"I wonder when they'll bring us something to eat," said Florimel, who was beginning to grow hungry.
He was very much relieved when some time later Boundingbore appeared with a cauldron of lukewarm soup, which was served in skimpy little plates.
"Here, take mine back," complained King Stanislaus. "Look what's in it! Just imagine what would have happened to me if I had swallowed it."
As he spoke he held up a pin which he had found in his soup.
"It wouldn't have hurt you, Your Majesty," said the Policeman. "It's a safety pin."
Now and then some adventurous Brownies would discover a new dark passage, and with the hope that it might lead to liberty the more progressive would get their heads together and plan a break for freedom.
For a time it looked as though one of these attempts would be crowned with success, and liberty itself seemed to beckon in the offing. But, just as promising enterprises in our own uncertain careers often end in disappointment, so would each noble effort only result in a punishment of heavier burdens and shorter rations.
Mandrake with a tray of food went down one of the dark passages, and soon returned empty-handed. This Florimel noted, and he said to King Stanislaus:
"Your Majesty, Titania and her companions must be over there. I am going to try to find them."
He took from the Sailor, who had charge of it, Euphrosyne's dove, and, opening the bosom of his jacket, let it cuddle close against his breast, with just its head now and then showing.
At a moment when the attention of all Dragonfel's followers was temporarily diverted by some remarkable discovery he made a sudden dash down the passage where he believed Queen Titania and the others were imprisoned.
His companions grouped themselves together to screen his fleeing form as best they could, and he succeeded in getting away without detection.
Florimel ran along the passage, and his supernatural vision guided him. So when he came to a gem-crusted door he was able to see stretched before it a form that he at once recognized as the Red Spirit.
The lazy fellow had been left to guard the prisoners, but had neglected his duty, and was fast asleep.
Florimel heard him snoring away so that he knew his slumber was a heavy one, and he tiptoed up to him with confidence.