”</p> -<p>“But we must find it,” said Bud, earnestly; “for -otherwise I shall not be able to rescue my people -from the Roly-Rogues.”</p> -<p>“Let us inquire of every one we meet if they have -seen the cloak,” suggested Princess Fluff. “In that -way we may discover who has taken it.”</p> -<p>So they made a camp on the edge of the grove, -and for two days they stopped and questioned all who -passed that way. But none had ever seen or heard -of a cloak like that described.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_256">256</div> -<div class="img" id="pic76"> -<img src="images/i_256_0506.jpg" alt="" width="725" height="981" /> -<p class="caption">“‘WE HAVE LOST A BEAUTIFUL CLOAK IN THE LILAC-GROVE,’ -SAID QUEEN ZIXI TO THE SHEPHERD.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_257">257</div> -<p>Finally an old shepherd came along, hobbling painfully -after a flock of five sheep; for he suffered much -from rheumatism.</p> -<p>“We have lost a beautiful cloak in the lilac-grove,” -said Zixi to the shepherd.</p> -<p>“When did you lose it?” asked the old man, pausing -to lean upon his stick.</p> -<p>“Several days ago,” returned the queen. “It was -bright as the rainbow, and woven with threads finer -than—”</p> -<p>“I know, I know!” interrupted the shepherd, “for -I myself found it lying upon the ground beneath the -lilac-trees.”</p> -<p>“Hurrah!” cried Bud, gleefully; “at last we have -found it!” And all the others were fully as delighted -as he was.</p> -<p>“But where have you put the cloak?” inquired -Zixi.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_258">258</div> -<p>“Why, I gave it to Dame Dingle, who lives under -the hill yonder,” replied the man, pointing far away -over the fields; “and she gave me in exchange some -medicine for my rheumatism, which has made the -pain considerably worse. So to-day I threw the -bottle into the river.”</p> -<p>They did not pause to listen further to the shepherd’s -talk, for all were now intent on reaching the -cottage of Dame Dingle.</p> -<p>So the soldiers saddled the horses, and in a few -minutes they were galloping away toward the hill. -It was a long ride, over rough ground; but finally -they came near the hill and saw a tiny, tumbledown -cottage just at its foot.</p> -<p>Hastily dismounting, Bud, Fluff, and the queen -rushed into the cottage, where a wrinkled old woman -was bent nearly double over a crazy-quilt upon which -she was sewing patches.</p> -<p>“Where is the cloak?” cried the three, in a breath.</p> -<p>The woman did not raise her head, but counted -her stitches in a slow, monotonous tone.</p> -<p>“Sixteen—seventeen—eighteen—”</p> -<p>“Where is the magic cloak?” demanded Zixi, -stamping her foot impatiently.</p> -<p>“Nineteen—” said Dame Dingle, slowly. “There! -I’ve broken my needle!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_259">259</div> -<p>“Answer us at once!” commanded Bud, sternly. -“Where is the magic cloak?”</p> -<p>The woman paid no attention to him whatever. -She carefully selected a new needle, threaded it after -several attempts, and began anew to stitch the patch.</p> -<p>“Twenty!” she mumbled in a low voice; “twenty-one—”</p> -<p>But now Zixi snatched the work from her hands -and exclaimed;</p> -<p>“If you do not answer at once I will give you a -good beating!”</p> -<p>“That is all right,” said the dame, looking up at -them through her spectacles; “the patches take -twenty-one stitches on each side, and if I lose my -count I get mixed up. But it’s all right now. What -do you want?”</p> -<p>“The cloak the old shepherd gave you,” replied the -queen, sharply.</p> -<p>“The pretty cloak with the bright colors?” asked -the dame, calmly.</p> -<p>“Yes! Yes!” answered the three, excitedly.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_260">260</div> -<p>“Why, that very patch I was sewing was cut from -that cloak,” said Dame Dingle. “Isn’t it lovely? -And it brightens the rest of the crazy-quilt beautifully.”</p> -<p>“Do you mean that you have cut up my magic -cloak?” asked Fluff, in amazement, while the others -were too horrified to speak.</p> -<p>“Certainly,” said the woman. “The cloak was too -fine for me to wear, and I needed something bright -in my crazy-quilt. So I cut up half of the cloak and -made patches of it.”</p> -<p>The witch-queen gave a gasp, and sat down suddenly -upon a rickety bench. Princess Fluff walked -to the door and stood looking out, that the others -might not see the tears of disappointment in her eyes. -Bud alone stood scowling in front of the old dame, -and presently he said to her, in a harsh tone:</p> -<p>“You ought to be smothered with your own crazy-quilt -for daring to cut up the fairy cloak!”</p> -<p>“The fairy cloak!” echoed Dame Dingle. “What -do you mean?”</p> -<p>“That cloak was a gift to my sister from the fairies,” -said Bud; “and it had a magic charm. Aren’t you -afraid the fairies will punish you for what you have -done?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_261">261</div> -<div class="img" id="pic77"> -<img src="images/i_261_0526.jpg" alt="" width="693" height="724" /> -<p class="caption">“‘WHERE IS THE CLOAK?’ CRIED THE THREE, IN A BREATH.”</p> -</div> -<p>Dame Dingle was greatly disturbed.</p> -<p>“How could I know it?” she asked, anxiously; -“how could I know it was a magic cloak that old Edi -gave to me?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_262">262</div> -<p>“Well, it was; and woven by the fairies themselves,” -retorted the boy. “And a whole nation is -in danger because you have wickedly cut it up.”