The Brownies and Prince Florimel

LC

n his prowling, sneaking manner. When his grotesque emissary did not put in a prompt appearance he grew more surly and ill-humored than ever. He

ght. At no time was he gentle, but when he was particularly violent, whi

und him quaked with fear. He wondered why the Human Octopus did not co

just going around, and having a good time. But wait till he gets back, and I'll show him!" As he

, but the worse the weather w

ack sky, the thunder roared, the wind howled,

ob on hand," Dragonfel pondered

that blew the Red Spirit through the window right to his very feet

y have you not returned as you went? Answer, villain, or it will go hard with you! I will have you stru

I to tell you. So incredible are they that you may not believe me, yet I do assure you most positively that what I am about to relate i

rowled Dragonfel, in great disgust, "and get

ince is to wed

te to scarlet, then back to white, and then to scarlet aga

ked, trying to control h

ed Spirit. "I saw him place an

brutality, "if they are planning to get married all

nt the marriage

apped his hands together in an imperious way. "What ho, without

thers were out in an ante-room, and they almost tumbled over eac

tely," ordered Dragonfel. "I want

e out, kind master," ventur

nd a crash of thunder more terrif

ragonfel. "I don't see anything wrong with it

ght now," Grouthe

n, while the hearts of those who followed after the enchanter quaked and

ing grew sharper, and the peals of thunder more deafening, so

el's palace Vulcan whom they had

sults that he achieved, and the wonder was that in such cramped quarters

and boulders, and over the door, in very modest le

country blacksmith has, and here Vulcan ma

sterical contraptions, or make things suddenly red-hot in Mexico or the British Honduras.

ellow in a red flannel undershirt bared at his brawny, hairy chest, and with sleeves

ron tied to his burly waist by leather thongs. Thin

the flames in the forge leaped higher and higher. "Spry, Flash, Nimble, Twist, and the rest of you-where

ons came imps in red attire that fitted their lit

or, and described parabolas through the air from the cavern's ceiling, grouping themselve

oon, either! Where have you been, imps? Idling your time away

into the forge, and, as Vulcan pumped away

e flames

crater

y sleeves w

rongest bui

ul earthqu

illions all con

ashed, and over all the storm was hea

his imps crept stealthily

the wind and rain outside, with the accom

my busy night?" cried Vul

the enchanter," said

you here?"

ss of great impor

id Vulcan, with scant hospitali

rway, and came forward escorted by the imps who evinced t

lcan the enchanter sank on one knee before him,

can, with distrust and suspicion on his se

es, "powerful as I am, I acknowledge you my master

or!" grunted the other

ll you about

out the

Fairyland. The Brownie princ

does this

! There is no authority for such a mar

d a deep impress

hough he were mentally digesting what he

union take place." "Are you using any measures to prevent it?" asked Vulcan thoughtfully. "Aye!" was Dragonfel's decided response. "I am going across the sea with these followers of m

ning to pump the bellows. "The element o

ant thunder-clap brought Dragonfel and his followers to their feet in su

r in his grimy fist. "Spry, Flash, Nimble, and Twist, my crafty imps, sha

ill eat the wedding-cake!" Vulcan's fancy was so tickled that he laughed hilariously, and Dragonfel made bold

ing to the wedding, gain their conf

, very much intere

ise. "No!" he involuntarily exclaimed. "Do you think you can do it?" If Florimel and Titania could ha