“‘Somebody’s stolen the Pole Star!’
“‘No!’ cried he.
“‘Yes, they have. While we were asleep. It was there, all right, when Little Bear went to sleep, and when he waked up, it was gone.’
“Orion scowled fearfully. ‘There’s just one Star Person who would do such a thing—’ he began.
Cassiopeia interrupted him:—
“‘Now that’s all nonsense! Just because you hate the Scorpion, is no sign he would steal. You’d better come along with me, and we’ll have a meeting to see what to do.’
“As Cassiopeia and Orion were coming back together, they met Cepheus, returning from his errand.
“‘Did you see Boreas?’ called she.
“‘Yes,’ answered Cepheus, pushing up his crown. (It didn’t fit very well, and was always slipping down.) ‘He says he’ll do the best he can; but he can’t promise more than two days.’
“‘Oh, we’ll find it before then,’ said Orion, confidently.