“Oh, it’s you!” said the Dragon-Fly. Evidently they were old friends. “Well, I’ve hunted you through the Wind Channels, and the Storm Road of Clouds, and the Tree-Top Pathway, and every other route I could think of. I happened to meet Klang and Tinkle just now on their way to the Fairy Court. They told me they had seen you come in this direction.” “Well, hurry up!” said Bizzybuzz, impatiently. “What do you want me for?” “There’s a mortal boy in the Red City who asked my help.” “What!” cried the three listeners, all together. “A small boy, as boys go,” pursued Green-Wings, “He told me to bring you word concerning him.” “Well, well,” said Bizzybuzz, “go on!” “He’s been caught by the men-at-arms of the Wicked King,” said the Dragon-Fly. “Things looked rather badly for him when I left.” “Oh, dear!” exclaimed Bab, and began to cry. “Poor, poor Dicky!” “I must not lose a minute!” cried Bizzybuzz. “I’ll go to him at once; and—wait! Perhaps Meg has done her task by this time. If so, she has the spell Dick needs. I’ll stop at the Fairy Court on my way. Thanks, Green-Wings, thanks! Good-bye, good-bye!” And he darted, still buzzing busily, out of the window. “Oh, Bizzybuzz! Dear Bizzybuzz!” called Bab. “Please take me with you!” “You—can—follow—me—if—you—like—” His voice floated back to her. “Santa Claus will show you the way—” And he was quite gone forthwith. The Dragon-Fly polished off his wings in front of the fire, much to the excitement of Wiggles. Then he flew away, his gauzy person flashing through the open window like that of a sprite. “Oh, how can I follow Bizzybuzz?” sobbed Bab. “And I did so want to help Dicky! That dreadful king will surely behead him!” “Now listen to me!” said Santa Claus. “I have a plan which I think you’ll like. Why should not you go straight to the Red City yourself and help your brother in your own way, without paying any further attention to Bizzybuzz? He’s only a Goblin Messenger, after all. You have the Sleep-Sand, and I am going to give you the means of making an escape at any time! What do you say?” “Oh, it would be lovely!” cried Bab. “May I start at once, please?” “Of course. Come with me, and I will show you the way you are to go.” They hurried out, followed by Wiggles; and Santa Claus led the way to the barn. In all her excitement Bab could not help stopping to speak to her friend the Wooden Cow, and the beast seemed pleased to see her. “I’m so glad I have something to remember her by!” said Bab, showing Santa Claus the scrap of wood which she still carried in her pocket. Santa Claus started, and then laughed. “Do you remember what I told you about her horns?” he said. “Well, never mind! Of course you don’t! But that bit of wood is a very powerful weapon, Miss Bab! And don’t you throw it at anyone unless you are in the greatest possible danger! Don’t forget!” And Bab did not forget.