Smithkin deftly caught the implement by the handle, leaped upon the lower step of the dais, and smote the commander of the Gnomes such a terrible blow that he dropped senseless upon the floor.
At the sight Harry was beside himself with joy, and impetuously catching the elfin hat from his head, he threw it high in the air with a loud hurrah. Instantly he realized what he had done, for as soon as the hat was off, Pin Elves and Gnomes disappeared from view.
CHAPTER XIII.
IN THE DARK.
Harry’s hat fell in the midst of a group of Gnomes, and was taken possession of by one of them. Although the boy could see nothing, he could still hear what was going on in the Hall, and his heart sank within him at the hoarse shout of triumph that went up from the Gnomes as they captured the precious trophy.
Wamby’s voice now came to his ears: “A golden hat-pin and the richest jewel in my treasures to any elf who will regain my hat!”
For the hat really belonged to Wamby, and of course it was of vital importance for him to get it back.
Presently Harry heard shrill voices crying, “Smithkin to the rescue! Well done! Bravely done! Hurrah! Smithkin has the hat!”
Then, after a moment of comparative quiet, the Gnomes began to yell hoarsely, “Here comes our King! We’ll conquer them now! Put the King on the throne! Down with the elves! Down with Wamby!”
At once a confused uproar sounded throughout the Hall, hoarse cries and shrill shrieks, the clashing of weapons, and the patter of many feet running to and fro. Above all could be heard ever and anon the fierce, defiant battle-cry of Smithkin, and wherever that cry came from, there was always the loudest din of battle.
Then above the racket rose poor little Kitey’s shrill, piercing voice, “Smithkin has lost his weapon! Smithkin is down! Oh, Prince Harry, Wamby is captured! We are lost—lost!”