Now and then some adventurous Brownies would discover a new dark passage, and with the hope that it might lead to liberty the more progressive would get their heads together and plan a break for freedom. [Illustration] For a time it looked as though one of these attempts would be crowned with success, and liberty itself seemed to beckon in the offing. But, just as promising enterprises in our own uncertain careers often end in disappointment, so would each noble effort only result in a punishment of heavier burdens and shorter rations. Mandrake with a tray of food went down one of the dark passages, and soon returned empty-handed. This Florimel noted, and he said to King Stanislaus: "Your Majesty, Titania and her companions must be over there. I am going to try to find them." He took from the Sailor, who had charge of it, Euphrosyne's dove, and, opening the bosom of his jacket, let it cuddle close against his breast, with just its head now and then showing. At a moment when the attention of all Dragonfel's followers was temporarily diverted by some remarkable discovery he made a sudden dash down the passage where he believed Queen Titania and the others were imprisoned. His companions grouped themselves together to screen his fleeing form as best they could, and he succeeded in getting away without detection. [Illustration] Florimel ran along the passage, and his supernatural vision guided him. So when he came to a gem-crusted door he was able to see stretched before it a form that he at once recognized as the Red Spirit. The lazy fellow had been left to guard the prisoners, but had neglected his duty, and was fast asleep. Florimel heard him snoring away so that he knew his slumber was a heavy one, and he tiptoed up to him with confidence. He was rejoiced to see lying beside him the bow and four arrows, and he noiselessly reached for the bow, and restored the arrows to his quiver. Then he turned the big diamond that served as a knob for the door, and stepping cautiously over the unconscious Red Spirit, entered. Titania, Dame Drusilda, Violet, and Daffodil were seated upon one of the divans, and they sprang up joyously when they saw him. "Florimel!" cried Titania, and ran toward him. "'Sh!" he warned, and closed the door softly after him. "The Red Spirit is supposed to be guarding you, but he has fallen asleep. We must be careful not to wake him." They embraced fondly, and Titania asked: "When will the Brownies take us away from here?" Florimel shook his head despondently as he answered: "I am sorry to say that we are all prisoners like yourselves. See, Titania, I have brought you this. I thought perhaps that it might help us." He took the little cooing creature from the bosom of his jacket and stroked its soft sides. "Euphrosyne's dove!" exclaimed Titania. "There is a shaft above through which it can escape. Let us send it with a message to her." Upon a scrap of paper she hastily wrote the words: