"Then we may as well go back," said the officer, grumpily. "The trouble usually is over when we get anywhere; that's why we take our time about coming."
"Well," said the Queen, when the Patrol and the Fire Engine had gone back to their stables, "it is time for us to go."
They looked around for Mr. Split, but not seeing him they walked across the opening to the path that led through the forest to the river. They each squeaked the Alligator when they came to him, and left him feeling joyful and contented.
The boat was lying where they had left it, and they at once stepped in and seated themselves.
"I'm sorry not to say good-bye to Mr. Split," said Dot, as the boat glided out into the river.
"He is so busy he won't mind it," answered the Queen. "I suppose he was in the forest winding up the animals there when we came away. I do not think there is another man in the whole world that does so much work as Mr. Split, and he seems to enjoy it, too."
The boat was rushing swiftly through the water, now, and soon the forest of trees was passed and our voyagers entered a deep archway that led to the Seventh and last Valley of Merryland.
