When Kaliko returned he brought a tray containing some broiled mushrooms, a loaf of mineral bread and some petroleum-butter. The butter Betsy could not eat, but the bread was good and the mushrooms delicious.
“Here’s the door key,” said Kaliko, “and you’d better lock yourself in.”
“Won’t you let Polychrome and the Rose Princess come here, too?” she asked.
“I’ll see. Where are they?”
“I don’t know. I left them outside,” said Betsy.
“Well, if you hear three raps on the door, open it,” said Kaliko; “but don’t let anyone in unless they give the three raps.”
“All right,” promised Betsy, and when Kaliko left the cosy cavern she closed and locked the door.
In the meantime Ann and her officers, finding themselves prisoners in the pit, had shouted and screamed until they were tired out, but no one had come to their assistance. It was very dark and damp in the pit and they could not climb out because the walls were higher than their heads and the cover was on. The Queen was first angry and then annoyed and then discouraged; but the officers were only afraid. Every one of the poor fellows heartily wished he was back in Oogaboo caring for his orchard, and some were so unhappy that they began to reproach Ann for causing them all this trouble and danger.