On this particular night he stood as usual at his forge--a great big, husky, bearded fellow in a red flannel undershirt bared at his brawny, hairy chest, and with sleeves rolled almost up to his shoulders to give the tremendous muscles of his arms full play.
[Illustration: Vulcan threatening his imps with a hot poker.]
He wore a round leather cap and had on a leather apron tied to his burly waist by leather thongs. Things needed touching up a bit, and he was getting busy.
"Where are those lazy 'prentices of mine?" he roared, in rumbling tones, as he pumped the bellows, while the flames in the forge leaped higher and higher. "Spry, Flash, Nimble, Twist, and the rest of you--where are you, I say? Has my voice grown so weak, you rogues, that you cannot hear me? Come hither this instant!"
From all directions in response to the angry summons came imps in red attire that fitted their lithe, supple bodies as snugly as the skins of eels.
They somersaulted down the chimney, popped up like jack-in-th'-boxes from the earthen floor, and described parabolas through the air from the cavern's ceiling, grouping themselves humbly on their knees before their irate master, with their arms supplicatingly extended.
"Here at last, are you?" again roared Vulcan. "And none too soon, either! Where have you been, imps? Idling your time away? Quick! heap coals on, all of you, or the fire will be out!"
Forthwith they flung balls of living fire into the forge, and, as Vulcan pumped away at the bellows, he burst out in lusty song:
"When the flames leap high From the crater to the sky I roll up my sleeves with delight; When the strongest buildings rock To the awful earthquake's shock The trembling millions all confess my might!"
The lightning flashed, the thunder crashed, and over all the storm was heard a voice calling: "Vul-can! Vul-can!"
Vulcan stopped work while his imps crept stealthily toward the door to listen.
"Is Vulcan at his forge?" was shouted in the wind and rain outside, with the accompaniment of a terrific knock on the door.
"Who dares disturb me on my busy night?" cried Vulcan, in a towering passion.
[Illustration: DRAGONFEL KNOCKING ON VULCAN'S DOOR.]
"It is I, Dragonfel, the enchanter," said the voice placatingly.
"What brings you here?" asked Vulcan.
"I come on business of great import, mighty Vulcan!"
"Enter, then, and be brief," said Vulcan, with scant hospitality.
"Remember I have work to do."
Dragonfel and his followers thereupon appeared in the doorway, and came forward escorted by the imps who evinced the greatest curiosity in the strange, rain-soaked visitors.
When they were within respectful distance of Vulcan the enchanter sank on one knee before him, and the rest immediately followed his example.
"Why have you sought me out?" demanded Vulcan, with distrust and suspicion on his seamed, rugged face as he sharply eyed them.
"Oh, Vulcan," spoke Dragonfel, in smooth, oily tones, "powerful as I am, I acknowledge you my master. Who else can match you in your wondrous strength?"
"You've come for a favor!" grunted the other. "Well, out with it!"
"I wish to tell you about the Brownies."
"What about the Brownies?"
"There is to be a marriage in Fairyland. The Brownie prince is to wed the fairy queen!"
"Bah! How does this concern me?"
"It should concern you. Listen, Vulcan! There is no authority for such a marriage in all the annals of mythology."
The words created a deep impression upon Vulcan.
"No authority?" he repeated slowly, as though he were mentally digesting what he had just heard. "Are you sure of this?"
"There is none, I tell you," insisted Dragonfel emphatically. "It is enough to arouse the anger of the high and mighty gods. My own power will be diminished, if not lost, should this union take place." "Are you using any measures to prevent it?" asked Vulcan thoughtfully. "Aye!"
was Dragonfel's decided response. "I am going across the sea with these followers of mine to interfere. Can I rely upon your powerful aid should I need it?" "How can I help you?" "If I call upon you will you convulse the earth, and rouse to fury the slumbering volcano?"
[Illustration]
"Trust me for that!" cried Vulcan, beginning to pump the bellows. "The element of fire is still my own, to use at will."
A lightning-bolt hurled itself right in their very midst, and the resultant thunder-clap brought Dragonfel and his followers to their feet in sudden alarm. "Enough!" cried Dragonfel exultingly. "It is a compact, then!"
"Here is my hand on it!" said Vulcan, and he crushed that of the enchanter in his grimy fist. "Spry, Flash, Nimble, and Twist, my crafty imps, shall go with you. Through them appeal to me. But what do you propose to do?"
"I have a plan, and a good one too!" said Dragonfel, in a confidential manner. "You can depend upon it, rats will eat the wedding-cake!"
Vulcan's fancy was so tickled that he laughed hilariously, and Dragonfel made bold to slap him in a familiar way upon the back. "Ho! ho!" Vulcan chuckled. "So rats will eat the wedding-cake, eh?"
[Illustration]
"Yes," Dragonfel went on. "We're going to the wedding, gain their confidence with fine presents, and then--"
"Yes," said Vulcan, very much interested. "And then--?"
Dragonfel leaned over and whispered something in Vulcan's ear which caused him to start back in surprise. "No!" he involuntarily exclaimed.
"Do you think you can do it?" If Florimel and Titania could have heard the diabolical plan of the enchanter all the happiness would have vanished from their hearts.
CHAPTER X
THE STRANGE WEDDING-GUESTS
[Illustration]
Bright and fair dawned the wedding-day of Prince Florimel and Queen Titania.
Though all the days vied in beauty with each other, this one seemed to be more radiant with grace and loveliness than usual, for every living thing loved the happy little lovers and all Nature rejoiced with them.
The skies put on their tenderest blue, the sun scattered even more of its golden treasure, the winds grew more balmy and caressing, while the flowers were prodigal with perfume, and the birds were tireless with their joyous serenades.