HE suggestion of the little old dame in reference to Rolie Polie came just in the nick of time. Tommy enjoyed very much being a King, and Helen found no less pleasure in being a Queen; but the day had been so full of excitement that both were feeling tired.
It was now drawing towards the close of the afternoon and Helen began to realize that, although it was delightful to be a Queen daytimes, the going down of the sun at the approach of evening made nothing quite so nice as her home and her mamma. This, I am told, is a truth that has also come to many another little girl.
“Your Majesty,” she then said to King Tommy, “do you think it is almost time to start on our return journey?” {152}
“Yes, I do,” answered Tommy. “And, Helen, now that I am a King myself, I need not hunt for the Fairy King to get riches for the kind lady in the hills. I am sure the Toy people will allow me to take some of their treasure.”
“Yes, I am sure they will,” said Helen, “because they will want to make the kind lady happy.”
“I will go at once and find Mr. Poodle,” said Tommy. Then a look of trouble came into his happy face and he added; “What do you think the Toy people will do without a King and Queen when they are threatened by the ruffians of Grumbletown? Perhaps there will be an attack to-night. Do you think I should remain here and be their protector, Helen? Of course you must go home, for if you are late, your mamma will worry.”
Mr. Poodle stood not far away and overheard this talk.
“You need not fear an attack from Grumbletown, at night,” said he, laughing. “Why, King Red Beard and his subjects are such ‘fraid cats’ of the dark, that they never stir out of their houses after sunset. Then, too, they had such a fright to-day, I do not believe they will ever again come to Toyville.”
It was at this moment that the return of Rolie Polie called forth the words of praise from the little old dame.