</p> -<p>Dame Dingle tried to cry, to show that she was -sorry and so escape punishment. She put her apron -over her face, and rocked herself back and forth, and -made an attempt to squeeze a tear out of her eyes.</p> -<p>Suddenly Zixi jumped up.</p> -<p>“Why, it isn’t so bad, after all!” she exclaimed. -“We can sew the cloak together again.”</p> -<p>“Of course!” said Fluff, coming from the doorway. -“Why didn’t we think of that at once?”</p> -<p>“Where is the rest of the cloak?” demanded Zixi.</p> -<p>Dame Dingle went to a chest and drew forth the -half of the cloak that had not been cut up. There -was no doubt about its being the magic cloak. The -golden thread Queen Lulea had woven could be seen -plainly in the web, and the brilliant colors were as -fresh and lovely as ever. But the flowing skirt of -the cloak had been ruthlessly hacked by Dame Dingle’s -shears, and presented a sorry plight.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_263">263</div> -<p>“Get us the patches you have cut!” commanded -Zixi; and without a word the dame drew from her -basket five small squares and then ripped from the -crazy-quilt the one she had just sewn on.</p> -<p>“But this isn’t enough,” said Fluff, when she had -spread the cloak upon the floor and matched the -pieces. “Where is the rest of the cloak?”</p> -<p>“Why,—why—” stammered Dame Dingle, with -hesitation, “I gave them away.”</p> -<p>“Gave them away! Who got them?” said Bud.</p> -<p>“Why,—some friends of mine were here from the -village last evening, and we traded patches, so each -of us would have a variety for our crazy-quilts.”</p> -<p>“Well?”</p> -<p>“And I gave each of them one of the patches from -the pretty cloak.”</p> -<p>“Well, you <i>are</i> a ninny!” declared Bud, scornfully.</p> -<p>“Yes, your Majesty; I believe I am,” answered -Dame Dingle, meekly.</p> -<p>“We must go to the village and gather up those -pieces,” said Zixi. “Can you tell us the names of -your friends?” she asked the woman.</p> -<p>“Of course,” responded Dame Dingle; “they were -Nancy Nink, Betsy Barx, Sally Sog, Molly Mitt, and -Lucy Lum.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_264">264</div> -<p>“Before we go to the village let us make Dame -Dingle sew these portions of the cloak together,” suggested -Fluff.</p> -<p>The dame was glad enough to do this, and she -threaded her needle at once. So deft and fine was -her needlework that she mended the cloak most beautifully, -so that from a short distance away no one -could discover that the cloak had been darned. But -a great square was still missing from the front, and -our friends were now eager to hasten to the village.</p> -<p>“This will cause us some delay,” said the witch-queen, -more cheerfully; “but the cloak will soon be -complete again, and then we can have our wishes.”</p> -<p>Fluff took the precious cloak over her arm, and -then they all mounted their horses and rode away -toward the village, which Dame Dingle pointed out -from her doorway. Zixi was sorry for the old creature, -who had been more foolish than wicked; and -the witch-queen left a bright gold piece in the woman’s -hand when she bade her good-by, which was worth -more to Dame Dingle than three pretty cloaks.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_265">265</div> -<p>The ground was boggy and uneven, so they were -forced to ride slowly to the little village; but they -arrived there at last, and began hunting for the old -women who had received pieces of the magic cloak. -They were easily found, and all seemed willing enough -to give up their patches when the importance of the -matter was explained to them.</p> -<p>At the witch-queen’s suggestion, each woman fitted -her patch to the cloak and sewed it on very neatly; -but Lucy Lum, the last of the five, said to them:</p> -<p>“This is only half of the patch Dame Dingle gave -me. The other part I gave to the miller’s wife down -in the valley where the river bends. But I am sure -she will be glad to let you have it. See—it only -requires that small piece to complete the cloak and -make it as good as new.”</p> -<p>It was true—the magic cloak, except for a small -square at the bottom, was now complete; and such -skillful needlewomen were these crazy-quilt makers -that it was difficult to tell where it had been cut and -afterward mended.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_266">266</div> -<p>But the miller’s wife must now be seen; so they -all mounted the horses again, except Aunt Rivette, -who grumbled that so much riding made her bones -rattle and that she preferred to fly. Which she did, -frightening the horses to such an extent with her -wings that Bud made her keep well in advance of -them.</p> -<p>They were all in good spirits now, for soon the -magic cloak, almost as good as new, would be again -in their possession; and Fluff and Bud had been -greatly worried over the fate of their friends who had -been left to the mercy of the terrible Roly-Rogues.</p> -<p>The path ran in a zigzag direction down into the -valley; but at length it led the party to the mill, -where old Rivette was found sitting in the doorway -awaiting them.</p> -<p>The miller’s wife, when summoned, came to them -drying her hands on her apron, for she had been -washing the dishes.</p> -<p>“We want to get the bright-colored patch Lucy -Lum gave you,” explained Fluff; “for it was part of -my magic cloak, which the fairies gave to me, and -this is the place where it must be sewn to complete -the garment.” And she showed the woman the cloak, -with the square missing.