He wanted to see how the wildflowers were growing in the woods nearby, for it occurred to him that although Emily might have all the cultivated flowers that she wished for on her birthday, a bouquet of wildflowers could not be amiss. So off he started in search of them, and when he was quite sure that he knew exactly where all the different kinds grew, he flew back to Mount Fern.
When he arrived there, he found that all the other elves were at home and were listening to General Grosbeak’s reply, which Colonel Claw had just brought over. It ran thus:
“General Grosbeak presents his compliments to Colonel Claw, and begs to state that it will give him much pleasure to issue an order to all insect-destroyers to avoid the grounds of Templeton Hall on the evening of Emily’s birthday.”
“And now, Tono,” said Captain Featherweight, “you have my full permission to go ahead and do your best for Emily’s birthday.
“And Lightning, you may go now to the Dwarfs of Cavedale and tell them to have the necklace ready for a week from to-night. And let it be wrought of fine filigree gold,—in a dainty design of lilies and roses.”
After the Captain had given commands to all the elves as to what the duty of each should be for the following week, they all ran away and began to make plans for their work.
“Tono,” said Rhymo, “I want your advice. You know I have to make a verse to accompany the necklace; how would this do?
“A necklace by the elves designed
Of rose and lily intertwined,
And by the Dwarfs of Cavedale wrought: