But to the infinite delight and astonishment of all a strange thing happened, that made the eyes pop in from every head.
The arrow struck the base of the rock, which at the moment of contact burst into hundreds of jagged pieces that flew up into the air. As these fell they formed a series of steps that were as good as any mason could have planned.
They ascended these steps with all possible haste up into the open, where the blue sky was above them, and where they could breathe freely the air that never before had seemed so sweet and pure.
Looking around they could note the ravages of the flood, for with it there had come a mighty tidal wave from the sea, with abnormally high water that had changed the low marshlands into lakes, and had swollen the small creeks to roaring, rushing rivers.
Just then a vivacious little mine-sprite found an opportunity to whisper to the Policeman:
"This is leap-year, officer, and, to speak freely, I loved you at first sight."
"Well," said the Policeman, with his usual composure, "to speak even more freely, your love at second sight is not returned."
"I would be willing," she said, "to fly with you to parts unknown."
"That's the trouble," said the Policeman. "No parts are unknown to the Brownies. The world was our oyster, and we've opened it. We're just as well known in Timbuctoo as Tarrytown!"
There was an angry swell that caused Dragonfel's galleon to toss violently up and down, but it still held secure to its anchor, and formed a picture inviting to a sailor's eye.
The enchanter was laid upon the greensward by those who bore him, and he stirred uneasily, while his hand sought his forehead. Then he opened his eyes, and unsteadily tried to get on his feet, in which effort others sprang to his assistance.
"Where am I?" he asked, as dazed and puzzled he looked around. "What has happened?"
His gaze took in the Brownies, and, in spite of all they had just done for him, it was not a reassuring one. But somehow they feared him no longer, for they felt that no matter what further villainy he might attempt they were more than a match for him.
But before some one could answer Dragonfel Euphrosyne, the Goddess of Mirth, suddenly appeared in their midst, though no one could tell just how or from whence she came.