So they made a camp on the edge of the grove, and for two days they stopped and questioned all who passed that way. But none had ever seen or heard of a cloak like that described.
“‘WE HAVE LOST A BEAUTIFUL CLOAK IN THE LILAC-GROVE,’ SAID QUEEN ZIXI TO THE SHEPHERD.”
Finally an old shepherd came along, hobbling painfully after a flock of five sheep; for he suffered much from rheumatism.
“We have lost a beautiful cloak in the lilac-grove,” said Zixi to the shepherd.
“When did you lose it?” asked the old man, pausing to lean upon his stick.
“Several days ago,” returned the queen. “It was bright as the rainbow, and woven with threads finer than—”
“I know, I know!” interrupted the shepherd, “for I myself found it lying upon the ground beneath the lilac-trees.”
“Hurrah!” cried Bud, gleefully; “at last we have found it!” And all the others were fully as delighted as he was.
“But where have you put the cloak?” inquired Zixi.