"The Queen touched a bell on a silver stand and at the faint sound a beautiful white-winged dove, with a pale blue ribbon about its snowy neck, came flying from a near-by olive tree and lit upon the edge of the throne before them.
"The children, much interested in the unusual sight, drew back toward the opposite side of the throne as if fearing they might frighten the bird away; but the Queen, smiling so sweetly that they felt like falling to their knees and worshipping her, turned to them as she exclaimed:
"'Have no fear, my darlings, for you cannot frighten it away. This bird is my private messenger that always finds Kimbo when I want him.'
"The Queen waved her hands with a graceful, easy motion, and the dove rose in the air on its snowy wings. Three times it circled above the throne, and then took its course toward the buildings of Santa Claus and passed out of sight. The Queen stepped lightly beside them and said:
"'Let us wait now, my darlings, for the arrival of Kimbo.'
"And now while we leave the beautiful Queen standing with the children upon the golden throne and waiting for Kimbo, whoever he is, I will wait here by the side of this little queen, seated upon God's Throne, the green grass, until some of the boys bring us more water; for the day is sultry and warm and Miss Lady, so sweet at my side, must be kept like a fresh cut flower, shaded and cool."
The Vagabond ceased with that part of his story.
CHAPTER VII
"KIMBO, THE GIANT"
"The Queen of the Dolls!" cried all the children with delight.