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_267">267</div> -<p>“I see,” said the miller’s wife, nodding her head; -“and I am very sorry I cannot give you the piece to -complete your cloak. But the fact is, I considered -it too pretty for my crazy-quilt, so I gave it to my son -for a necktie.”</p> -<div class="img" id="pic78"> -<img src="images/i_267_0527.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="562" /> -<p class="caption">“‘AND WHERE IS YOUR SON?’ DEMANDED ZIXI.”</p> -</div> -<p>“And where is your son?” demanded Zixi.</p> -<p>“Oh, he is gone to sea, for he is a sailor. By this -time he is far away upon the ocean.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_268">268</div> -<p>Bud, Fluff, and the witch-queen looked at one another -in despair. This seemed, indeed, to destroy all -their hopes; for the one portion of the cloak that they -needed was far beyond their reach.</p> -<p>Nothing remained but for them to return to Zixi’s -palace and await the time when the miller’s son should -return from his voyage. But before they went the -queen said to the woman:</p> -<p>“When he returns you may tell your son that if he -will bring to me the necktie you gave him, I will give -him in return fifty gold pieces.”</p> -<p>“And I will give him fifty more,” said Bud, -promptly.</p> -<p>“And I will give him enough ribbon to make fifty -neckties,” added Fluff.</p> -<p>The miller’s wife was delighted at the prospect.</p> -<p>“Thank you! Thank you!” she exclaimed. “My -boy’s fortune is made. He can now marry Imogene -Gubb and settle down on a farm, and give up the sea -forever! And his neckties will be the envy of all the -men in the country. As soon as he returns I will -send him to you with the bit of the cloak which you -need.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_269">269</div> -<p>But Zixi was so anxious that nothing might happen -to prevent the miller’s son from returning the -necktie, that she left two of her soldiers at the mill, -with instructions to bring the man to her palace the -instant he returned home.</p> -<p>As they rode away they were all very despondent -over the ill luck of their journey.</p> -<p>“He may be drowned at sea,” said Bud.</p> -<p>“Or he may lose the necktie on the voyage,” said -Fluff.</p> -<p>“Oh, a thousand things <i>might</i> happen,” returned -the queen; “but we need not make ourselves unhappy -imagining them. Let us hope the miller’s son will -soon return and restore to us the missing patch.” -Which showed that Zixi had not lived six hundred -and eighty-three years without gaining some wisdom.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_270">270</div> -<div class="img" id="pic79"> -<img src="images/i_270_0528.jpg" alt="" width="693" height="641" /> -<p class="caption">“QUEEN ZIXI TIED THE SILVER VIAL TO THE DOG’S NECK.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_271">271</div> -<h2 id="c22"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter XXII.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">RUFFLES CARRIES THE SILVER VIAL.</span></h2> -<p>When they were back at the witch-queen’s palace -in the city of Ix, the queen insisted that Bud and -Fluff, with their Aunt Rivette, should remain her -guests until the cloak could be restored to its former -complete state. And, for fear something else might -happen to the precious garment, a silver chest was -placed in Princess Fluff’s room and the magic cloak -safely locked therein, the key being carried upon the -chain around the girl’s neck.</p> -<p>But their plans to wait patiently were soon interfered -with by the arrival at Zixi’s court of the talking -dog, Ruffles, which had with much difficulty escaped -from the Roly-Rogues.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_272">272</div> -<p>Ruffles brought to them so sad and harrowing a -tale of the sufferings of the five high counselors and -all the people of Noland at the hands of the fierce -Roly-Rogues, that Princess Fluff wept bitterly for -her friends, and Bud became so cross and disagreeable -that even Zixi was provoked with him.</p> -<p>“Something really must be done,” declared the -queen. “I’ll brew a magical mess in my witch-kettle -to-night, and see if I can find a way to destroy those -detestable Roly-Rogues.”</p> -<p>Indeed, she feared the creatures would some day -find their way into Ix; so when all the rest of those -in the palace were sound asleep, Zixi worked her -magic spell, and from the imps she summoned she -obtained advice how to act in order to get rid of the -Roly-Rogues.</p> -<p>Next morning she questioned Ruffles carefully.</p> -<p>“What do the Roly-Rogues eat?” she asked.</p> -<p>“Everything,” said the dog; “for they have no -judgment, and consume buttons and hairpins as -eagerly as they do food. But there is one thing they -are really fond of, and that is soup. They oblige old -Tollydob, the lord high general, who works in the -palace kitchen, to make them a kettle of soup every -morning; and this they all eat as if they were half -starving.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_273">273</div> -<p>“Very good!” exclaimed the witch-queen, with -pleasure. “I think I see a way of ridding all Noland -of these monsters. Here is a Silver Vial filled -with a magic liquid. I will tie it around your neck, -and you must return to the city of Nole and carry -the vial to Tollydob, the lord high general. Tell him -that on Thursday morning, when he makes the kettle -of soup, he must put the contents of the vial into the -compound. But let no one taste it afterward except -the Roly-Rogues.”