“Exactly!” replied Kitey. “That is what I believe has taken place.” He sighed dolefully, and continued: “Poor Wamby! I wish we could help him. It is awful to have to work down in Gnome Land. I was there, and know all about it.”
“That’s so!” exclaimed Harry eagerly; “I suppose you know all about the ins and outs of the place. Your knowledge may be a great help to us if we go down to rescue our friends. Meanwhile, I should like to know if they are really there now, and whether the Gnomes are in possession of our dominions.”
“You might find out, if you are not afraid of the toad,” said Kitey. “This little passage will lead you to the main passage, and if you follow that to the end you will find a flight of steps and a trap-door at the top of them opening into the Reception Hall. The door opens in the floor of the dais, just behind the throne. You can take a peep through it and see what is taking place in the Hall.
“I’ll do it!” cried Harry, springing up. “Just lend me your lantern-box, so that I can see my way.”
“One word, Prince, before you go,” said Kitey. “Find out where the toad is, and please keep him away from this place. Above all, do not touch him! for if you do, I cannot endure your presence.”
“All right, old chap,” returned Harry, “I’ll bear it in mind. Don’t you be afraid of Mr. Toad! I’ll look after him, and will be back here soon.”
CHAPTER IX.
A PERILOUS TRIP.
In the main passage Harry found the toad, a small and rather thin creature, not at all dangerous-looking. As Harry held the light close to it, the little animal blinked its eyes as though half-blind, and seemed too dispirited to hop away.
“Poor little hoppy!” said the boy; “I bet you’re almost starved to death here. Never mind! I’ll take you back on top of the earth when I go.”
The toad was plainly in no condition to travel as far as Kitey, so Harry let him remain where he was, and went on to the end of the passage and mounted the steps.