Zuzu and Lulu now ran forward through the wood quite rapidly for a way, but as they approached the palace their steps began to lag. "Suppose mamma should want to punish us," said Zuzu. This caused Lulu to think very hard for a moment. "It may be that she will," said she finally, "but perhaps, on the other hand, she too will be glad to have us back and no questions asked. It seems to me that the best thing we can do is to have the Banjo play for us. Perhaps they will forgive us without our asking it, but we would better ask the Banjo how we can tell about that." So again they placed the Banjo in position and once more it began to play; and it told how one can always tell whether or not one's mother wants one. THE WISE DANDELIONS When dandelions have grown white Then they are wise as wise can be; Their fluff, all feathery and light, Holds messages for you and me. We ask: "Does mamma want me now?" Then puff our cheeks and blow and blow And when the fluff flies off, somehow, It means that homeward we must go. It's always true, no matter where You are, if you will try the spell And puff the fluff into the air, If mamma wants you, it will tell. But still, it's strange--you wonder why, And more and more your wonder grows When you see right before your eye How well the dandelion knows. Whene'er you take the ball of fluff And whisper to it soft and low And hold your breath, and then go "Puff!" Away the fluff is sure to go. And then if homeward you make speed You'll find the message was quite true For if you ask mamma, indeed, She'll say: "What? Want you? Yes, I do!" Lulu picked up a big, white, fluffy dandelion, and blew and blew at the top until all the fluff was gone. "Ah," said she, "it is plain that mamma will be glad to see us back again." [Illustration] CHAPTER XXXIII THE HAPPY ENDING OF THE STORY Now at the royal palace of the King of Gee-Whiz all was gloom and sadness, as may readily be supposed. The Widow Pickle had lost more than thirty pounds in weight from weeping so incessantly; the Private Secretary was also worn almost to a shadow, while the Court Physician, the Court Detective, and the Court Lawyer all confessed themselves on the verge of despair and in fear of their lives; as by this time they had been obliged to admit their entire inability to solve the mystery regarding the disappearance of the Twins, of the Enchanted Banjo, of the shadow of the King, and of the Dragon's wooden leg. The King himself was by this time very thin and weary-looking, and took no delight even in Waffles, while the mere thought of syrup caused him to shudder. "My life is ruined," said he, "and I shall never again be happy." This he repeated over and over again.