Thecrowdscatteredlikeadanceofflies。Thecreatureshadbeeninstructednottohurtmuch，buttohuntincessantly，untileveryonehadrushedfromthehouse。Thewomenshrieked，andranhitherandthitherthroughthehall，pursuedeachbyherownhorror，andsnappedatbyeveryotherinpassing。ifonethrewherselfdowninhystericaldespair，shewasinstantlypokedorclawedornibbledupagain。
Thoughtheywerequiteasfrightenedatfirst，themendidnotrunsofast;andbyandbysomeofthemfindingtheywereonlyglaredat，andfollowed，andpushed，begantosummonupcourageoncemore，andwithcouragecameimpudence。Thetapirhadthebigfootmanincharge：thefellowstoodstock—still，andletthebeastcomeuptohim，thenputouthisfingerandplayfullypattedhisnose。Thetapirgavethenosealittletwist，andthefingerlayonthefloor。
Thenindeeddidthefootmanrun。
Graduallytheavengersgrewmoresevere，andtheterrorsoftheimaginationwerefastyieldingtothoseofsensuousexperience，whenapage，perceivingoneofthedoorsnolongerguarded，sprangatit，andranout。Anotherandanotherfollowed。Notabeastwentafter，until，onebyone，theywereeveryonegonefromthehall，andthewholecrewinthekitchen。
Theretheywerebeginningtocongratulatethemselvesthatallwasover，whenincamethecreaturestroopingafterthem，andthesecondactoftheirterrorandpainbegan。Theywereflungaboutinalldirections;theirclothesweretornfromthem;theywerepinchedandscratchedany—andeverywhere;Ballbodykeptrollingupthemandoverthem，confininghisattentionstonooneinparticular;thescorpionkeptgrabbingattheirlegswithhishugepincers;athree—footcentipedekeptscrewinguptheirbodies，nippingashewent;variedasnumerousweretheirwoes。Norwasitlongbeforethelastofthemhadfledfromthekitchentothesculleries。
Butthitheralsotheywerefollowed，andthereagaintheywerehuntedabout。Theywerebespatteredwiththedirtoftheirownneglect;theyweresousedinthestinkingwaterthathadboiledgreens;theyweresmearedwithranciddripping;theirfaceswererubbedinmaggots：Idarenottellallthatwasdonetothem。Atlasttheygotthedoorintoabackyardopen，andrushedout。Thenfirsttheyknewthatthewindwashowlingandtherainfallinginsheets。Buttherewasnorestforthemeventhere。Thitheralsoweretheyfollowedbytheinexorableavengers，andtheonlydoorherewasadooroutofthepalace：outeverysoulofthemwasdriven，andleft，somestanding，somelying，somecrawling，tothefartherbuffetingofthewaterspoutsandwhirlwindsrangingeverystreetofthecity。Thedoorwasflungtobehindthem，andtheyhearditlockedandboltedandbarredagainstthem。
CHAPTER27
MoreVengeanceAssoonastheyweregone，Curdiebroughtthecreaturesbacktotheservants’hall，andtoldthemtoeatupeverythingonthetable。
itwasasighttoseethemallstandingroundit—exceptsuchashadtogetuponit—eatinganddrinking，eachafteritsfashion，withoutasmile，oraword，oraglanceoffellowshipintheact。
Averyfewmomentsservedtomakeeverythingeatablevanish，andthenCurdierequestedthemtocleanhouse，andthepagewhostoodbytoassistthem。
EveryonesetaboutitexceptBallbody：hecoulddonothingatcleaning，forthemoreherolled，themorehespreadthedirt。
Curdiewascurioustoknowwhathehadbeen，andhowhehadcometobesuchashewas：buthecouldonlyconjecturethathewasagluttonousaldermanwhomnaturehadtreatedhomeopathically。
Andnowtherewassuchacleaningandclearingoutofneglectedplaces，suchaburyingandburningofrefuse，sucharinsingofjugs，suchaswillingofsinks，andsuchaflushingofdrainsaswouldhavedelightedtheeyesofalltruehousekeepersandloversofcleanlinessgenerally。
Curdiemeantimewaswiththeking，tellinghimallhehaddone。
