In countless ways they all evinced delight whenever these good-natured little goblings were at hand, for they knew that they would help instead of harm them.
Even the savage animals that had so lately thirsted for Florimel's blood proved tractable, and neither they nor the Brownies showed the slightest fear of each other. The beasts grovelled and rolled over with pleasure when the Brownies playfully yanked and pulled their tails.
All was harmony between them, and the industrious animals went on with their task of gathering bones without caring whether the Brownies were near or far.
So on they fared with light hearts that had never a care. The country grew less wild and mountainous, till there were emerald fields, green copses, and flowers blooming everywhere. The sweet, caressing air had just a soft reminder of the sea in it.
And, while they hid away one day in a leafy covert, while the birds in the branches round them were pouring their hearts out in gladness, piercing screams suddenly rent the air, and caused all great alarm. "Let us make haste!" cried Florimel, springing to his feet. "There is danger in that cry!"
But when he started King Stanislaus tried to hold him back. "Have a care, Florimel!" he warned. "It may be a decoy to entrap us!" "Let me go!" said Florimel, struggling.
He broke from King Stanislaus's kindly, well-meant grasp, and ran with might and main in the direction from which the terrifying sounds still came. The Brownies looked at each other in great dismay. Into what danger had their beloved Prince Florimel so recklessly plunged, and would they ever see his face again?
Prince Florimel sped with the fleetness of a deer in the direction from which had come those agonizing cries for help.
As he fairly flew over the ground he saw the fairies and Cupids who had been Titania's companions, and they pointed in a frenzy of alarm to the clump of rainbow roses in the midst of which their unfortunate queen was in the clutches of the dreadful Human Octopus.
The monster was still tightening his vise-like grip, and tortured by the pain of his loathsome embrace, Titania was fast relapsing into unconsciousness.
Florimel drew near, and was aghast at what he beheld.
As his eye took in the frightening spectacle he realized that there was not a moment to lose.