From outside they heard the Demon Usher give a hoarse cackle of exultation.
“Tricked!” ejaculated King Stanislaus. “We are caught like rats in a trap!”
CHAPTER XVIII
THE FLIGHT TO
THE MINE
In bringing about the destruction of his palace Dragonfel’s only thought had been the destruction of the Brownies. He had hoped to crush the sprites by means of the falling walls and columns, and when he invoked Vulcan for the assistance he felt sure would be given to him he was very careful to keep out of harm’s way himself.
But like many another vindictive, revengeful person the wicked enchanter overreached himself. He had no idea when he called upon Vulcan to get busy that the latter would make such a good job of it.
He fully expected the palace to topple down, for that was what he had asked for. But he did not want the volcano that had been thrown in for good measure. It made things too hot and uncomfortable.
He was very much alarmed when he saw the volcano in violent eruption, for he realized that the downpour of lava boded ill for himself as well as for others over whose safety he was not at all concerned.