</p> -<p>“And what then?” asked Ruffles, curiously.</p> -<p>“Then I will myself take charge of the monsters; -and I have reason to believe the good citizens of Noland -will no longer find themselves slaves.”</p> -<p>“All right,” said the dog. “I will do as you bid -me; for I long to free my master and have revenge -on the Roly-Rogues.”</p> -<p>So Queen Zixi tied the Silver Vial to the dog’s -neck by means of a broad ribbon, and he started at -once to return to Nole.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_274">274</div> -<p>And when he had gone, the queen summoned all -her generals and bade them assemble the entire army -and prepare to march into Noland again. Only this -time, instead of being at enmity with the people of -Noland, the army of Ix was to march to their relief; -and instead of bearing swords and spears, each man -bore a coil of strong rope.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic80"> -<img src="images/i_274_0530.jpg" alt="" width="758" height="507" /> -<p class="caption">“HE STARTED AT ONCE TO RETURN TO NOLE.”</p> -</div> -<p>“For,” said Zixi, “swords and spears are useless -where the Roly-Rogues are concerned, as nothing -can pierce their tough, rubber-like bodies. And more -nations have been conquered by cunning than by -force of arms.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_275">275</div> -<p>Bud and Fluff, not knowing what the witch-queen -meant to do, were much disturbed by these preparations -to march upon the Roly-Rogues. The monsters -had terrified them so greatly that they dreaded -to meet with them again, and Bud declared that the -safest plan was to remain in Zixi’s kingdom and await -the coming of the miller’s son with the necktie.</p> -<p>“But,” remonstrated Zixi, “in the meantime your -people are suffering terribly.”</p> -<p>“I know,” said Bud; “and it nearly drives me -frantic to think of it But they will be no better off -if we try to fight the Roly-Rogues and are ourselves -made slaves.”</p> -<p>“Why not try the magic cloak as it is,” suggested -the princess, “and see if it won’t grant wishes -as before? There’s only a small piece missing, and -it may not make any difference with the power the -fairies gave to it.”</p> -<p>“Hooray!” shouted Bud. “That’s a good idea. -It’s a magic cloak just the same, even if there is a -chunk cut out of it.”</p> -<p>Zixi agreed that it was worth a trial, so the cloak -was taken from the silver casket and brought into the -queen’s reception-room.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_276">276</div> -<p>“Let us try it on one of your maids of honor, first,” -said Fluff; “and, if it grants her wish, we will know -the cloak has lost none of its magic powers. Then -you and Bud may both make your wishes.”</p> -<p>“Very well,” returned the queen, and she summoned -one of her maids.</p> -<p>“I am going to lend you my cloak,” said the princess -to the maid; “and while you wear it you must -make a wish.”</p> -<p>She threw the cloak over the girl’s shoulders, and -after a moment’s thought the maid said:</p> -<p>“I wish for a bushel of candies.”</p> -<p>“Fudge!” said Bud, scornfully.</p> -<p>“No; all kinds of candies,” answered the maid of -honor. But, although they watched her intently, the -wish failed absolutely, for no bushel of candies appeared -in sight.</p> -<p>“Let us try it again,” suggested Fluff, while the -others wore disappointed expressions. “It was a -foolish wish, anyhow; and perhaps the fairies did -not care to grant it.”</p> -<p>So another maid was called and given the cloak -to wear.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_277">277</div> -<div class="img" id="pic81"> -<img src="images/i_277_0529.jpg" alt="" width="694" height="738" /> -<p class="caption">“‘AND MAY I WISH FOR ANYTHING I DESIRE?’ SHE ASKED EAGERLY.”</p> -</div> -<p>“And may I wish for anything I desire?” she -asked eagerly.</p> -<p>“Of course,” answered the princess; “but, as you can -have but one wish, you must choose something sensible.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_278">278</div> -<p>“Oh, I will!” declared the maid. “I wish I had -yellow hair and blue eyes.”</p> -<p>“Why did you wish that?” asked Fluff, angrily, -for the girl had pretty brown hair and eyes.</p> -<p>“Because the young man I am going to marry -says he likes blondes better than brunettes,” answered -the maid, blushing.</p> -<p>But her hair did not change its color, for all the -wish; and the maid said, with evident disappointment:</p> -<p>“Your magic cloak seems to be a fraud.”</p> -<p>“It does not grant foolish wishes,” returned the -princess, as she dismissed her.</p> -<p>When the maid had gone Zixi asked:</p> -<p>“Well, are you satisfied?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” acknowledged Fluff. “The cloak will not -grant wishes unless it is complete. We must wait -for the sailorman’s necktie.”</p> -<p>“Then my army shall march to-morrow morning,” -said the queen, and she went away to give the order -to her generals.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_279">279</div> -<h2 id="c23"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter XXIII.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE DESTRUCTION OF THE MONSTERS.