“All right,” said the dog. “I will do as you bid me; for I long to free my master and have revenge on the Roly-Rogues.” So Queen Zixi tied the Silver Vial to the dog’s neck by means of a broad ribbon, and he started at once to return to Nole. And when he had gone, the queen summoned all her generals and bade them assemble the entire army and prepare to march into Noland again. Only this time, instead of being at enmity with the people of Noland, the army of Ix was to march to their relief; and instead of bearing swords and spears, each man bore a coil of strong rope. [Illustration: “HE STARTED AT ONCE TO RETURN TO NOLE.”] “For,” said Zixi, “swords and spears are useless where the Roly-Rogues are concerned, as nothing can pierce their tough, rubber-like bodies. And more nations have been conquered by cunning than by force of arms.” Bud and Fluff, not knowing what the witch-queen meant to do, were much disturbed by these preparations to march upon the Roly-Rogues. The monsters had terrified them so greatly that they dreaded to meet with them again, and Bud declared that the safest plan was to remain in Zixi’s kingdom and await the coming of the miller’s son with the necktie. “But,” remonstrated Zixi, “in the meantime your people are suffering terribly.” “I know,” said Bud; “and it nearly drives me frantic to think of it But they will be no better off if we try to fight the Roly-Rogues and are ourselves made slaves.” “Why not try the magic cloak as it is,” suggested the princess, “and see if it won’t grant wishes as before? There’s only a small piece missing, and it may not make any difference with the power the fairies gave to it.” “Hooray!” shouted Bud. “That’s a good idea. It’s a magic cloak just the same, even if there is a chunk cut out of it.” Zixi agreed that it was worth a trial, so the cloak was taken from the silver casket and brought into the queen’s reception-room. “Let us try it on one of your maids of honor, first,” said Fluff; “and, if it grants her wish, we will know the cloak has lost none of its magic powers. Then you and Bud may both make your wishes.” “Very well,” returned the queen, and she summoned one of her maids. “I am going to lend you my cloak,” said the princess to the maid; “and while you wear it you must make a wish.” She threw the cloak over the girl’s shoulders, and after a moment’s thought the maid said: “I wish for a bushel of candies.” “Fudge!” said Bud, scornfully. “No; all kinds of candies,” answered the maid of honor. But, although they watched her intently, the wish failed absolutely, for no bushel of candies appeared in sight. “Let us try it again,” suggested Fluff, while the others wore disappointed expressions. “It was a foolish wish, anyhow; and perhaps the fairies did not care to grant it.” So another maid was called and given the cloak to wear. [Illustration: “‘AND MAY I WISH FOR ANYTHING I DESIRE?’ SHE ASKED EAGERLY.”] “And may I wish for anything I desire?” she asked eagerly.