But when the Brownies reached shoal water, and some began to wade toward shore, these false whilom friends deserted them, and dived into the deep, or flew off in the air.
Then when they were safe at last on land they stretched their weary, stiff, cramped legs and arms, or raced about the sand to get the sluggish blood once more pulsing through their veins.
King Stanislaus stood apart from all the rest, and watched their joyous antics with an expression of deep thought on his august countenance. It was plain to be seen that he was greatly troubled in his mind.
Now that they had succeeded in reaching Dragonfel's country what steps should be taken in the effort to recover Queen Titania and her companions? It was not to be conceived that the wicked enchanter would give them up without a bitter struggle.
The problem confronting the Brownie band was one that required the most careful consideration. A single false step might ruin all.
While the monarch pondered over what was best to be done his eye abstractedly roved to the Brownies who now had gathered in a circle on the beach, and who were scanning with much interest something in the sky.
The Policeman involuntarily had pointed his club toward it, and the Sailor was trying to get a better view through his spy-glass.
The royal eye at once turned upward in the direction in which all the others were gazing, and like everyone else was held spellbound with surprise.
Far overhead there was an immense bird slowly dropping with stationary wings outspread down toward them. It stood out clearly outlined in silhouette against the dark night-sky.
But it was not this bird, remarkable in itself, that created such intense excitement on the part of all.
Its great sharp talons held in a firm grip an object that they recognized at once, with the result that delight and consternation were mingled on their faces.
Grasped firmly by the coat-tails, with face downward, and legs and arms spread out like a Maltese cross, was the immaculate Brownie Dude, and he still was clutching in his right hand the cane that was his most treasured possession outside of his monocle. The Brownies watched this most extraordinary spectacle as though they were fascinated, and their pop-eyes almost popped out of their heads.