We dont just know that, said Betsy, taking her hand; but were trying to find Shaggys long-lost brother, who has been captured by the terrible Metal Monarch. Wont you come with us, and help us?
Polychrome looked from one to another of the queer party of travelers and a bewitching
smile suddenly lighted her face.
A donkey, a mortal maid, a Rose Princess and a Shaggy Man! she exclaimed. Surely you need help, if you intend to face Ruggedo.
Do you know him, then? inquired Betsy.
"No, indeed. Ruggedos caverns are beneath the earths surface, where no Rainbow can ever penetrate. But Ive heard of the Metal Monarch. He is also called the Nome King, you know, and he has made trouble for a good many people mortals and fairies in his time," said Polychrome.
Do you fear him, then? asked the Princess, anxiously.
No one can harm a Daughter of the Rainbow, said Polychrome proudly. Im a sky fairy.
Then, said Betsy, quickly, you will be able to tell us the way to Ruggedos cavern.
No, returned Polychrome, shaking her head, that is one thing I cannot do. But I will gladly go with you and help you search for the place.
This promise delighted all the wanderers and after the Shaggy Man had found the path again they began moving along it in a more happy mood. The Rainbows Daughter danced lightly over the rocky trail, no longer sad, but with her beautiful features wreathed in smiles. Shaggy came next, walking steadily and now and then supporting the Rose Princess, who followed him. Betsy and Hank brought up the rear, and if she tired with walking the girl got upon Hanks back and let the stout little donkey carry her for awhile.
At nightfall they came to some trees that grew beside a tiny brook and here they made camp and rested until morning. Then away they tramped, finding berries and fruits here and there which satisfied the hunger of Betsy, Shaggy and Hank, so that they were well content with their lot.
It surprised Betsy to see the Rose Princess partake of their food, for she considered her a fairy; but when she mentioned this to Polychrome, the Rainbows Daughter explained that when Ozga was driven out of her Rose Kingdom she ceased to be a fairy and would never again be more than a mere mortal. Polychrome, however, was a fairy wherever she happened to be, and if she sipped a few dewdrops by moonlight for refreshment no one ever saw her do it.
As they continued their wandering journey, direction meant very little to them, for they were hopelessly lost in this strange country. Shaggy said it would be best to go toward the mountains, as the natural entrance to Ruggedos underground cavern was likely to be hidden in some rocky, deserted place; but mountains seemed all around them except in the one direction that they had come from, which led to the Rose Kingdom and the sea. Therefore it mattered little which way they traveled.
By and by they espied a faint trail that looked like a path and after following this for some time they reached a cross-roads. Here were many paths, leading in various directions, and there was a signpost so old that there were now no words upon the sign. At one side was an old well, with a chain windlass for drawing water, yet there was no house or other building anywhere in sight.
While the party halted, puzzled which way to proceed, the mule approached the well and tried to look into it.
Hes thirsty, said Betsy.
Its a dry well, remarked Shaggy. Probably there has been no water in it for many years. But, come; let us decide which way to travel.
No one seemed able to decide that. They sat down in a group and tried to consider which road might be the best to take. Hank, however, could not keep away from the well and finally he reared up on his hind legs, got his head over the edge and uttered a loud Hee-haw! Betsy watched her animal friend curiously.
I wonder if he sees anything down there? she said.
At this, Shaggy rose and went over to the well to investigate, and Betsy went with him. The Princess and Polychrome, who had become fast friends, linked arms and sauntered down one of the roads, to find an easy path.
Really, said Shaggy, there does seem to be something at the bottom of this old well.
Cant we pull it up, and see what it is? asked the girl.
There was no bucket at the end of the windlass chain, but there was a big hook that at one time was used to hold a bucket. Shaggy let down this hook, dragged it around on the bottom and then pulled it up. An old hoopskirt came with it, and Betsy laughed and threw it away. The thing frightened Hank, who had never seen a hoopskirt before, and he kept a good distance away from it.
Several other objects the Shaggy Man captured with the hook and drew up, but none of these was important.
This well seems to have been the dump for all the old rubbish in the country, he said, letting down the hook once more. I guess Ive captured everything now. No the hook has caught again. Help me, Betsy! Whatever this thing is, its heavy.
She ran up and helped him turn the windlass and after much effort a confused mass of copper came in sight.