</span></h2> -<p>It was Tuesday when the army of Ix started upon -its second march into Noland. With it were the -witch-queen, King Bud, Princess Fluff, and Aunt -Rivette. At evening they encamped on the bank -of the river, and on Wednesday the army was ferried -across, and marched up the side of the mountain that -separated them from the valley of Noland. By night -they had reached the summit of the mountain; but -they did not mount upon the ridge, for fear they might -be seen by the Roly-Rogues.</p> -<p>Zixi commanded them all to remain quietly behind -the ridge, and they lighted no fires and spoke only -in whispers.</p> -<p>And, although so many thousands of men lay close -to the valley of Noland, not a sound came from them -to warn the monsters that an enemy was near.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_280">280</div> -<p>Thursday morning dawned bright and pleasant, -and as soon as the sun was up the Roly-Rogues -came crowding around the palace kitchen, demanding -that old Tollydob hurry the preparation of their soup.</p> -<p>This the general did, trembling in spite of his ten -feet of stature; for if they were kept waiting the monsters -were liable to prod his flesh with their thorns.</p> -<p>But Tollydob did not forget to empty the contents -of the Silver Vial into the soup, as the dog Ruffles -had told him to do; and soon it was being ladled out -to the Roly-Rogues by Jikki, the four high counselors, -and a dozen other enslaved officers of King Bud.</p> -<p>And the dog Ruffles ran through the city, crying to -every Roly-Rogue he met: “Hurry and get your soup -before it is gone. It is especially good this morning!”</p> -<p>So every Roly-Rogue in the valley hurried to the -palace kitchen for soup; and there were so many that -it was noon before the last were served, while these -became so impatient that they abused their slaves in -a sad manner.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_281">281</div> -<p>Yet, even while the last were eating, those who -had earlier partaken of the soup lay around the palace -sound asleep and snoring loudly; for the contents -of the Silver Vial had the effect of sending all of them -to sleep within an hour, and rendering them wholly -unconscious for a period of ten hours.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic82"> -<img src="images/i_281_0641.jpg" alt="" width="699" height="753" /> -<p class="caption">“AND THE DOG RUFFLES RAN THROUGH THE CITY, CRYING TO EVERY ROLY-ROGUE HE MET: -‘HURRY AND GET YOUR SOUP.’”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_282">282</div> -<p>All through the city the Roly-Rogues lay asleep; -and, as they always withdrew their heads and limbs -into their bodies when they slumbered, they presented a -spectacle of thousands of huge balls lying motionless.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic83"> -<img src="images/i_282_0642.jpg" alt="" width="705" height="788" /> -<p class="caption">“ALL THROUGH THE CITY THE ROLY-ROGUES LAY ASLEEP.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_283">283</div> -<p>When the big kettle was finally empty and the lord -high general paused to wipe the perspiration from his -brow, the last of the Roly-Rogues were rolling over -on their backs from the effects of the potion which -the witch-queen brewed and placed in the Silver Vial.</p> -<p>Aunt Rivette had been flying over the city since -early morning; and although the Roly-Rogues had -been too intent upon their breakfast to notice her, the -old woman’s sharp eyes had watched everything that -took place below.</p> -<p>Now, when all the monsters had succumbed to the -witch-potion, Aunt Rivette flew back to the mountain -where the army of Ix was hidden, and carried -the news to the witch-queen.</p> -<p>Zixi at once ordered her generals to advance, and -the entire army quickly mounted the summit of the -ridge and ran down the side of the mountain to the -gates of the city.</p> -<p>The people, who saw that something unusual was -taking place, greeted Bud and Fluff and the witch-queen -with shouts of gladness; and even Aunt Rivette, -when she flew down among them, was given -three hearty cheers.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_284">284</div> -<p>But there was no time for joyous demonstrations -while the streets and public squares were cluttered -with the sleeping bodies of the terrible Roly-Rogues. -The army of Ix lost no time in carrying out their -queen’s instructions; and as soon as they entered the -city they took the long ropes they carried and wound -them fast about the round bodies of the monsters, -securely fastening their heads and limbs into their -forms so that they could not stick them out again.</p> -<p>Their enemies being thus rendered helpless, the -people renewed their shouts of joy and gratitude, and -eagerly assisted the soldiers of Ix in rolling all the -Roly-Rogues outside the gates and to a wide ledge -of the mountain.</p> -<p>The lord high general and all the other counselors -threw away their aprons and tools of servitude and -dressed themselves in their official robes. The soldiers -of Tollydob’s army ran for their swords and -pikes, and the women unlocked their doors and -trooped into the streets of Nole for the first time -since the descent of the monsters.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_285">285</div> -<div class="img" id="pic84"> -<img src="images/i_285_0645.jpg" alt="" width="730" height="981" /> -<p class="caption">“ALL THE ROLY-ROGUES WERE THUS ROLLED INTO THE RIVER, WHERE -THEY BOBBED UP AND DOWN IN THE WATER.