“Where is Betsy?” demanded the dragon.
“Safe in my own private room,” said Kaliko.
“Go and get her!” commanded Quox.
So Kaliko went to Betsy’s room and gave three raps upon the door. The little girl had been asleep, but she heard the raps and opened the door.
“You may come out now,” said Kaliko. “The King has fled in disgrace and your friends are asking for you.”
So Betsy and Hank returned with the Royal Chamberlain to the throne cavern, where she was received with great joy by her friends. They told her what had happened to Ruggedo and she told them how kind Kaliko had been to her. Quox did not have much to say until the conversation was ended, but then he turned to Kaliko and asked:
“Do you suppose you could rule your nomes better than Ruggedo has done?”
“Me?” stammered the Chamberlain, greatly surprised by the question. “Well, I couldn’t be a worse King, I’m sure.”