King Stanislaus motioned to the Brownies, who drew closer to give respectful heed to what he might have to say to them.
“I want each of you to go out and see what you can learn,” he instructed. “But, as you value your life, and the lives of your fellows, you must not allow yourselves to be seen or heard by anyone. When a half-hour has elapsed we will assemble here.” Following His Majesty’s directions, the willing band immediately dispersed, Florimel choosing a way to take alone, as did each other, and so careful were they all that no one in the neighborhood would have suspected they were near.
When the half-hour was up King Stanislaus was back on the same spot, and the Brownies began to pop up in the dark around him from all sides.
“Well,” His Majesty asked, “have you found out anything?”
Then one after another was obliged to confess that he had not, and while he was questioning them in turn he ascertained that neither Florimel nor the Policeman had returned.
The fact that both were missing worried him not a little, but, even while he was wondering what had kept them, he beheld the Policeman returning with incredible speed, leaping and bounding with his long, tapering feet over the sand.
“Your Majesty,” he panted, as he came up out of breath, “I have just made a remarkable discovery.”
“What is it, officer?” asked King Stanislaus, anxiously.
“If I told you,” said the Policeman, “I’m afraid you wouldn’t believe me. I want you all to come and see for yourselves!”
