“Impossible!” said Arago, frowning; “my daughter is asleep on a couch in her bedroom.”
“Then she must be brought here, couch and all,” said Duldy boldly, determined to have his own way; “I can only break the spell here.”
“How so?” asked the King.
“Because the Princess Elsa’s sleep is caused by that fountain,” said Duldy.
“What! the Fountain of Jewels!” cried the King. “That’s nonsense; it was sent to me by the Queen of Faeryland, and she would not send me anything hurtful.”
“I daresay she would not,” said Duldy, with emphasis; “but she did not send that fountain. It came from Foamina.”
“From Foamina!” cried every one, with a start of terror, for the water-faery was much dreaded in Aurea.
“This is very serious,” said the King gravely. “Young man, you must prove the truth of what you say, and if such is the case, I shall have the fountain removed.”
“Then bring in the Princess,” said Duldy, and, kneeling down, he opened his bundle, which was full of pine cones he had picked up in the forest. “I must have your Majesty’s permission to light a fire with these on the marble floor.”
“Very well,” said Arago, nodding his head; “only take care you don’t spoil the pavement.”