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_287">287</div> -<p>But the task of liberation was not yet accomplished. -All the Roly-Rogues had to be rolled up the side of -the mountain to the topmost ridge, and so great was -the bulk of their bodies that it took five or six men -to roll each one to the mountain-top; and even then -they were obliged to stop frequently to rest.</p> -<p>But as soon as they got a Roly-Rogue to the ridge -they gave it a push and sent it bounding down the -other side of the mountain until it fell into the big -river flowing swiftly below.</p> -<p>During the afternoon all the Roly-Rogues were -thus dumped into the river, where they bobbed up -and down in the water, spinning around and bumping -against one another until the current carried them -out of sight on their journey to the sea. It was rumored -later that they had reached an uninhabited -island where they harm no one except themselves.</p> -<p>“I’m glad they floated,” said Zixi, as she stood -upon the mountain ridge and watched the last of the -monsters float out of sight; “for if they had sunk -they would have filled up the river, there were so -many of them.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_288">288</div> -<p>It was evening when Noland at last became free -from her terrible tyrants; and the citizens illuminated -the entire city that they might spend the night in -feasting and rejoicing over their freedom. The soldiers -of Ix were embraced and made much of; and -at all the feasts they were the honored guests, while -the people of Noland pledged them their sincere -friendship forever.</p> -<p>King Bud took possession of the royal palace -again, and Jikki bustled about and prepared a grand -banquet for the king’s guests,—although the old valet -grumbled a great deal because his six solemn servants -would not assist in waiting upon any one but himself.</p> -<p>The Roly-Rogues had destroyed many things, but -the servants of the palace managed to quickly clear -away the rubbish and to decorate the banquet-hall -handsomely.</p> -<p>Bud placed the beautiful witch-queen upon his right -hand and showed her great honor, for he was really -very grateful for her assistance in rescuing his country -from the invaders.</p> -<p>The feasting and dancing lasted far into the night; -but when at last the people sought their beds they -knew they might rest peacefully and free from care, -for the Roly-Rogues had gone forever.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_289">289</div> -<h2 id="c24"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter XXIV.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE SAILORMAN’S RETURN.</span></h2> -<p>Next day the witch-queen returned with her army -to the city of Ix, to await the coming of the sailorman -with the necktie, and King Bud set about getting his -kingdom into running order again.</p> -<p>The lord high purse-bearer dug up his magic purse, -and Bud ordered him to pay the shopkeepers full -value for everything the Roly-Rogues had destroyed. -The merchants were thus enabled to make purchases -of new stocks of goods; and although all travelers -had for many days kept away from Noland, for fear -of the monsters, caravans now flocked in vast numbers -to the city of Nole with rich stores of merchandise -to sell, so that soon the entire city looked like a -huge bazaar.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_290">290</div> -<p>Bud also ordered a gold piece given to the head -of every family; and this did no damage to the ever-filled -royal purse, while it meant riches to the poor -people who had suffered so much.</p> -<p>Princess Fluff had carried her silver chest back to -the palace of her brother, and in it lay, carefully folded, -the magic cloak. Being now fearful of losing it, she -warned Jikki to allow no one to enter the room in -which lay the silver chest, except with her full consent, -explaining to him the value of the cloak.</p> -<p>“And was it this cloak I wore when I wished for -half a dozen servants?” asked the old valet.</p> -<p>“Yes,” answered Fluff; “Aunt Rivette bade you -return it to me, and you were so careless of it that -nearly all the high counselors used it before I found -it again.”</p> -<p>“Then,” said Jikki, heedless of the reproof, “will -your Highness please use the cloak to rid me of these -stupid servants? They are continually at my heels, -waiting to serve me; and I am so busy myself serving -others that those six young men almost drive me -distracted. It wouldn’t be so bad if they would -serve any one else; but they claim they are my servants -alone, and refuse to wait upon even his Majesty -the king.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_291">291</div> -<p>“Sometime I will try to help you,” answered Fluff; -“but I shall not use the cloak again until the miller’s -son returns from his voyage at sea.”</p> -<p>So Jikki was forced to wait as impatiently as the -others for the sailorman, and his servants had now -become such a burden upon him that he grumbled -every time he looked around and saw them standing -in a stiff line behind him.</p> -<p>Aunt Rivette again took possession of her rooms -at the top of the palace; and although Bud, grateful -for her courage in saving him and his sister from the -Roly-Rogues, would gladly have given her handsomer -apartments, the old woman preferred to be -near the roof, where she could take flight into the -air whenever it pleased her to go out.