As usual, the Rainbow Cat was most kindly welcomed and was introduced to all the important people in the place.
They are always delighted to see strangers, as sometimes they feel that things are a little dull after the exciting adventures many of them have been through.
On the third day after his arrival he was invited to a great banquet at the palace of the Queen of Hearts.
The Rainbow Cat wore his best bow, his dancing-shoes, and the gold collar which the giantess had given him. He took his mandolin with him; it had been most useful to him on several occasions, and it seemed a pity to leave it behind.
Puss-in-Boots, for instance, and the Pussy-cat who went to London to visit the Queen.
Dick Whittington’s cat was there too, but he gave himself great airs. It seems it wasn’t really quite certain whether he was a fairy-tale cat at all. Some people thought he was real.
It was silly of him to be so stuck-up about it, but it only amused the Rainbow Cat.
They were about half-way through the banquet when there was a slight pause. The meat course was finished, and everybody was waiting for the sweets. At that moment a servant came quietly in and whispered to the Queen. She became deadly pale, and half rose in her seat.
“What is the matter, your Majesty?” said the Rainbow Cat, who sat in the place of honour at her right hand.
“He’s done it again,” said the Queen in a low, horrified whisper, sinking weakly down again into her chair.
“Who has done what?” said the Rainbow Cat.
“The Knave--stolen the tarts!” said the Queen with an agonised look. “They’re nowhere to be found. It’s all my fault. He begged so hard to be taken on again that I gave him another chance. Oh! why did I trust him?”
“Isn’t there anything else?” asked the Rainbow Cat.
“Nothing ready,” replied the Queen. “You see, they’re very special tarts. I make them myself. Every one thinks so much of them. What shall I do?”
“Don’t worry,” said the Rainbow Cat. “Send round to all the pastry-cooks’ for anything they have ready, and meanwhile I’ll sing a song to fill up the time.”
The Queen was much relieved at this suggestion, and gave orders that messengers should be dispatched immediately to buy up all the available tarts in the place.