Prince Florimel sped with the fleetness of a deer in the direction from which had come those agonizing cries for help.
As he fairly flew over the ground he saw the fairies and Cupids who had been Titania’s companions, and they pointed in a frenzy of alarm to the clump of rainbow roses in the midst of which their unfortunate queen was in the clutches of the dreadful Human Octopus.
The monster was still tightening his vise-like grip, and tortured by the pain of his loathsome embrace, Titania was fast relapsing into unconsciousness.
Florimel drew near, and was aghast at what he beheld.
As his eye took in the frightening spectacle he realized that there was not a moment to lose.
Quick as a flash he whipped an arrow from his quiver and placed it to the bow.
He aimed the arrow straight at the Human Octopus, and back to its greatest tension pulled the cord.
Once again the cord proved true, and the speeding arrow cleft the Human Octopus in twain.
His shell fell instantly apart, and from the interior there flew away into space a vapory-looking object with a long, trailing red cloak that had all the lightness and airiness of gauze.