</p> -<p>With her big wings and her power to fly as a bird, -she was the envy of all the old gossips she had known -in the days when she worked as a laundress; and -now she would often alight upon the door-step of -some humble friend and tell of the wonderful adventures -she had encountered.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_292">292</div> -<p>This never failed to surround her with an admiring -circle of listeners, and Aunt Rivette derived far more -pleasure from her tattle than from living in a palace -with her nephew the king.</p> -<p>The kingdom of Noland soon took on a semblance -of its former prosperity, and the Roly-Rogues were -only remembered with shudders of repugnance, and -spoken of in awed whispers.</p> -<p>And so the days wore away until late in the autumn, -when, one morning, a mounted soldier from -Queen Zixi dashed into Nole and rode furiously up -to the palace gate.</p> -<p>“The sailorman is found!” he shouted, throwing -himself from his horse and bowing low before little -King Bud, who had come out to meet him.</p> -<p>“Good,” remarked Bud.</p> -<p>“The Queen of Ix is even now riding to your -Majesty’s city with a large escort surrounding the -sailorman,” continued the soldier.</p> -<p>“And has he the necktie?” asked Bud, eagerly.</p> -<p>“He is wearing it, your Majesty,” answered the -man; “but he refuses to give it to any one but the -Princess Fluff.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_293">293</div> -<p>“That’s all right,” said the king; and, reëntering -the palace, he ordered Jikki to make preparations -to receive the witch-queen and her retinue.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic85"> -<img src="images/i_293_0647.jpg" alt="" width="694" height="796" /> -<p class="caption">“‘THE SAILORMAN IS FOUND!’ HE SHOUTED.”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_294">294</div> -<p>When Zixi came to the city gates she found General -Tollydob, in a gorgeous new uniform, waiting to -escort her to the palace. The houses were gay with -flags and streamers; bands were playing; and on -each side of the street along which the witch-queen -rode were lines of soldiers to keep the way clear of -the crowding populace.</p> -<p>Behind the queen came the sailorman, carefully -guarded by Zixi’s most trusted soldiers. He looked -uneasy at so great a reception, and rode his horse as -awkwardly as a sailor might.</p> -<p>So the cavalcade came to the palace, which was -thronged with courtiers and ladies in waiting.</p> -<p>Zixi and the sailorman were ushered into the great -throne room, where King Bud, wearing his ermine -robe and jeweled crown, sat gravely upon his throne, -with Princess Fluff beside him.</p> -<p>“Your Majesty,” began the witch-queen, bowing -prettily, “I have brought you the sailorman at last. -He has just returned from his voyage, and my soldiers -captured him at his mother’s cottage by the -mill. But he refuses to give the necktie to any one -except the Princess Fluff.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_295">295</div> -<p>“I am the Princess Fluff,” said Meg to the sailor; -“and your necktie is part of my magic cloak. So -please give it back to me.”</p> -<p>The sailor shifted uneasily from one foot to the -other.</p> -<p>“My mother told me,” he finally said, “that King -Bud would give me fifty gold pieces for it, and the -Queen of Ix would give me another fifty gold pieces, -and that your Highness would give me fifty neckties.”</p> -<p>“That is all true,” returned Fluff; “so here are the -fifty neckties.”</p> -<p>Tillydib, the lord high purse-bearer, counted out -fifty gold pieces, and Zixi’s treasurer counted out another -fifty, and all were given to the sailorman.</p> -<p>Then the miller’s son unfastened the necktie from -about his collar and handed it to Fluff.</p> -<p>During the murmur of satisfaction that followed, -the girl unlocked her silver chest, which Jikki had -brought, and drew out the magic cloak. Lifting the -skirt of the garment, she attempted to fit the sailor’s -necktie into the place it should go; and then, while -every one looked on with breathless interest, the girl -lifted a white face to the sailorman and exclaimed:</p> -<p>“This is not the necktie your mother gave you!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_296">296</div> -<div class="img" id="pic86"> -<img src="images/i_296_0648.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="664" /> -<p class="caption">“‘THIS IS NOT THE NECKTIE YOUR MOTHER GAVE YOU!’”</p> -</div> -<p>For a moment there was silence, while the assemblage -glared angrily upon the sailor. Then the king, -rising from his seat, demanded:</p> -<p>“Are you sure, Fluff? Are you sure of that?”</p> -<p>“Of course I’m sure,” said the girl; “it is neither -the shape nor the color of the missing patch.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_297">297</div> -<p>Bud turned to the now trembling sailor.</p> -<p>“Why have you tried to deceive us?” he asked -sternly.</p> -<p>“Oh, your Majesty!” returned the man, wringing -his hands miserably, “I lost the necktie in a gale at -sea, for I knew nothing of its value. And when I -came home my mother told me of all the gold you -had offered for its return, and advised me to deceive -you by wearing another necktie. She said you would -never know the difference.”