But the Brownies had reached the steps before him, and were already pointing off at the distant sea-line.
“A sail! A sail!” they cried.
“Too late!” said Florimel. “I see it all now. This is the work of Dragonfel!”
“Dragonfel!” cried one and all together.
“Yes,” said Florimel. “Our unknown guests were Dragonfel and his wicked followers. He has abducted them, and flown with them to his country.”
He bowed his head in great despair. King Stanislaus came, and placed his hand upon his shoulder.
“Be brave, Florimel!” he said. “The Brownies will go at once to the rescue of Queen Titania!”
“Yes!” shouted the Brownies. “To the rescue of Queen Titania!”
“But how?” asked the despondent Florimel. “We have no ship to take us.”
Quick as a wink King Stanislaus improvised: