Freddie Cornell University Library J PZ 7.C46T6 Toodles of Treasure Town and her snow ma •*vf2Uc\^^T' VJ®, Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924012680520 ll \ou arc ilic NcniiL;' laiU' wlm niailc nie, 1 wi^li In lliank you from ihe buUom uf my heart." ( l^aye 4\J"^l and Her Snowman snowstorm, you will have the opportunity to do so while in the Frosted Globe," announced the fairy, looking at Toodles. "But before you enter, I shall give you this Magic Bracelet to protect you from all danger. Take good care of it." "O — oh! what a pretty bracelet," cried Toodles, eagerly accepting the beautiful ornament and placing it on her arm. "It is a wonderful bracelet," said the fairy, "but its value as a charm is far greater than as an ornament." "And may I keep it?" the child asked. "No, it does not belong to me. It is the talisman of Eli- nora, and you must take good care of it. If in danger or trouble, say these words, 'Elinora, Queen of Good Luck, help me,' and I shall come to you, no matter where you may be. If this Magic Bracelet is lost or stolen or if Hi-Ho should capture it, all will be lost. It is the possession of this Magic Bracelet that enables Elinora to accomplish her good deeds. It must be returned to our Queen as soon as you reach Treasure Town." Then turning to Pedro, she said warningly : "I place this little girl in your care, and you must see that she reaches Treasure Town safely. You know how to guide the Globe over the Land of the Harum-Scarums, so beware I And good luck attend you!" "Is it cold in there?" asked Toodles, shivering at sight of the snow. "Well," Pedro answered thoughtfully, "I have always 23 Too dies of Treasure Town found the climate delightful inside the Globe — er — that is, until someone would shake up a blizzard. Then the tem- perature would drop to zero." As he finished this remark Loyal waved her wand again and before Toodles could think twice, there in her arms were the prettiest clothes she had ever seen. There was a muff, a coat and hat trimmed in ermine, a pair of leggings and two small sealskin gloves. The fairy and Pedro hastily placed 24 and Her Snowman them on her, buttoned up her coat, strapped on her leggings, and there she stood dressed for the coldest weather. "Oh, thank you I" exclaimed Toodles, admiring her new clothes, "I feel just like a princess in some story book." "You certainly do look pretty," observed Pedro. "You surely will astonish the people in Treasure Town." "Then if you are ready," said Loyal, "you may enter the Frosted Globe and I will send you on your journey. Pedro, beware of Hi-Ho. And, Toodles, take good care of the Magic Bracelet." "Step right in, Toodles," said Pedro, holding the door open and bowing low as if to a real princess. "You will be the first little girl to enter here. Quite an honor for you — and for me, too." 25 Inside tl\e Wonderfel Ifosted Globe — T OODLES had been quite carried away with the nov- elty of the situation and so amazed was she at the marvelous powers of the fairy and Pedro's strange appearance that she had entirely forgotten her parents and her nurse, Steena. She suddenly realized that she was going on a long and strange journey in a most wonderful craft — going to some strange land far away. Perhaps she might never return! This thought frightened her and she burst into tears. "Why, Toodles, dear, what is the matter?" asked the fairy tenderly, trying to comfort her. "I want my mama and papa," was the tearful reply. "Well, well, this will never do I" declared Pedro. "We will return before your parents miss you," and he pulled a 27 Toodles of Treasure Town large red handkerchief from his pocket and blew his nose vio- lently. "What will Steena say when she finds I'm gone?" she ^\>/, asked him, her tears falling fast. ^'^ "She'll cry her eyes out, and papa will send her away for not taking better care of me and I couldn't get f along without Steena I" "P erhaps Steena after Loyal, wiping away. "So more and, re- to help your papa again. When you sound to show him bring back, won't he I shall send you," suggested Toodles' tears do not cry any member, we are going get well and rich come back safe and the treasure you will be pleased?" "Y — yes," hesitated Toodles, trying to smile. "It will be a big s'prise to him, won't it? And if you see Steena, tell her where I have gone and ask her to come after me. She may miss me." ^g and Her Snowman "I shall see that they do not miss you, and I promise to send Steena to you soon," said Loyal as she led her towards the Globe. "This way, little lady," called Pedro cheerily, again bow- ing low and removing his cap. Toodles smiled at his odd manners and feeling assured that her new friends would take good care of her, entered the Globe. "Remember," said Loyal to Pedro as he started to fol- low, "beware of Hi-Ho!" 29 Toodles of Treasure Town 'Til hit him over the head with my snow shovel if he bothers us," was his savage reply. "He made me lose my job once before as boss of the Rainbow Weavers, and I won't forget him in a hurry. I'll keep my eyes open, never fear," and he skipped through the door like a jackrabbit. Tiddle-de-winks had been forgotten but she was deter- mined to go where Toodles went, and with a bound she jumped into the Globe just as Pedro slammed the door, barely missing her tail. The fairy waved her wand once more and throwing a kiss to Toodles who was peering through the window, melted away in a fleecy cloud. At that moment Steena entered the garden, carrying a basket of lunch for Toodles, and was astonished to see the Frosted Globe rising in the air. She was panic stricken, however, when she saw the faces of Toodles and Tiddle-de- winks watching her from the window. With a cry of alarm she rushed towards the Globe, but too late, for it was high above her. 30 and Her Snowman "Toodles, Toodles, come back! Come back!" she cried, wringing her hands in despair and rushing about the garden frantically. But the Frosted Globe floated away, higher and higher, like a bubble in the air until it looked to be no larger than an egg. "Oh my! Oh my!" wailed the nurse. "What shall I do? What shall I do? It's ruined I am! What will I say to the Missus and how can I explain? Oh — Oh, she's been kidnapped, my little Toodles!" and she sank down on a bench and burst into tears. "If I only had a balloon or flying machine or something that could fly, I'd overtake that kidnapper and wring his neck!" She had scarcely finished talking to herself when a dark shadow came between her and the sun. As the day was bright and the sky clear, she paused in her cries to see what it might be. Looking up, she was astonished to see a large balloon to 31 Toodles of Treasure Town which was suspended a wicker basket large enough to hold four or five people. A man peered over the side of the bas- ket at her and was making frantic efforts to attract her at- tention. "Ho there I" he called at last, as he dropped a long rope with an anchor at the end. "Catch hold of it quick and fasten it to a tree." More bewildered than sensible, Steena did as she was told. "Make it tight!" the stranger cried. "It's starting t o blow up here. Got any- thing to eat^ I'm out of food and if you will get me some, I'll pay you well for ^ / it." • Steena suddenly thought of Toodles sailing away far up in the sky, and with a cry of delight she snatched up the lunch basket that was near by and called : "Do you see that thing floating up there in the sky*?" pointing to the Frosted Globe that could barely be seen. The aeronaut quickly grasped his telescope, leveled it and 32 Up, up she went, and up went the balloon. and Her Snowman after gazing at the disappearing object intently for a mo- ment, answered: "Yes, it looks like an airship." "Can you catch it*?" again asked Steena anxiously. "I can beat any balloon or airship that was ever made," said the man positively. "Then throw down a ladder or something I can climb. If you will overtake that airship or whatever it is, I will give you a thousand dollars and all the lunch you can eat. "It's a bargain!" he cried quickly. "I'll do it," and he threw out a rope ladder that came tumbling down at Steena's feet. "Unfasten the anchor and climb up. We'll overtake it in about eight hours if you hurry." Steena hastily untied the anchor, grasped the ladder and started to climb up just as the balloon sailed majestically towards the sky. Up, up, she went and up went the balloon. Steena was almost frightened out of her wits and several 35 Toodles of Treasure Town times she almost let go. Had she done so, she would have fallen and been dashed to pieces. The aeronaut encouraged her until with one final gasp of fright and exhaustion, she managed to grasp the man's extended hand and fell limply into the wicker car. They were now sailing high above the clouds, and after peering in all directions the aeronaut pointed off toward the eastward with a cry of delight, for there, like a speck against the clear blue sky could be seen the Frosted Globe rapidly disappearing in the distance. The wind was carrying them in the same direction and thus the fairy had made good her promise to Toodles — Steena was coming to watch over her and keep her from harm. 36 IN the meantime Toodles was having a fine time inside the Frosted Globe. Steena surely would not have worried as she did had she known why Toodles was there and could she have seen her romping and tossing the snow about in her wild glee. And Tiddle-de-winks enjoyed it, too. After they were well on their way, Pedro suggested that he get supper ready. He entered the little house and built a fire in the stove and soon had the supper cooking. Toodles noticed that there was no motion to the Globe such as you feel on a train or a ship. It floated through the air and to the inhabitants it was the same as being in a little world all by themselves. 37 Too dies of Treasure Town The kitten and Toodles played about until they were cov- ered with snow. Then Toodles recalled reading in one of her books about a snowman and remembered just how he looked in the pictures. To make one was a difficult task, but she started bravely in and soon had gathered a big pile of snow. She made the legs first and then the body, but she was unable to make the head. She called Pedro, who came running out and volun- teered to help her, and they soon had the mW#^^ snowman finished — that is, almost. "Why, we must give 'l^^'^'S^^iL him a pair of eyes to see with," ex- Ip^^ J^^ ^ claimed T o o - dies sudden- "To be sure!" agreed Pedro, darting into the house. He soon returned with some pieces of coal, and deftly made the eyes by sticking two pieces in the places where the eyes are supposed to be. 38 and Her Snowman "He must have a nose to smell with," said Pedro laughing, and lo ! there was his nose. It was another piece of coal. "And now his mouth," added Toodles, and taking two pieces from Pedro, she made his mouth with a smile in it. In fact, it was laughing, so wide did she make it. It made the snowman look pleasant, anyway. "Now he must have a hat," declared Pedro, who stood off and gazed at the results of their efforts critically, his head cocked to one side. "Yes," agreed Toodles, and Pedro darted into the house again, returning with an old battered stove-pipe hat, which he placed on the snowman's head in a rakish manner and there he stood — complete. Pedro then thrust the snow shovel into his arms. "See how proudly he holds it I" exclaimed Toodles delight- edly. "Just like a soldier," Pedro said with a smile. So pleased were they with their handiwork that they took hold of hands and danced around until Tiddle-de-winks thought they had lost their senses and, with tail out straight and fur raised, dashed into the house in alarm. "Wouldn't it be funny if he could walk and talk, the same as you and I do?" said Toodles, giving the snowman a loving pat on the back. "It would be remarkable to say the least," Pedro answered thoughtfully. "He would have been good company for me 39 Toodles of Treasure Town They took hold of hands and danced around the snowman 40 and Her Snowman this last year — but come, I smell the supper and if we don't go now, it will soon be burned." Toodles then realized for the first time since entering the Frosted Globe that she was really hungry. She obeyed his invitation with alacrity and soon they were seated at the table and eating a delicious supper. "It's too bad we can't invite the snowman to join us," Pedro observed, as he helped Toodles to a generous portion of the stew. "Hot food would probably give him the tummy ache," Toodles said as she nibbled her cake. "Where do you get all these good things to eat?" she inquired, looking up sud- denly. "I don't see any markets or butcher shops in this place." 41 Toodles of Treasure Town "The good Queen must attend to that," replied Pedro, "for every time I go to the cupboard, I find it full, no matter how much I eat." would be a good place for old Hubbard t o live," Toodles suggested gravely as she asked for a second help- "T h i s Mother ing of jam. "Yes, and if she did, her dog would get more than a bone," was his laugh- ing reply. "It must b e very nice not to worry about your marketing. My mama makes the cook be very careful when she goes to the store. It costs money to go a-marketing." "Well," said Pedro sorrowfully, "I have all the comforts of home, but alas! I must remain a prisoner here until the Queen of Good Luck sets me free." "Were you naughty?" inquired Toodles gravely. "Yes, I suppose I was — to a certain extent," Pedro replied as he lit his pipe and sat down by the fire, "but I didn't mean 42 and Her Snowman to be. Hi-Ho caught me one time when I was on an impor- tant errand for the Queen and tried to force me to help him steal her treasure at the bottom of the rainbow. I refused, and he kept me a prisoner until I escaped with the aid of our trusty soldiers." "And were you in danger"? Is Hi-Ho a bad man?" the little girl asked, her eyes wide open with interest. "Indeed I was, and Hi-Ho is a very bad man. Elinora blamed me for failing to do her errand, and so she punished me by confining me in this Frosted Globe for a whole year. I didn't mind that so much, but it was terribly lonesome," and Pedro almost shuddered at thought of the many long winter days he had passed alone in the Globe. "And you are the little man I used to see standing in the front yard with your snow shovel on your shoulder. If I were you, I'd catch that bad Hi-Ho and spank him," and Toodles shook her pretty curls vigorously. "I'll do more than that if I ever catch him where he can't call the Harum-Scarums to help him," declared Pedro sav- agely. "What are the Harum-Scarums*?" asked Toodles, moving closer to her friend. "Are they animals? Do they bite ?" "The Harum-Scarums are the people that are ruled by Hi- Ho, their King. They try to capture our fairies in the hope of finding the Magic Bracelet. With that in his power, Elinora would be unable to perform any more magic and in 43 Toodles of Treasure Town order to accomplish her good deeds she must have the Brace- let in her possession." Toodles looked at the beautiful ornament on her arm curi- ously and then said tremulously : "I almost wish your Queen had not given the Bracelet to me. I'm afraid I will lose it, or someone might steal it and that would be horrible." "You just keep it on your arm and have no fear," and Pedro patted her red cheek lovingly. He arose from his seat, refilled his pipe and then said : "Yes, Hi-Ho is a bad man; he tries to prevent Queen 44 and Her Snowman Elinora from doing good. If we can ever get him in Rain- bow Land, Elinora will make him prisoner, transform him and make the Harum-Scarums her subjects; but unless she can obtain his Magic Diamond that has been charmed by an evil spirit, she is powerless to stop him from capturing our people and transforming them into cockatoos." "Cockatoosr repeated Toodles in wonder. "Yes, and if I had not escaped, he would probably have turned me into a large cockatoo, to fly all over the world and do his evil bidding." "If I should meet him, I'd make a face at him," said Toodles bravely. "And if he tried to harm me, I'd call for Loyal with my Magic Bracelet." "Yes," and Pedro laughed at her childish bravery, 'Tsut 45 Toodles of Treasure Town don't let Hi-Ho ever get his hands on that Bracelet or we are lost, although I don't think we have much to fear from him this time. He has never seen the Frosted Globe and we are a long way from his land yet. I don't propose to let him capture me again. If we once get to the Enchanted Lake, we will be safe." "Enchanted Lake?" and Toodles paused to hear more. "Yes. This Lake separates the two countries," he in- formed her, "but Hi-Ho controls it, so we have to guard our land on all sides to see that he doesn't steal in some night with his soldiers and cockatoos and capture Treasure Town. But we need not worry," and he yawned and stretched his arms. Feeling rather tired and sleepy, he decided to lie down and get some rest, that he might be bright and fresh in order to guide the Globe safely across the Land of the Harum- Scarums. Toodles sat by the fire and read from Pedro's small library until her head nodded, and with a sigh of content she dropped off into peaceful slumber and all was still in the cottage. 46 ier IV IN the meantime the snowman was standing out in the yard just as they had left him, mounting guard with his snow shovel like a faithful soldier. It had stopped snowing and the sun made the whole interior glisten and sparkle like crystal candy — for this Frosted Globe had a sun and moon just like the great big world that we live in. Suddenly there was heard a whirring sound and a pure white dove flew over the housetop. As it darted across the yard, a feather floated through the air from the bird's body and alighted like a snowflake on the snowman's head. In- stantly there was a movement of the arm, then a leg, and then he seemed to come to life as if awakened from a long sleep. He yawned and stretched himself and then took a 47 Toodles of Treasure Town step or two and there he stood, a real live snowman — Mr. Snowman, if you please. Throwing his shovel down and looking around curiously, he said aloud: "Well, that was the luckiest thing that ever happened," and he walked around and gazed in wonder at everything. "This place looks very familiar to me — seems as if I lived here before I was made. I won- der what brought me to life, for I'm alive, that's sure. It must be magic. I wonder if anybody lives around here. There's smoke coming out of that chim- ney. I guess I'll knock," and he thumped on the front door. The sound of run- ning feet was heard, and the door flew open. Pedro, whose face showed plainly how frightened he was, staggered back on seeing the snowman, and cried in amazement, "Great snowballs, it's the snowman come to life I Or am I dreaming'?" "Say," the snowman inquired, "did you make me*?" "Good gracious, he can talk, too," observed Pedro excit- edly. "No, I did not make you, but a little girl did, and I'd 48 and Her Snowman rather it would rest on her shoulders than mine. ToodlesI Toodles!" he called, "come here quick!" Toodles awoke with a start on hearing her name, and hur- riedly rushed to the door. When she saw the snow- man standing there and grinning at her, she gave one shriek and dashed back into the house. "Come out, come out!" called Pedro. "He won't hurt y o u — not while I am around." Somewhat reassured, Toodles returned t o the door and peeped timidly out at the snow- man, her eyes as big as saucers. The snowman smiled, and, taking off his hat, said respectfully : "If you are the young lady who made me, I wish to thank you from the bot- tom of my heart, or whatever it is that is supposed to be my heart. I never thought I could experience such a de- lightful sensation as living," and he bowed as gracefully as any well-bred man could do. "Why, he acts and talks just like we do, don't he?" said 49 Toodles of Treasure Town Toodles with delight, turning to Pedro, "and just think, I made him all myself — at least all but his head." "And who made my head*?" he inquired. "Pedro did," Toodles answered quickly, "and I think he did very well indeed," she added proudly. "I sincerely hope so," was the snowman's next remark. 'Have you a mirror handy"? I am very curious to see how I look." Pedro brought a mirror. He took it and glanced at his reflection critically. "Not half bad," he murmured, turning his head from side t o side. "You made my mouth rather large, but they say a large mouth is a sign of a warm heart. Do you think I have a heart?" he asked of Pedro. "I'm sure I don't know," he answered with a laugh. "And what do you care as long as you feel all right and live? It isn't every snowman that has a chance of living." "You are right, and I shall not worry until I have to, but I feel so happy I must do something." 50 and Her Snowman" Pedro quickly picked up the shovel and handing it to him, remarked : "You might get rid of some of your long-stored energy by cleaning the snow off my front walk. My I" he exclaimed, "if I only had thought to make him a year ago, I'd have had somebody to talk to, at least." The snowman grasped the shovel firmly and said : strikes me as a good one. that you might wish me "Y our s u g gestion Any other odd chores to do, don't fail t o call on me," and he started the snow fly- ing in all directions. "Well, he'll make a good hired man if he isn't good for any Pedro observed breath as he ergetic s n o w- While he and Toodles stood there, they thought they heard the sound of hammering. Pedro looked wildly around and Toodles ran to the side of the house and listened. Again they heard it, but this time it was louder, as if someone were rapping on a window-pane. They were both much alarmed, but not so the snowman. He paused deliberately in his work and remarked: 51 thing els e," under his watched the en- -ffli man. Toodles of Treasure Town "Sounds like a woodpecker," and resumed his shoveling. "There isn't a woodpecker in this place," said the fright- ened Pedro, "at least, I've never seen one." As the rapping grew louder, the snowman paused again to listen. Rap — rap — rap they heard, this time louder and much more distinctly than before. 'It's at the door," Toodles cried suddenly and all rushed to see for them- selves. They started back in fright, for peering through the glass they saw a face — yes, two faces. Toodles gave a cry o f delight and amaze- ^ ^ ment. 'S t e e n a, Km^^jOH'X V/j"^ Steena, come in, quick!" and U^ |i 1 i "^f she tugged at t h e lock frantical- \^j0nt: 'ss ly, but could not budge it. "Friends of yours?" inquired the snowman of Pedro. "Why don't you invite them in?" "They're not friends of mine, but I guess Toodles knows them. Now how on earth or off the earth did they get here? Something is wrong somewhere. It surely can't be Hi-Ho." "Pedro! Pedro!" called Toodles, struggling with the 52 and Her Snowman lock, "It's Steena, my nurse. She's out there and can't get in. Open the door, please, please!" Pedro ran forward and, grasping her by the arm, said quickly, "Toodles, you cannot open that door until Elinora wills it. I'd like to know how they got there," he added to himself. By this time Toodles was frantic and cried, "Oh, what shall we do? Think, think, Pedro! They must get in some way. Oh, Pedro, think!" "Ah, I have it!" shouted Pedro, clapping his hands. "Your Bracelet, the Magic Bracelet that Loyal gave you! Call on her and she will open it." She snatched the Bracelet from her arm and cried, "Eli- nora, Queen of Good Luck, help me!" 53 Toodles of Treasure Town Instantly they saw Loyal standing before them. Toodles rushed to her and said : "My good, kind fairy, Steena, my dear nurse, is at the window, and wants to get in. Open it for her quick." "Your wish shall be granted, my dear," answered the good Loyal, touching the lock with her wand. The door opened immediately and Steena and the Balloon Man came tumbling in, one after the other. "Toodles! Toodles!" and Steena gathered her in her arms and laughed and cried at the same time, so glad was she to find her safe and sound. Suddenly she thought of the man who had kidnapped her little darling. "Where is he? where is the kidnapper? Let me get my hands on him! I'll show him he can't steal little girls away from home without hearing from me," and she rolled up her sleeves. "Oh, you dear old goose," and Toodles laughed until the tears came to her eyes, "I haven't been kidnapped. This is Pedro, my dear friend, who lives in this Frosted Globe, and he is taking me to Treasure Town to see Elinora, the Queen of Good Luck. She has promised to help my papa. And this is the kind fairy that was sent to watch over us, and this" — turning to the grinning snowman — "is mine — all mine. I made him, didn't I, Pedro? At least all but his head," and she danced gleefully about until Steena thought she was either crazy or dreaming. 54 and Her Snowman "Am I awake or asleep?" she gasped, as she gazed about her bewildered. Tiddle-de-winks recognized her old friend, and came bounding forward and rubbed her arched back against Steena. "You might introduce us to your friend," the snowman said to the nurse a s h e looked at Signor Perriwin- kle, who was standing near by with a look of wonder and great surprise on his face. "Goodness gracious!" exclaimed Steena, starting back in amazement. "Is that alive"? Now I know I'm dreaming. However, that does remind me — I wish to introduce you to my friend, Signor Perri winkle, the brave and daring aeronaut who brought me here in his balloon." 55 Toodles of Treasure Town "Ah, that explains how they got here," murmured Pedro to himself. "You must have a very swift balloon to over- take the Frosted Globe, Signor Perriwinkle." "The very fastest that sails," he replied proudly. "It's an invention of my own." Turning to the others, he said gal- lantly, "I am very glad to meet you all, even if we did enter rather abruptly." "And now, my friends," said Loyal seriously, "as I have brought you together, you will have to continue the journey to Treasure Town and I will keep my promise to keep you all from harm if you obey me, and who knows, perhaps you may be of service to Queen Elinora." Turning to Pedro, she added: "Pedro, one word of warning. You are nearing the Land of the Harum-Scarums, so you had best get to your maps and charts, that you may guide the Globe safely over to Treasure Town. Toodles, take good care of the Magic Bracelet, and now farewell, as I have other important work to do," and with a smile to all, she vanished like a breath of wind. "That's a very charming lady," sighed the snowman. "I hope I shall meet her again." "I'd like to meet her also," added Signor Perriwinkle po- litely. "Perhaps we shall all see her again when we arrive in Treasure Town," suggested Toodles with a yawn. "I feel 56 and Her Snowman very sleepy, and I am so glad Steena is here to tuck me in my bed. I want to go to bed now." "It is getting late," announced Pedro, "and I must leave you to attend to the Frosted Globe. We are approaching Hi-Ho's land and I must study my maps and charts care- fully. Make yourselves at home, but I would suggest that you come in and sit by the fire." "I hitched my balloon to your ship or whatever you call this strange craft," said the aeronaut. "I hope it will not interfere with your steering." Pedro paused in the doorway and replied : "No, indeed. We don't sail or fly as you do — we simply float." "Ah, a wonderful invention, to be sure. I must have a talk with you about it later on," Perriwinkle declared to the others. "Come into the house and get warm, Mr. Snowman," called Steena, picking Toodles up in her arms, for she was almost asleep. " Not much!" he replied quickly. "I'd wake up and find myself a puddle of water. I'm going to enjoy life as long as I can. If I get sleepy, I'll find a cosy spot on the doorstep. 57 Toodles of Treasure Town I wish somebody would sit out here with me. I'd like to ask a great many questions." "Save them for to-morrow," requested Perriwinkle with a laugh, "and I'll tell you all you want to know. After our long ride, I feel quite sleepy myself, so with your permission, I will retire also," and he left the snowman standing there dis- consolately. "It's an awful waste of time to sleep," he remarked to him- self as he sat down upon the porch. "Especially when one has only been alive a few hours. What a beautiful night," he sighed, as the moon rose slowly and shed its bright light through the in- terior of the Globe. "I wonder — I won — der — " but that was all he said. His head nodded once or twice and soon he was fast asleep. The lights in the little cottage went out one by one and everything was quiet. The snowman stirred once or twice in his sleep, his hat fell off into the snow, and then he settled himself comfortably for the night. 58 tli-tio Gdpiures the ffosted Gloh{ SUDDENLY there came through the quiet darkness a gentle tapping and sawing, so stealthy and yet so dis- tinct that had the inhabitants of the Frosted Globe heard it, they would have been terrified. It sounded as if someone were try- ing to break into the Globe. Then the noise became louder and, sure enough, a large piece of the roof was lifted out, leaving a ragged hole large enough for a man to 59 T o o d 1 e s of Treasure Town crawl through. In a moment a dark, savage face appeared and looked cautiously about. Seeing nobody, he swung over the edge, first an arm, then a leg and dropped to the ground as softly as a cat. He was a large, dark-skinned man and wore feathers in his hair that stuck out in all directions. He also had feathers of beautiful colors fastened around his waist and carried a long shield made out of bark. In his other hand was a long spear. He looked like a savage from Africa, with gold rings in his ears and on his wrists and ankles. He had on a bright red jacket and sandals that laced to his knees. Stealthily tip-toeing to- wards the cottage, he peeped through the window and looked carefully around the corners of t h e house. Seeing n o one, h e softly blew a small gold whistle that made a sound like a bird. ■ Instantly the hole was filled with natives who scrambled through the opening and dropped gently into the snow. They were dressed in the same fantastic manner as their leader and as they silently entered one b y one, the Globe was soon filled with them. 60 ' \5^ ^^\^x>^^' -^>j^-t-:rvv" He knew llicy must l)c the Ilaruin-Scarums. and Her Snowman It was Hi-Ho and his Harum-Scarums and they had cap- tured the Frosted Globe I Poor Pedro I Poor Steena I Poor Toodles ! and poor Bal- loon Man I Trouble was now in store for them and they were at the complete mercy of their worst enemy. It was evident that Pedro had fallen asleep at his maps and charts and as the Globe neared the Land of the Harum- Scarums, they had seen and captured it. Quietly surrounding the house, Hi-Ho approached the front door and was about to knock when he stumbled over the sleeping snowman, who scrambled to his feet and loudly protested at being so rudely aroused from his peaceful slum- bers. On seeing so many savage faces glaring at him in the moonlight he rolled his coal black eyes in terror, for he knew they must be the terrible Harum-Scarums the fairy had spoken of. "What in the name of all that's queer have we here?" inquired Hi-Ho in astonishment as he gazed at the grinning snowman. "Did you ever see such a funny thing before?" and he turned to his soldiers. As the snowman stood there blinking in the light of the moon, the savages fairly rolled about and doubled up with laughter. He was the funniest looking man they had ever seen. "I fail to see anything to laugh at," retorted the snowman, taking offense at their ridicule. "I'm a firstclass snowman, 63 Toodles of Treasure Town made, it is true, by a little girl, but she might have done worse, and I can't say that you look any too good to me." He had lost all fear now and was ready to fight if necessary. "What are you doing here and what do you mean by crack- ing this Frosted Globe in that manner?" he cried angrily, pointing to the hole in the roof. "What do you think this is — a hard-boiled egg?" "That is none of your affair, Mr. Snowman," asserted Hi-Ho with a savage leer. "We've captured this place, and you are our prisoner, although I don't see what you are good for," and he burst out in a fit of laughter again. Finally he was able to ask, "Where's the rest of this crew?" "They're inside, sound asleep, and I don't propose to allow you to disturb or harm them in any way. I may be a poor snowman, but I'll fight every one of you if you attempt to touch them." "Oh, you expect to fight, do you? Well, I guess you are mistaken. Seize this crazy loon and bind him up. If he tries to fight, take him and place him on a red-hot stove. That will fix him." At his command the Harum-Scarums rushed forward and surrounded the snowman, and although he was brave and fought savagely, they soon had him bound with ropes as tight as a trussed turkey. At the sound of the scuffle, Pedro awoke with a start and, realizing that something was terribly wrong outside, rushed to the door. When he saw Hi-Ho and his 64 and Her Snowman band of savages surrounding the house, he gave one yell of terror and fell back against the house, frightened almost out of his wits. "Ah ha I" shrieked Hi-Ho with fiendish delight as he caught sight of him/'It's my old friend Pedro that escaped from me with the aid of Elinora's soldiers. Bind him up tight! He won't get away from me this time!" The Harum-Scarums grabbed him with cries of joy like a fox does a goose and after binding him with ropes, they danced around and clapped their hands, uttering many strange sounds. "Stick him in the legs with a spear and wake him up a bit," ordered Hi-Ho, and as they prodded poor Pedro with their sharp spears, he hopped about first on one leg and then on the other. "Well, you've caught me again," he growled surlily, "and what do you want this time? PU get even with you for this 65 Toodles of Treasure Town if it takes me a hundred years I" Pedro had lost all fear and was himself again. "I guess you will stay with me for some time," was the gruff answer, as he grinned in Pedro's face. "But come, this palaver is a waste of time. Where's the little girl named Toodles whom you are taking to Treasure Town?" "What do you know about any little girl*?" asked Pedro, unwilling to admit anything. "I know she is on her way to Treasure Town to receive some of Elinora's gold and I am going to hold her prisoner as well as yourselves until the Queen surrenders that pot of gold to me — all of it, every bit, do you hear me?" "Oh, we hear you all right," declared the snowman sharply, "and I wish you would get a frog in your throat and couldn't talk for a week." "Hold your tongue!" retorted Hi-Ho severely. "Speak only when you are spoken to — that's always good manners." "Well, my worst manners are too good to use on you," but Hi-Ho paid no more attention to the disgusted snowman and so he stopped talking, wondering what was going to happen next. During these last few words, being aroused by the unusual amount of noise, Steena looked out of the window and see- ing all the strange men and Pedro and the snowman bound with ropes, she quickly found a poker and with a loud cry dashed out of the door and started for Hi-Ho and his band. 66 and Her Snowman So unexpected was her charge that Hi-Ho was knocked off his feet before he knew what had happened. The Harum- Scarums also, being unprepared for so sudden an attack, scat- tered like a flock of sheep, with Steena after them, whacking them on the heads and shoulders with her poker. Hi-Ho came to his senses in a moment and, regaining his feet, started after the brave Steena with a shout of rage. "Hit 'em hard," shouted Pedro with delight as she thumped them one after the other. "Chase them out of the Globe I Hurrah!" and just then she and a savage fell to the ground, Steena pummeling him unmerci- fully. "Good girl, good girl!" called the snowman. "Oh, if I only had my snow shovel, I'd show them," but he and Pedro were helpless and could hardly move. Steena continued to punish the thoroughly frightened 67 Toodles of Treasure Town Harum-Scarums until Hi-Ho reached her and with a sharp word of command, he finally persuaded his men to surround the nurse. With one united effort they were able to secure her arms with a rope, the same as the others. "Phew !" remarked Hi-Ho a s h e mopped his face with a large yellow handkerchief, "She's worse than a wildcat." "Yes, I'll make you think you had s i x wildcats o n your hands before I get through with you, Mr. Hi-Ho from the Land of the Harum-Scarum s," panted Steena, her face red and her eyes wild with rage. "I'll scratch your eyes out!" 'I'll take good care you don't have the c h a n c e," he said, taking pains to keep a dis- tance between them. You're a brave girl and I'll not forget to tell Queen Elinora about it," said Pedro soothingly. 68 "Never mind, Steena. and Her Snowman "You'll never see the Queen again, so don't let that worry you," retorted Hi-Ho with a sarcastic smile. He had scarcely finished speaking when he saw Toodles standing in the doorway with Tiddle-de-winks in her arms. She was half asleep and stood blinking at the strange sight that met her gaze. "Ah, there is the young lady now," said the chieftain as he crossed the yard towards her. "You keep away from me, you nasty, horrid looking, bad, bold and ugly man, or I'll scream," she replied quickly, and she backed away in terror. "Scream all you like and much good it may do you," said Hi-Ho, much amused at her remarks. "We don't intend to hurt or harm you but as I have captured this Globe, all within it are my prisoners. You are to be held as a prisoner of war until Elinora sends me a substantial ransom." "Are you Hi-Ho, King of the Harum-Scarums ?" she asked in amazement. "That is my name, and very proud I am of it," he answered mockingly. "Then I'll show you what I can do with the Magic Brace- let," and snatching it from her arm, she was about to call the magic words, but before she could think, Hi-Ho made one leap and twisted her wrist and down fell the Bracelet into the snow. Pedro and the snowman both fell on it, but as their hands 69 Toodles of Treasure Town were tied, they were powerless and it was the work of an instant for Hi-Ho to pick up the Bracelet and slip it into his pocket. "So at last I get the Magic Bracelet," he said, grinning from ear to ear. "I've been hunting for this trinket for years and now I guess your ^fi Queen Elinora will not help you, for as long as I hold this, she is helpless," and he replaced it in his pocket. Toodles burst into tears and commenced to sob vio- lently. "Oh dear! Oh dear! what have I done'? I've lost the Queen's Magic Bracelet and she will never forgive me and now we'll never see Treasure Town." "I see the beginning of our finish now," declared the snow- man solemnly. "We are lost!" sighed Pedro, and two large tears rolled down his cheeks. Without further delay Hi-Ho and his men busily engaged in preparing to depart, and were raising a ladder to the open- ing in the roof. 70 and Her Snowman "Perhaps we are not lost yet," whispered Steena to Pedro. "Signor Perriwinkle is still asleep in the cottage and his bal- loon is tied to the other side of the Globe. Hi-Ho evidently has not seen it yet. If they should leave without searching the house, he could come to our rescue." "Yes, but how is he to know where we have gone and that Hi-Ho has captured us?" groaned Pedro in de- spair. "Can't we leave a note for him, tell- ing what has happened'?" Steena asked. "How can we write with our hands tied behind us and no paper and pencil?" Pedro replied dolefully. *Tm sure I don't know," sighed Steena as she commenced to cry. "I have it I" said the snowman softly, his voice trembling with suppressed excite- ment. "See that patch of smooth snow close by the doorway? Tell Toodles to write in it with her finger and Perriwinkle will see it when he comes out." "A great ideal" exclaimed Pedro to his friends, and unnoticed by Hi-Ho, he quickly whispered his instructions to Toodles, who nodded her head that she un- derstood. 71 Toodles of Treasure Town Cautiously looking at the Harum- Scarums who were busy at the other end of the Globe, she stooped and rapidly wrote the following words: She had scarcely finished when Hi-Ho approached and in- formed them that they were ready to go. With a final word of command, he ordered the prisoners to climb the ladder. "Can't I take my kitten, Tiddle-de-winks, with US'?" asked Toodles anxiously as she paused at the foot of the ladder. "Not much!" was the chieftain's answer. "Do you sup- pose I want a cat around my Cockatoo Farm? He'd kill what he couldn't eat, and frighten the others to death. You'll have to leave the cat here." "It isn't a he — it's a she," Toodles remarked gravely, "and she wouldn't hurt a fly." "I don't care what kind of a cat it is, you can't take it with you, and that settles it!" "Oh, TiddlesI" sobbed Toodles in despair, picking up her pet and kissing her good-bye, "we'll never see each other again," and she buried her head in the kitten's soft fur. "Come, come!" said Hi-Ho impatiently, "all this time 72 and Her Snowman wasted on a cat," and snatching the kitten from her arms, sent her flying into the house with a loud "scat!" They ascended the ladder one by one and soon the Frosted Globe was empty — or at least Hi-Ho thought so, but Signor Perriwinkle was snugly tucked in bed, unconscious of all that had happened within the last half hour. He was dreaming the most wonderful dreams. One of them was about a balloon that was made out of a mam- moth egg. He was sailing through the sky when suddenly a giant eagle swooped upon him, crushing the egg balloon into a thousand pieces. Perriwin- kle tumbled out and fell thousands of miles — into bed. The shock awoke him with a start. How quiet it seemed I Unable to tell where he was for a moment, he rubbed his eyes and then the wonderful adventures of the day before flashed through his mind. Hopping out of bed, he hurriedly dressed and looked into Pedro's room. It was empty — and so was Toodles' and so was Steena's. 73 Toodles of Treasure To wn "My goodness I" he thought, "I must be very late for break- fast," and hurried into the dining-room. It was empty. "Strange — something has happened as sure as I am a foot h i g h," he exclaimed excitedly and when T i d d 1 e-d e-w inks emerged from under the bed where she had taken refuge from Hi-Ho's wrath, Perriwinkle was so startled that he jumped three feet into the air. He stepped out on the porch and the first thing that met his gaze was the hole in the roof through which the Harum- Scarums had entered. "We've been robbed and my friends have been kidnapped," and then he called, "Pedro! ■ Toodles I Steena!" but everything was quiet and he received no answer. He sank down upon the steps dejectedly and tried to think of something to do. "Gone — gone! Something terrible has happened and I am left here all alone. What shall I do?" Tiddle-de-winks rushed about like mad, but after trying to 74 and Her Snowman climb the ladder and falling into a pile of snow, she was glad enough to seek the safety of Perriwinkle's lap. Suddenly his eye caught sight of some peculiar tracings in the snow directly in front of him. It looked like writing. 75 Toodles of Treasure Town As he gazed at them, they assumed the form of letters and then words. Jumping to his feet, he was able to read Toodles' message. As soon as the words had told him of his friends' trouble, he ran up the ladder to see if his balloon was safe. Sure enough, it was there tugging away at the ropes as if eager to be on its way to the rescue. '^^t. It was the work of ^'^^''-''-^:;^:;^^^X^ ^-^^^^^^D a moment for him ^"^ ^f-!rv-vvY^j-«r^ v^ ©VSOX to rush into the house, hastily gather some food together and snatch up his cap, rush back and scramble through the hole. Tiddle-de-winks, not to be left behind, dashed after him and jumped into the car of the balloon just as Perri winkle let go the ropes, and then they sailed up into the air like a huge bird and disappeared in the distance. Signor Perri- winkle was on his way to rescue Toodles and the others from the hands of Hi-Ho. 76 In the Land of the flanim-Scarums As soon as the Harum-Scarums left the Frosted Globe, Hi-Ho ordered his soldiers to untie the ropes that bound the prisoners' arms. Glancing around, they were as- tonished at the wonderful size of everything. Trees were so high they could not see the tops and the leaves looked as big as the sails of a vessel. Toadstools were as large as a good-sized circus tent, the nuts that had fallen to the ground were big enough to live in and flowers waved their heads like palm trees. It was the Enlarged Forest that separated the Land of the Harum-Scarums from the outside world. They walked slowly along with the soldiers leading the away when Hi-Ho broke the silence and turning to Pedro said: 77 Toodles of Treasure To wn "This scenery looks very familiar to you, does it not'?" "Yes," growled Pedro ill-humoredly. "I'm sorry that I have to see it again." "Oh, you will like it much better after we arrive at the Walnut City," h e re- sponded pleasantly. 'We've improved our country a great deal since you were here." The snowman and Steena could not help but notice the sudden change in Hi-Ho's man- ner since they left the Frosted Globe. 78 and Her Snowman "I don't like it," he whispered. "He's too pleasant — it means something, I'm sure." "Well, I don't care what happens now," she sighed solemnly. "Let the worst come and then we will know what to expect." During their walk through the Enlarged Forest, Hi-Ho was tak- ing pains to explain everything to them as pleasantly as possible and he seemed very proud o f his possessions. "I hope this country is n o t very hot," observed the snow- . man as he commenced to per- ^ < spire, "because if it is, my bright career is ended before it is begun." "At this time of the year it is quite warm," Hi-Ho told him sympathetically, "and I would advise you to keep out of the sun." "How far have we got to go?" Inquired poor, tired little Toodles. "I don't want to walk any further — my legs are so tired. And I am so warm,' removing her furs and throwing them over a stump. Hi-Ho told them they had a short way to go and on the 79 Toodles of Treasure Town edge of the Enlarged Forest his Cockatoo Special was wait- ing for them to continue the journey to the Walnut City. "Cockatoo Special?" repeated Steena. "What in the world is that?" "That is my private car," he answered. "You see, there are no animals in this country, and the only birds are my trained cockatoos. They are taught to carry me through the air from place to place, the same as you drive a horse in your country. 4^^3fes'^i,, They are also trained to talk, think have about on my farm "Good gra- and understand. I seven thousand now." cious!" exclaim- e d Toodles i n surprise. "What do you do with so many of them?" "Oh, I find work for them," was his reply. "They fly all over the world and when they hear of some good deed that Elinora, Queen of Good Luck, is about to do, they fly home and tell my secretary all about it and he re- ports to me. That is how I knew you were on your way to Treasure Town. One of my trusty cockatoos was in the garden when the fairy came to this little girl and overheard the whole conversation. So you see there is very little that 80 V It was an odd city with gilded domes, steeples and spires. and Her Snowman goes on without my knowing it," and he laughed heartily at the look of chagrin on the prisoners' faces. "Then I swear to kill the first cockatoo I can get my hands on," declared Steena, angrily shaking her fist at an imaginary bird. "I would advise you not to harm one of their number," warned Hi-Ho, "as they surely would turn and tear you to pieces." "Dear me I" wailed the snowman, somewhat alarmed at the heat of the day, "I know I won't last until sundown. Have you a refrigerator in the Walnut City in which I can cool off when we get there?" "No, we have no ice-boxes in our country. But see, we are almost there," and as he spoke, they stepped through a clearing and there before them was the most beautiful valley they had ever seen. Far off in the distance was a river that wound in and out like a whip-cord, and beside it was an odd city with gilded domes, steeples and spires that glistened in the dazzling sunlight like pure gold. Flags of odd designs, shapes and colors were flying in the breeze and the town was in holiday attire. It seemed as if a circus was coming to town and the populace were getting ready to welcome it. "That is the Walnut City," announced Hi-Ho as he pointed across the valley. 83 Toodles of Treasure Town "What odd shaped houses," remarked Steena, gazing at the curiously shaped dwellings. "They are the large walnuts you saw in the Enlarged Forest," explained Hi-Ho. "We cut the windows and doors in them and they make large and very comfortable dwell- ings." "Are those cockatoos flying up there?" asked Toodles, pointing towards the sky where thousands of black objects were soaring around. "Yes, those are my faithful cockatoos that guard the Wal- nut City," he answered. "We are celebrating to-day," "What for?" inquired the snowman curiously. "Is it Washington's birthday?" "No. We have no holidays except when we succeed in thwarting Elinora in some good deed. That is why we are celebrating," and he rubbed his hands together gleefully. "Isn't he a nice, kind old codger?" remarked the snow- man sarcastically. "For two pins I'd throw him in the river." "I'm just waiting to get a chance at him," answered Steena angrily, "and when I do, I won't leave much of him for his cockatoos to mourn over." So eager and interested were they in the sights around them that all thought of their predicament had left them. It was like getting a glimpse into a weird fairyland. As they stood there looking across the valley, a peculiar noise made 84 and Her Snowman them turn and surprise and wonder at the strange object near them opened wide their eyes. There stood a large gilded car with pretty red cushions on the seats, a red and white striped awning over it to shield the passengers from the sun, while perched at the four corners were four of the largest and handsomest cockatoos they had ever seen. The car was fashioned from the half of a large walnut shell, gilded like a circus chariot, and with various colored streamers floating from each end. To each cockatoo was attached a gold harness. To each bird was fastened a long rope that was tied to the car and when they flew into the air, the car was lifted after them. "This," said Hi-Ho, pointing to the odd craft, "is my Cockatoo Special." 8^ Toodles of Treasure Town "It looks like a big walnut cut in half," observed the snowman, with his usual insight into affairs. "That's exactly what it is," declared Hi-Ho affably. "All our carriages, buildings and streets are made from the walnut shell." "What do you do with the meat of the nut?" inquired Toodles. "My goodness!" interrupted the snowman, "you're always thinking of something good to eat." "We preserve it, make pies, cakes and bread from it," re- plied the chieftain, ignoring the snowman's remark. "The cooking in this place ought to be good," said Steena, who was extremely fond of nuts, especially walnuts. "Dear me," ejaculated the snowman, "it seems to me we have struck a health food sanitarium." "You will like our food, I am sure," said Hi-Ho, "as I have the best chef in nut cooking that I can get. But please step into my royal carriage, and we will sail to the Walnut City that you see in the distance." The Harum-Scarums had been busily engaged in getting the Cockatoo Special ready for its flight, and the prisoners were all eager to accept Hi-Ho's invitation to enter. They sank down upon the soft cushions and waited with breath- less wonder for the car to fly. A soldier reported all in readiness, and at the word of command from the chieftain, the cockatoos flapped their wings and rose slowly into the 86 and Her Snowman air, lifting the car gently from the ground, and started for the Walnut City. It was a most delightful and remarkable trip, and Toodlcs and her friends gazed about them with undis- guised admiration as they passed over little W villages, lakes and streams. In this valley all was different from the Enlarged Forest. ,1 Everything was of regular size, the grass was closely cut, flower gardens adorned the hill- sides and pretty little trees were scattered about, making the landscape very picturesque. The inhabitants of Hi-Ho's land were seen attending to their duties in the fields, their bright colored costumes and feathers adding to the scene. Toodles and her friends looked like a pleasure party instead of prisoners in the hands of Hi-Ho. They could not help but admit that he had treated them most courteously since their arrival in his country. "All this seems very nice," acknowledged Pedro to the snowman, 'Taut I have been here before and you will wish you were well out of it before you get through." "I don't doubt it for a moment," agreed the snowman. "This is too nice to last long. Say, I know I am going to 87 Toodles of Treasure Town melt in this climate. I can feel the very life of me oozing out through my clothes." "Don't forget that Signor Perriwinkle is probably in his balloon looking for us," whispered Steena, in fear of Hi-Ho overhearing her remark. "I hope he will see my message in the snow," said Toodles gravely, "and perhaps he may bring Tiddle-de-winks with him." "Why does Hi-Ho treat us so nicely when he is a savage Xing'?" Steena asked of Pedro. "He does that so you will forget about your own home and you might wish to stay," was his reply. "You see he only turns people into cockatoos that are cap- tured and defy him or disobey him. If y o u consent to live here vol- untarily, he will give you a walnut home and make you one of his people. If we do not obey him, I am afraid we are all doomed to be cockatoos." 'I wouldn't mind learning how to fly," the snowman remarked quickly. "Well, as long as you are alive, I should think you would be satisfied," Pedro retorted. 88 and Her Snowman "As long as he holds the Magic Bracelet, I suppose we can figure on staying with this man for an indefinite period unless Perriwinkle comes to our rescue," continued Steena with a sorrowful face. "And won't I ever see my mama and papa and Tiddle-de- winks again?" asked Toodles, getting ready to cry. "Oh, cheer up," said the K snowman impatient- ly. "Of course you will. ^ ^^ Who knows, Perri- winkle is probably near us by this time." Pedro sat brooding over their troubles and said sorrow- fully, "I feel as if I were to blame for all this trouble because I fell asleep at my maps and charts. And even if we should be lucky enough to escape, Elinora will send me back to the Frosted Globe." "Oh, shucks I" exclaimed the snowman again. "You people can borrow more trouble than anyone I ever saw. Besides, if you do go back again, I'll be there to keep you company and in the evenings we can sit by the fire — no, I can't do that, but we can sit on the porch and play hearts and lotto and have a good time. I'd rather be there right now than in this fancy machine." 89 Toodles of Treasure Town "That is some consolation," Pedro murmured more cheer- fully, "but while we are here, Elinora is powerless and we cannot escape. We're in a pretty tight pickle and no mis- take." "I never saw a tight pickle," declared the innocent snow- man. "You might show me one some time." "That is merely a figure of speech," said Pedro, laughing. Just then the cockatoos flew into a large park and the prisoners could see at a glance that it was the royal court- yard and that they were near the royal palace. The car descended upon a broad platform around which were gathered hundreds of Hi-Ho's soldiers who raised their spears and shields in the air and gave a weird cry of welcome to their chieftain and his captives. 90 Chapter VII They 6[rhT}e dt the JVdlnut City THE attendants hastily placed a small pair of steps to the side of the car and its occupants stepped to the ground. "Are all of these people as wicked as Hi-Ho?" in- quired Toodles as she looked at the faces of the populace. "They don't seem to be as bad as the soldiers." "No, indeed," Pedro informed her. "The people them- selves are not bad, but the soldiers and cockatoos are." Toodles and her friends observed that the courtyard was tastefully arranged. The ground was paved with large, flat pieces of walnut shell highly polished and stained in many beautiful colors. In the center of the enclosure was a magnificent fountain that spouted different colored water high into the air and as 91 T o o d 1 e s of Treasure Town it fell it scattered and splashed over little statues of boys, fish and many other unique emblems of the sculptor. On the walls of the courtyard were soldiers and guards walking back and forth, their spears and shields glistening in the sun. Large guns with mammoth springs behind them to throw heavy projectiles pointed in all directions. Powder and shot were unknown in this country. High above them they could hear the continual whirr of the cockatoos as they darted through the air. Some were coming and others were departing. All seemed to be busy until at some unseen command they all \ wi turned in one direction and flew away like >• ' an army of soldiers in line. "Now where do you suppose they are going and who told them to go'?" inquired Toodles curiously. "They are returning to the Cockatoo Farm," Hi-Ho in ■ formed them with evident amusement at their puzzled ex- pressions, "and I sent High-cock-a-lorem, my commander-in- chief of the cockatoos, with my commands." 92 and Her Snowman They looked in the direction of his pointed finger as he added, "That is the faithful old bird that you see over there." Perched on the back of one of the royal chairs that were placed conveniently about the courtyard they observed a large cockatoo apparently asleep, and yet they noticed that one eye opened every few moments as if to watch all that happened near him. On the other side of the courtyard was a tall perch setting in front of a high table covered with books, papers and pens. Seated at his desk was a soldier busily engaged in writing. The prisoners noticed that a few of the birds still remained near, and one by one they would hop on the perch, speak to the writer, flap their wings and depart. "That must be the school teacher," said the snowman dry- ly, ready as usual with an explanation. "He is my royal secretary," answered Hi-Ho quickly, "and every time one of my spies obtains important informa- tion of some good deed about to be performed by your Queen, he reports to him and he makes a record of it. As I have captured the Magic Bracelet, they will have no more work to do for some time. That is why I dismissed the birds. It 93 Toodles of Treasure Town looks to me as if I held the trumps in my hands," and he chuckled softly to himself. "You certainly have a fine system," remarked Steena sar- castically. "Hi-Ho, you're a fiend and ought to be strung up by the thumbs," declared Pedro angrily, to which he only laughed and replied : "Have your little joke while you can, because you may n o t be able to joke very long." "How long do you think we will have to stay here, Mr. Hi-Ho?" anxiously i n- quired the snowman, step- ping into the shade of the palace wall. "lam losing a pound every hour and at that rate there won't be enough left of me to make a snow ball." "I will give you a bed in the cellar. It is cool down there — but we must have refreshments," Hi-Ho replied, clapping his hands together twice. 94 and Her Snowman Instantly two servants appeared with trays loaded down with food and drink. They placed it on the table and soon the prisoners were eagerly tasting the delicious nut foods that Hi-Ho had spoken of so highly. "It looks good," the snowman declared, smelling of the tempting dishes, "but I don't seem to have any appetite." "It's not to be expected," Pedro remarked, "when you haven't any stomach." "What? No stomach?" repeated the snowman in amaze- ment. "Do you mean to tell me that I can neither eat nor drink?" "Of course not!" exclaimed Toodles, helping herself to another slice of bread. "If you drink any water, it will freeze in your stomach and if you eat any food, you will get dispecsha — " "Dispecshal" interrupted the snowman, somewhat puz- zled, "and what is that?" "She means dyspepsia," corrected Steena. "It's a pain you get in your stomach from eating too much." "But how can I get it when I can't eat?" he persisted. "Oh, go sit down somewhere and don't ask silly questions when we are busy eating," and she pushed him away from the table. The snowman seemed to feel hurt at their rude remarks and, sitting on the ground and leaning against a leg of the table, he declared he would not go away. 95 Toodles of Treasure Town "Then keep quiet while we eat," requested Pedro, as they all pounced on the walnut tarts. "If all my prisoners were as easy to feed as he is," said the chieftain, nodding towards the snowman, "I could run my jail for nothing." "Have you a jail here?" inquired Steena anxiously. "Ask Pedro. He ought to remember it well." "Will I ever forget it?' he sighed, "and I suppose after you get tired of entertaining us as a gentleman should, you will put us all in there on bread and water." 96 and Her Snowman At this remark the snowman burst out laughing and fairly shook the table with his suppressed mirth. "What in the world are you laughing at?" asked Toodles, pausing in her eating. "It is no laughing matter!" "Not for you, but it is for me," he replied as he picked up his hat from the floor where it had fallen. "You see, I have no stomach, so I won't mind the bread and water." "I didn't say anything about bread and water," observed Hi-Ho, "but if you will do as I request, you can all return to your homes in safety." "What is it you wish us to do?" they asked together. "I'll tell you later," he replied, winking at them in a knowing man-, ner. He was about to say some- thing more when one of his guards approached the table and whispered some- thing in his ear. "You don't say so!" he cried in astonishment. "You will have to excuse me," he said, hurriedly rising from the table. "My servant brings me news of an important arrival. You may choose your own rooms in the palace and make your- 97 Toodles of Treasure Town selves at home," and with those words he left them and fol- lowed his guard. "Did he say something about an important arrival?" anx- iously inquired Steena, who seemed to lose her appetite in a minute. "That's what he did," answered the snowman, jumping to his feet excitedly, "and I'll bet my snow shovel that Signor Perriwinkle is in trouble." "Mercy me !" cried Toodles in agitation, "you don't mean to say that Signor Perriwinkle has been captured?" "I didn't say that," corrected the snowman, "but I did say that he might be in trouble and if he should be captured, I can see you all dying of dyspepsia while I ooze my poor dear life away in this excessive heat." "Let's hope for the best," said Pedro, trying to be cheer- ful. "If I could only get my hands on that Bracelet, I'd show Hi-Ho a thing or two !" "Oh, shucks!" exclaimed the snowman, "Let's not borrow trouble until we come to it." "Well, aren't we in trouble now?" asked Pedro hotly. "Yes, but it might be worse," added Steena. "The snowman is right," Toodles decided. "Perhaps Signor Perriwinkle will reach us with his balloon and then all our worry will be for nothing — but I will never forgive myself for allowing Hi-Ho to capture the Magic Bracelet," and she sobbed as if her heart would break. 98 and Her Snowman "It wasn't your fault," they all cried, crowding around her and trying to console her. "We are all creatures of circumstances," quoted the snow- man, with a wise look. They had finished their ^^" ^ meal b y this time and Pedro suggested that n^y;il-.m^ he and Steena take a walk around the grounds as he had a matter of importance to discuss. Toodles took the snow- man by the hands and led him to the outer city to see the sights. "I will go with you," he said, eying the sun anxiously, Q9 Toodles of Treasure Town "if you promise to keep in the shade. I'm almost wilted now." Toodles laughed and promised to do as he wished, and so they went out through the palace gates hand in hand. 100 Cl^apier VIU LET us follow Hi-Ho after he left his prisoners so abruptly at the table. The soldier quickly escorted him to the Cockatoo Special that was waiting for him at the outer gate. They entered the car and at a sharp word of command it sailed away towards the Enlarged Forest. After flying some distance, the birds carried them to a tall tree and there in its topmost branches was Signor Perri- winkle's balloon hopelessly entangled and unable to get away. Alas for poor Toodles and her friends! Their last hope of rescue was gone and Signor Perriwinkle had failed to save them. The soldier pointed to the car and Hi-Ho opened his eyes in astonishment as he had never seen such a strange craft. 101 Toodles of Treasure Town "What do you think it is?" he asked his man as they neared the balloon. "That I am unable to say, Your Majesty," he answered respectfully. "It looks like a strange bird had been blown into the tree and yet there seems to be a large basket and someone is in it." "T here surely is someone in the bas- ket," Hi-Ho said, looking more intently at the curious balloon. "We shall draw alongside of it and find out who it is." Calling to the birds, they promptly changed their course and flew directly towards the balloon and in a few moments were hovering in mid-air within a few feet of it. "Hello there!" Hi-Ho cried. "What are you doing here and who are you?" Perriwmkle, who had been watching the strange airship approaching, answered, "I am Signor Perriwinkle, the cele- 102 " I am tlic celebrated aeronaul in distress." and Her Snowman brated aeronaut, in distress. Will you kindly assist me to the ground? I've had a bad accident and thought 1 would have to stay here for a week or more." "You had better transfer yourself to this car and I will have your craft brought to my palace. You can repair it much better there," and Hi-Ho winked slyly at his soldier. "What place is this?" asked Perriwinkle, proceeding to bundle up his belongings and toss them into the Cockatoo Special. "You are in the limits of the Walnut City — hello! where have I seen that animal before?" as Tiddle-de-winks jumped out of the car. "I'm sure I don't know and I don't care," the aeronaut growled angrily. "It was she that caused all the mischief to my balloon by climbing into the rigging and tearing a hole in the silk." "I'll swear I saw that cat in the Frosted Globe," Hi-Ho whispered to his guard. • The moment the cockatoos saw the strange animal in the Special, they dashed through the air at terrific speed, zig- zagging here and there and almost tumbling the occupants to the ground. "We'll have to get rid of that cat," Hi-Ho shouted to his man as he hung onto the sides of the Special. The man promptly grabbed poor little Tiddle-de-winks by the hind legs and dropped her overboard. 105 Toodles of Treasure Town Hi-Ho then spoke soothingly to his birds and soon they were under control and flying swiftly in the direction of the Walnut City. "That was a narrow escape!" gasped Perriwinkle, mop- ping his brow with his handkerchief. He had expected to be dashed to pieces at any moment. *, "It was indeed," the chieftain answered. 'You see, my cockatoos have never seen an animal of any kind in this country." Perriwinkle was ab- sorbed in watching the wonderful Special and its appointments with uncon- cealed admiration. "This certainly beats bal- looning," he observed. "I won- der nobody ever thought of this idea before — but we have no cockatoos as large as these in our country." "Where do you hail from?" inquired Hi-Ho, looking Perriwinkle over from head to toe. "I came from the United States of America," he answered proudly, "and I live in Florida. Ever been there?" Hi-Ho smiled and answered: "I never leave this country — it wouldn't be good for my 106 and Her Snowman health," and he chuckled to himself. "Did I understand you to say that this was a balloon?" pointing to the bundle of silk in the bottom of the Special. "How do you make it go?" "It's filled with gas that is lighter than air, consequently the silk bag rises to a great height when filled. But I prefer your craft." "And I am very much interested in yours," added Hi-Ho. "To-morrow I should like to see how you fly it." "I am afraid that is impossible," said Perriwinkle with a sigh. "I have no gas to fill it with." "But I have some natural gas wells and you can use as much as you like," Hi-Ho informed him quickly. "Wunnerful — wunnerfull" was all the aeronaut could say. 107 CI\apter IX WHILE Toodles and the snowman were wandering around the City, the Harum-Scarums gathered about them curiously and talked and chatted among them- selves as if discussing their strange clothes and manners. The snowman impressed them particularly, and the inhab- itants of the Walnut City laughed and shrieked at the funny expression on his face and felt of his clothes as if to satisfy themselves that he really was alive. As Toodles and her friends reached the edge of the park, they noticed a large cockatoo following them. When they would stop, he would stop also; when they moved on, he kept close behind them. "I believe that cockatoo is following us," remarked the snowman, watching the bird from out of the corner of his eye. 109 Toodles of Treasure Town Toodles, who had observed the bird for some time, agreed with him. "Let us find out," suggested the snowman, and they re- traced their steps until they stood before the cockatoo. "Hello, Polly! Want a cracker'?" he asked, feeling in his pockets for something to eat. "Don't you Polly me!" squawked the bird ang- rily, "or I'll scratch your eyes out," and he raised his yellow comb and flapped his wings. "Well, what is your name, then?" in- quired Toodles. "My name is High- cock-a-lorem, and I am commander-in-chief of the cockatoos." "He's the old bird that Hi-Ho pointed out to us," said the snowman quickly. "My, what a long name I" observed Toodles in amusement. "I have been ordered to guard you while in the Walnut City," the bird continued as he ruffled his feathers. "Now that's awfully kind of you," returned the snow- 110 and Her Snowman man sarcastically. "We're pleased to make your acquaint- ance." "Why do we have to have someone guard us?" Toodles asked. "To keep you out of mischief and see that you both do not escape," was the bird's reply and he winked one eye at them. "Oh, shucks!" the snowman ejaculated, "how can we escape from here? We haven't any more chance than a rabbit." "Well, Hi-Ho isn't taking any chances and those are my orders." "Look I Look!" cried Toodles, and they turned to see the people running excitedly about and point- ing to the sky. Flying swiftly in the distance they saw the Cockatoo Special returning to the Walnut City. It soon reached the courtyard and as it started to descend, the snowman gave a shout of terror and calling to Toodles to follow, hurried in the direc- tion of the palace. They arrived there just in time to see Steena and Pedro enter from the opposite gate, and then they all saw Signor Perriwinkle step down from the car while the soldier un- packed his bursted balloon and set it in a corner of the court- yard. The aeronaut stood still In his amazement at seeing his 111 Toodles of Treasure Town old friends before him, and it then flashed through his mind that he had been rescued by Hi-Ho and was a prisoner as well as they. Just then Hi-Ho stepped forward with a smile and said: "This gentleman seems to be a friend of yours." "What does this mean?" demanded Pedro, losing his tem- per and ignoring the King's question. "Why have you brought this man here?" "I didn't bring him here," he replied, rubbing his hands in glee. "He dropped in of his own accord to pay us a little visit," and the wily chieftain burst out laughing as the sit- uation dawned on him. "Signor Perriwinkle," said Toodles with tears of disap- pointment in her eyes, "is this the way you try to rescue us?" 112 and Her Snowman "I did my best, Toodles dear," he answered sadly, "and if it had not been for Tiddle-de-winks, I might have saved you." "How is that?" inquired the snowman. "She climbed into the rigging and tore a hole in my bal- loon and before I could say 'scat' I was tangled up in the branches of a tall tree and I would have been there yet if Hi-Ho had not rescued me." "Drat that cat!" cried Steena an- grily. "Oh, shucks I" was all the snowman could say. "Where is my Tiddle-de-winks, and what have you done with her?" asked Toodles, looking around for her pet. "I took the trouble to drop her out of the Cockatoo Special," Hi-Ho informed her, "and it was a good rid- dance — I — __ could hardly manage my birds, they were so frightened." "Then perhaps she has been killed," and Toodles burst out crying. "Perhaps it is just as well that she was dropped in the woods," said the snowman, patting her on the head. "She would have made more trouble for us, and we have enough now." Hi-Ho placed his hand on Perriwinkle's shoulder and said sternly, "You are my prisoner, the same as the others. 113 Toodles of Treasure Town I would like to ask you a question, however. Were you in the Frosted Globe all the time I was there?" "I was that," replied the aeronaut, "and that is once we got the best of you," and in spite of his predicament, he smiled at the look of chagrin on the chieftain's face. "All is well that ends well," he re- torted, "so don't overlook the fact that the joke is still on you. How- ever, I am much interested in your balloon, and to-morrow I want you to show me how you work it." "I shall be very glad to do so," returned Perriwinkle, as a plan of escape flashed through his mind. "I must leave you now," Hi-Ho told them, as he called High- cock-a-lorem. "I have a very important message to send to Elinora, Queen of Good Luck," and he entered the palace, the bird following him. 114 and Her Snowman "Now what shall we do?" asked Pedro quickly. "Our last chance of rescue is gone and if we expect to escape, we must hit on some plan immediately." "I have a plan that I will tell you about as soon as Signor Perriwinkle gets his balloon repaired," announced the snow- man, placing his finger alongside of his nose wisely. "What is it"?" they all asked eagerly.. "Wait until the balloon is fixed and then I'll tell you. I am going down to the cellar to cool off. It is rather warm and I feel sort of mushy," and he left them to find a cool spot in the cellar. "That man has a sharp brain, even if he has no heart or stomach," re- marked Steena, "although I am not so sure about the heart," she added, as she remembered the loving glances he had given her lately. The prisoners were discussing their plans when a soldier approached and requested them to follow him into the Royal Throne Room. They quickly obeyed and in a few moments were stand- ing before Hi-Ho, who was seated on a large gold throne, around which were gathered his favorite cockatoos and servants. 11^ futrntdin of Burning Bhters IN the center of the room they noticed a beautiful foun- tain with a tall pedestal in the center on which rested a casket studded with jewels. The fountain was not run- ning and was enclosed with a high, bronze fence that pre- vented anyone from reaching the pedestal. "I have summoned you to see my Fountain of Burning Waters," announced the King of the Harum-Scarums, "and to let you see what I do with the Magic Bracelet." Taking the ornament from his pocket, he glanced at it lovingly and then calling High-cock-a-lorem to his side, he commanded him to carry it in his beak and drop it in the casket. The bird flapped his wings and sailed over the fence. 117 Toodles of Treasure Town He then dropped the Bracelet into the casket, closed the lid and flew back to his perch on the back of the King's chair. "You will observe," continued Hi-Ho pleasantly, "that we now have the Bracelet safe within the casket. You will also notice that the Fountain will soon be filled with water — see, it is flowing now." The prisoners looked and, sure enough, the Fountain was gradually filling with a ^-. greenish water that seemed to be on fire. (<5/^lrA Tiny flames and curls of thin smoke arose /"^^^^^^J from the liquid and soon the entire Foun- ,^ Kasaoik- tain was full. ^^ny ^J^Sf^ X^'JW. "The water in this Fountain," he ex- plained, "is placed there to prevent any- one from stealing the Magic Bracelet. Should you place your hand in there, it would be burned as if by fire. That is why I call it the Fountain of the Burning Waters. Would anyone like to place their hands in the water to prove that I have told the truth?" and the chieftain grinned at his audience mockingly. "Not much!" exclaimed Pedro. "We know what you say is true and we're willing to let it go at that." 118 and Her Snowman "Good-bye to the Magic Bracelet," sighed Steena, gazing wistfully at the casket. "Oh, please give me back my Bracelet I" cried Toodles, running forward and kneeling at his feet, "No, I will not," he answered. "Because it is not your Bracelet — it is mine," and his guards laughed loudly at his joke while all the cockatoos flapped their wings and squawked with delight. "And now," he continued, turn- ing to his secretary, "we shall send a message to Elinora, tell- ing her what has happened and demanding that she surrender her power and gold to me." He took a large piece of parchment from i his robes, from which dangled the royal seal. "Bring ink and quills," he commanded and a servant stepped forward with a small table with writing material on it and placed it in front of the throne. "I will read the message and then we will all sign it," he chuckled and nodded to his prisoners as he unrolled the parchment with a flourish. 119 Toodles of Treasure Town " Elinora, Queen of Good Luck, Ruler of Treasure Town, In the Land of the Rainbow. My Dear Queen : This letter is to inform you that I have captured the Frosted Globe. I also have captured the Magic Bracelet and have safely hidden it in my palace. If you will deliver to High-cock-a-lorem, my commander-in-chief, the pot of gold you have concealed underheath the rainbow, I will release the prisoners and allow them to feturn unharmed. If you refuse, I shall turn them into cockatoos to do my bidding the rest of their lives. Your time to surrender has come and the quicker you realize that you are completely in my power, the better it will be for all concerned. Your subjects who are now my prisoners will sign this note as well as myself. The Magic Bracelet you will never see again so you will see that your power is ended. Yours truly, Hi-Ho, King of the Harum-Scarnms. P. S. We, your subjects, sign this petition in order that you may save us by granting this request. (Signed.) After reading the letter, Hi-Ho tossed it on the table in front of Toodles and commanded her to sign it. "Don't do it, Toodles," cried Pedro, running forward to stop her. "I won't sign it," declared Steena, putting her hands be- hind her back. "Neither will I!" exclaimed the aeronaut, stoutly. "I won't sign it either I" decided Toodles angrily, "no matter what you do to us." 120 and Her Snowman "Oh, you won't, eh?" remarked Hi-Ho savagely. "Where's that good-for-nothing snowman? I'll venture to say he will sign it." Two soldiers immediately rushed out of the room to search for the snowman and returned in a ..^-v few moments dragging him after them. "Here, here I \ is?" he cried, stru of football?" "Mr. Snow- the King of the Harum- S c a r u m s, handing him the letter to read "that is a letter Elinora, Ruler Treasure Tow and you are to it." The snowman took the paper and read it carefully from beginning to end. When he had finished, he turned to his friends and said : "Has this villain asked you to sign this letter?" "Yes," they answered. "And you refused?" 121 Toodles of Treasure Town They nodded their heads. "So do II" and he tore the parchment into little pieces and threw them into Hi-Ho's face. "Bravo!" they cried, delighted at the bravery of their odd friend. But before they could utter another word, Hi-Ho jumped to his feet in rage and commanded his soldiers to seize them. "Take them to the tower!" he cried, and his soldiers rushed forward and surrounded them. "Feed them on bread and water for three days and if they then refuse to do as I ask, I'll turn them into cockatoos." The soldiers saluted and without a word took the prisoners by the arms and marched them towards the door. At last Hi-Ho had shown his true nature and Toodles and her friends were now to feel the full force of the wicked King's vengeance. 122 THEY had scarcely reached the door when a terrible commotion was heard outside the palace and the Harum-Scarums could be seen rushing about in terror. Above the noise could be heard the hoarse squawks of the frightened cockatoos. The soldiers stopped and everybody paused in astonish- ment at the unusual sounds. Hi-Ho turned pale as he realized that some awful calamity had overtaken them. Then the door burst in and a^crowd of people came running into the room. "Save us! Save us I" they cried, falling down at Hi-Ho's feet. "What does this mean? What is the matter?" he asked quickly. "A terrible animal is rushing about the courtyard, devour- 123 Toodles of Treasure Town ing the people. Save us I Save us I" and they huddled close to their chieftain. As they spoke, Tiddle-de-winks came bouncing into the room like a panther. _/^ Her tail was as big as a fox's and her eyes ^^^^^-^^ flashed with anger as she paused in her mad ^W^ fl i g h t and glanced about the room. Seeing Toodles, she gave a loud meow of j o y and ran to her mistress, rubbing her arched back against her and purring with pleas- ure at the meeting. The soldiers and cockatoos rushed pell- mell out of the room with a loud clamor, falling over each other in their wild desire to get away from the terrible look- ing beast that had surprised them. "Come back, come back, you silly fools!" shouted Hi-Ho, as he recognized Tiddle-de-winks as the kitten he had dropped from the Cockatoo Special. "This animal won't hurt you, it's only a pussy-cat!" But his people were so frightened, they deserted the palace and left Hi-Ho alone with his prisoners — all except High- cock-a-lorem. He was brave enough to stay, although his topknot was raised with fright. Soon the streets and court- 124 The soldiers and cockatoos rushed pell-mell out of the room. and Her Snowman yard were empty and no words of Hi-Ho could stop the Harum-Scarums as they fled frantically to their homes and locked and bolted their doors. Overjoyed at the return of her pet, Toodles picked her up and hugged and patted her in great glee. Steena and Pedro welcomed her with expressions of praise and delight. Even Signor Perriwinkle forgave her for wrecking his balloon and spoke a kind word to her. Regaining his senses, Hi-Ho instructed his commander- in-chief to remain with the prisoners while he went out and tried to calm his people. At that moment, the kitten saw the bird and with a yowl of rage she darted after him, and with one spring was on the bird's back, biting and scratching like a wildcat. High-cock-a-lorem gave one despairing screech and tried to get away but the kitten could not be shaken off and it ^"^^^^^^"^^^^ was only the quick action of Toodles, who rushed to the bird's aid, that saved him. Toodles grasped her kitten by the neck and managed to tear her away from the bird. Had she been a moment later, the commander-in-chief would have been killed. 127 Toodles of Treasure Town "That was a close call," croaked the bird, as he shook the loose feathers from out his wings and nursed his wounds. "I'm much obliged to you," he said, turning to Toodles gratefully, "you saved my life and I'll do as much for you some day." "You needn't thank me," she replied. "I wouldn't let my kitten hurt you for the world. Besides, I rather like you. "Thank you," the bird said, highly flattered. "Any time I can do you a favor, let me know," and he flapped his wings and flew out the door. "Now we are in a worse pickle than we were," exclaimed Signor Perriwinkle in dismay. "Our only chance is to escape," said Pedro, "but how?" "T h e snowman mentioned a plan," added Steena. acknowledged the snowman, us hear it for now is the time to decide on something quickly," Pedro declared, shutting the palace door for fear of being overheard. "Very well, I'll tell you what it is. Hi-Ho will ask Signor Perriwinkle to show him how the balloon works. He will be very much interested and so I suggest that as soon as 128 'Yes, I did," 'Then let and Her Snowman it is in readiness, the aeronaut is to entice him into the basket and at a given signal, jump out while one of us cuts the rope and the balloon will carry him away." "That's a good plan," said Toodles approvingly, "but how are we to do all this when we are to be locked up in the tower? You heard what Hi-Ho said." "Yes, but things are different now since Tiddle-de-winks has arrived," declared Steena cheerfully. "He would probably release us while Perriwinkle shows him how the balloon works, and the chances are now that he won't get a soldier within a mile of us as long as the kitten is with us." "That is true," agreed Perriwinkle. "Tiddle-de-winks has saved us from the tower and we can carry out this plan of the snowman's easily. I thought of the same plan when he spoke of examining my balloon." "Why wouldn't it be better for us to jump into the bal- loon and escape ourselves?" suggested Toodles. "Because," was Pedro's answer, "Hi-Ho could pursue us in the Cockatoo Special and bring us back." "And no one can make the Cockatoo Special fly but Hi-Ho," added Perriwinkle, "at least that is what he told me." "Then it is agreed," said the snowman, turning to Pedro. "You are to cut the rope when Perriwinkle jumps out." "That's right," answered Pedro, his face lighting up with 129 Toodles of Treasure To wn pleasure at the idea. "And won't I laugh when I see him sailing up in the air?" "Yes, that is all right," commented Toodles doubtfully, "but after Hi-Ho is sent away, how are we going to escape? And I won't leave this place until I can take the Magic Bracelet with me." "Perhaps High-cock-a-lorem will help us," suggested Steena, observing the looks of consternation on their faces. They had forgotten all about the Bracelet. "Toodles earned the gratitude of the old bird when she saved his life," she continued, 'and he said he would do something for her some day." "I believe he will I" agreed Perriwinkle. "We'll ask him the first chance we get." They were all startled by the banging of the door, and turning quickly, they saw Hi-Ho enter. He was as mad as a wet hen, his clothing was torn and mussed, and he seemed out of breath and very much annoyed. The prisoners watched him furtively as he approached. "I'll see that that cat is killed before to-morrow," he ex- claimed, as he wiped the perspiration from his forehead. "Remember, Hi-Ho," suggested the snowman, who could not help smiling at the ridiculous appearance of the rumpled monarch, "a cat has nine lives I" 130 and Her Snowman "I don't care if she has ninety lives," he growled as he walked up and down the room. "I'll take good care she don't upset my kingdom again. In the meantime, owing to these conditions, I am compelled to allow you the freedom of the Walnut City until to-morrow night and then you all go to the tower unless you sign that letter to Elinora. Are you aware that all these cocka- /^^i>