“Would the nomes obey you?” inquired the dragon.
“Of course,” said Kaliko. “They like me better than ever they did Ruggedo.”
“Then hereafter you shall be the Metal Monarch, King of the Nomes, and Tititi-Hoochoo expects you to rule your Kingdom wisely and well,” said Quox.
“Hooray!” cried Betsy; "I’m glad of that. King Kaliko, I salute Your Majesty and wish you joy in your gloomy old Kingdom!"
“We all wish him joy,” said Polychrome; and then the others made haste to congratulate the new King.
“Will you release my dear brother?” asked Shaggy.
“The Ugly One? Very willingly,” replied Kaliko. “I begged Ruggedo long ago to send him away, but he would not do so. I also offered to help your brother to escape, but he would not go.”
“He’s so conscientious!” said Shaggy, highly pleased. “All of our family have noble natures. But is my dear brother well?” he added anxiously.
“He eats and sleeps very steadily,” replied the new King.
“I hope he doesn’t work too hard,” said Shaggy.