"I--I've lost my bow!" wailed Polychrome.
"Take me, my dear," said Shaggy Man in a sympathetic tone, thinking she meant "beau"
instead of "bow."
"I don't want you!" cried Polychrome, stamping her foot imperiously; "I want my
Rainbow."
"Oh; that's different," said Shaggy. "But try to forget it. When I was young I used to cry
for the Rainbow myself, but I couldn't have it. Looks as if you couldn't have it, either; so
please don't cry."
Polychrome looked at him reproachfully.
"I don't like you," she said.
"No?" replied Shaggy, drawing the Love Magnet from his pocket; "not a little bit?--just a
wee speck of a like?"
"Yes, yes!" said Polychrome, clasping her hands in ecstasy as she gazed at the enchanted
talisman; "I love you, Shaggy Man!"
"Of course you do," said he calmly; "but I don't take any credit for it. It's the Love
Magnet's powerful charm. But you seem quite alone and friendless, little Rainbow. Don't
you want to join our party until you find your father and sisters again?"
"Where are you going?" she asked.
"We don't just know that," said Betsy, taking her hand; "but we're trying to find Shaggy's
long- lost brother, who has been captured by the terrible Metal Monarch. Won't you come
with us, and help us?"
Polychrome looked from one to another of the queer party of travelers and a bewitching
smile suddenly lighted her face.
"A donkey, a mortal maid, a Rose Princess and a Shaggy Man!" she exclaimed. "Surely
you need help, if you intend to face Ruggedo."
"Do you know him, then?" inquired Betsy.
"No, indeed. Ruggedo's caverns are beneath the earth's surface, where no Rainbow can
ever penetrate. But I've heard of the Metal Monarch. He is also called the Nome King,
you know, and he has made trouble for a good many people --mortals and fairies--in his
time," said Polychrome.
"Do you fear him, then?" asked the Princess, anxiously.
"No one can harm a Daughter of the Rainbow," said Polychrome proudly. "I'm a sky
fairy."
"Then," said Betsy, quickly, "you will be able to tell us the way to Ruggedo's cavern."