</p> -<p>“Your mother is a foolish woman, as well as dishonest,” -answered Bud; “and you shall both be severely -punished. Tellydeb,” he continued, addressing -the lord high executioner, “take this man to prison, -and see that he is fed on bread and water until further -orders.”</p> -<p>“Not so!” exclaimed a sweet voice near the king; -and then all looked up to see the beautiful Lulea, -queen of the fairies, standing beside the throne.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_298">298</div> -<h2 id="c25"><span class="h2line1"><span class="sc">Chapter XXV.</span></span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE FAIRY QUEEN.</span></h2> -<p>Every eye was now fixed upon the exquisite form -of the fairy queen, which shed a glorious radiance -throughout the room, and filled every heart with an -awe and admiration not unmingled with fear.</p> -<p>“The magic cloak was woven by my band,” said -the fairy, speaking so distinctly that all could hear -the words; “and our object was to bring relief to -suffering mortal—not to add to their worries. Some -good the cloak has accomplished, I am sure; but also -has it been used foolishly, and to no serious purpose. -Therefore I, who gave the cloak, shall now -take it away. The good that has been done shall -remain; but the foolish wishes granted shall now be -canceled.” With these words, she turned and lightly -lifted the shimmering magic garment from the lap of -the princess.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_300">300</div> -<div class="img" id="pic87"> -<img src="images/i_300_0640.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="979" /> -<p class="caption">“‘I WISH,’ GRAVELY ANNOUNCED BUD, ‘THAT I MAY BECOME THE BEST -KING THAT NOLAND HAS EVER HAD.’”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_301">301</div> -<p>“One moment, please!” cried Bud, eagerly. “Cannot -I have my wish? I waited until I could wish wisely, -you know; and then the cloak wouldn’t work.”</p> -<p>With a smile, Lulea threw the cloak over the boy’s -shoulders.</p> -<p>“Wish!” said she.</p> -<p>“I wish,” announced Bud, gravely, “that I may -become the best king that Noland has ever had!”</p> -<p>“Your wish is granted,” returned the fairy, sweetly; -“and it shall be the last wish fulfilled through the -magic cloak.”</p> -<p>But now Zixi rushed forward and threw herself -upon her knees before the fairy.</p> -<p>“Oh, your Majesty—” she began eagerly; but -Lulea instantly silenced her with an abrupt gesture.</p> -<p>“Plead not to me, Queen of Ix!” said the dainty -immortal, drawing back from Zixi’s prostrate form. -“You know that we fairies do not approve of witchcraft. -However long your arts may permit you to -live, you must always beware a mirror!”</p> -<p>Zixi gave a sob and buried her pretty face in her -hands; and it was Fluff whose tender heart prompted -her to raise the witch-queen and try to comfort her.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_302">302</div> -<p>For a moment all present had looked at Zixi. -When their eyes again sought the form of the fairy, -Lulea had vanished, and with her disappeared forever -from Noland the magic cloak.</p> -<p>Some important changes had been wrought through -the visit of the fairy. Jikki’s six servants were gone, -to the old valet’s great delight. The ten-foot general -had shrunken to six feet in height, Lulea having generously -refrained from reducing old Tollydob to his -former short stature. Ruffles, to the grief of the lord -high steward, could no longer talk; but Tallydab -comforted himself with the knowledge that his dog -could at least understand every word addressed to -him. The lord high executioner found he could no -longer reach farther than other men; but the royal -purse of old Tillydib remained ever filled, which assured -the future prosperity of the kingdom of Noland.</p> -<p>As for Zixi, she soon became reconciled to her -fate, and returned to Ix to govern her country with -her former liberality and justice.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_303">303</div> -<p>The last wish granted by the magic cloak was -doubtless the most beneficial and far-reaching of all; -for King Bud ruled many years with exceeding wisdom -and gentleness, and was greatly beloved by each -and every one of his admiring subjects.</p> -<p>The cheerfulness and sweet disposition of Princess -Fluff became renowned throughout the world, and -when she grew to womanhood many brave and handsome -princes from other countries came to Nole to -sue for her heart and hand. One of these she married, -and reigned as queen of a great nation in after -years, winning quite as much love and respect from -her people as his loyal subjects bestowed upon her -famous brother, King Bud of Noland.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic88"> -<img src="images/i_302_0649.jpg" alt="" width="690" height="821" /> -<p class="caption">THE END</p> -</div> -<h2>Transcriber’s Notes</h2> -<ul> -<li>Copyright notice provided as in the original—this e-text is public domain in the country of publication.</li> -<li>Generated a cover image, based on graphic elements from the book, and released for free unrestricted use with this eBook.</li> -<li>Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and dialect unchanged.</li> -<li>In the text versions, delimited italics text in _underscores_ (the HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.)</li> -</ul> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Queen Zixi of Ix, by L. 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