A number of Gnomes had been brought over in order that they might take their own vessels back, and the first thing Wamby did was to order the wind turned on, and start the fleet of the Gnomes on their homeward way. Next, he commanded the soldiers to arise, proceed a little distance up the passageway, and take their station at the entrance of another passageway leading off towards the right, which Harry had not noticed before.
“It leads up to the Grand Royal Reception Hall,” explained Wamby, in answer to an inquiry from Harry. “Of course you know it is impossible to go back the way we came down.”
Then Wamby led Kitey aside from the other elves, and whispered to him long and earnestly. As Kitey listened he looked first amazed and then delighted, and finally a broad grin overspread his face, and with a knowing nod he ran off and began in a low voice to address the various groups of elves scattered about.
“Did you tell Kitey everything?” inquired Harry.
“Yes,” replied Wamby, “and he is telling the others. We can trust them all.”
“How about the soldiers? do they know?” asked Harry.
Wamby shook his head. “I am doubtful about that Smithkin. I don’t know whether to trust him or not.”
“Do you think he smells a rat?” queried Harry.
“Think he does what?”
“Suspects—mistrusts something,” explained Harry.