The lawns too were just as well kept, for they were all smooth and velvety, and not a weed could be found.
And the more he examined the grounds, the more pleased was the King, and he constantly cried: “Captain Featherweight, I am delighted.”
As soon as he had returned to Mount Fern he said to the Captain: “Let your elves be seated around me on the soft rose-petals so lavishly strewn on the floor, as a carpet.”
Then he told them all how delighted he was with his visit to Mount Fern; and how much he enjoyed the birds, the trees and the flowers in Templeton Garden.
“And do not forget that a year from to-night you’re to come to the Court of the King of the elves, where the flower-elf shall receive a golden girdle for work well done in the garden.
“And all the other elves of Mount Fern shall receive a prize for work well done in the Company.
“And—as this is the best-trained Company I have seen in my travels—I shall give you, Captain Featherweight, an old and priceless Egyptian amulet worth more than its weight in rubies.
“But now I must say good-night, for tomorrow I’m off to the woodlands.”
When the King had retired for the night, Captain Featherweight made a motion to Slumber to go to the King of the elves, and help him dream pleasant dreams.
Then Slumber sat by his bedside and helped him to dream this dream: