The frog sentry seemed satisfied. The presence of the water chariot was proof of royal favor.
"Chug! Get aboard," he said, so Pierre and Iona rose from their stately pink velvet cushions and jumped over upon the raft.
"Thank you, dear swans," they cried, and watched the graceful creatures turn and start to swim back, drawing after them the tinted boat.
The frog began his strong strokes and soon arrived at his home pool on the bank of which stood Rose-Petal, poised on a bulrush.
"Welcome, little travellers," she said, "now to the river." And Pierre and Iona, after bidding a grateful good-bye to the big frog who chug-chugged a farewell to them, jumped out on shore, and picking up their letter and number, started for the Wapsipinicon.
"Rose-Petal, we love you and we thank you," cried the children as they boarded their rafts on their own dear river.
Rose-Petal smiled and pushed off the little boats with her wand. Then she began to sing;
"Gentle river, bear them lightly,
Wind and wave, sing songs of cheer;