Theyhadheardalittlenoise，butnotmuch，forhehadtoldtheavengerstorepressoutcryasmuchaspossible;andtheyhadseentoitthatthemoreanyonecriedoutthemorehehadtocryoutupon，whilethepatientonestheyscarcelyhurtatall。
HavingpromisedHisMajestyandHerRoyalHighnessagoodbreakfast，Curdienowwenttofinishthebusiness。Thecourtiersmustbedealtwith。Afewwhoweretheworst，andtheleadersoftherest，mustbemadeexamplesof;theothersshouldbedriventothestreet。
Hefoundthechiefsoftheconspiracyholdingafinalconsultationinthesmallerroomoffthehall。Thesewerethelordchamberlain，theattorney—general，themasterofthehorse，andtheking’sprivatesecretary：thelordchancellorandtherest，asfoolishasfaithless，werebutthetoolsofthese。
Thehousemaidhadshownhimalittlecloset，openingfromapassagebehind，wherehecouldoverhearallthatpassedinthatroom;andnowCurdieheardenoughtounderstandthattheyhaddetermined，inthedeadofthatnight，ratherinthedeepestdarkbeforethemorning，tobringacertaincompanyofsoldiersintothepalace，makeawaywiththeking，securetheprincess，announcethesuddendeathofHisMajesty，readashisthewilltheyhaddrawnup，andproceedtogovernthecountryattheirease，andwithresults：theywouldatoncelevyseverertaxes，andpickaquarrelwiththemostpowerfuloftheirneighbours。Everythingsettled，theyagreedtoretire，andhaveafewhours’quietsleepfirst—allbutthesecretary，whowastositupandcallthematthepropermoment。
Curdieallowedthemhalfanhourtogettobed，andthensetaboutcompletinghispurgationofthepalace。
FirsthecalledLina，andopenedthedooroftheroomwherethesecretarysat。Shecreptin，andlaidherselfdownagainstit。
Whenthesecretary，risingtostretchhislegs，caughtsightofhereyes，hestoodfrozenwithterror。Shemadeneithermotionnorsound。Gatheringcourage，andtakingthethingforaspectralillusion，hemadeastepforward。Sheshowedherotherteeth，withagrowlneithermorethanaudiblenorlessthanhorrible。Thesecretarysankfaintingintoachair。Hewasnotabraveman，andbesides，hisconsciencehadgoneovertotheenemy，andwassittingagainstthedoorbyLina。
Tothelordchamberlain’sdoornext，Curdieconductedthelegserpent，andlethimin。
NowHisLordshiphadhadabedsteadmadeforhimself，sweetlyfashionedofrodsofsilvergilt：uponitthelegserpentfoundhimasleep，andunderithecrept。Butouthecameontheotherside，andcreptoveritnext，andagainunderit，andsooverit，underit，overit，fiveorsixtimes，everytimeleavingacoilofhimselfbehindhim，untilhehadsoftlyfoldedallhislengthaboutthelordchamberlainandhisbed。Thisdone，hesetuphishead，lookingdownwithcurvedneckrightoverHisLordship’s，andbegantohissinhisface。
Hewokeinterrorunspeakable，andwouldhavestartedupbutthemomenthemoved，thelegserpentdrewhiscoilscloser，andcloserstill，anddrewanddrewuntilthequakingtraitorheardthejointsofhisbedsteadgrindingandgnarring。Presentlyhepersuadedhimselfthatitwasonlyahorridnightmare，andbegantostrugglewithallhisstrengthtothrowitoff。Thereuponthelegserpentgavehishookednosesuchabitethathisteethmetthroughit—
butitwashardlythickerthanthebowlofaspoon;andthenthevultureknewthathewasinthegraspofhisenemythesnake，andyielded。
Assoonashewasquietthelegserpentbegantountwistandretwist，touncoilandrecoilhimself，swingingandswaying，knottingandrelaxinghimselfwithstrangestcurvesandconvolutions，always，however，leavingatleastonecoilaroundhisvictim。Atlastheundidhimselfentirely，andcreptfromthebed。
Thenfirstthelordchamberlaindiscoveredthathistormentorhadbentandtwistedthebedstead，legsandcanopyandall，soabouthimthathewasshutinasilvercageoutofwhichitwasimpossibleforhimtofindaway。Oncemore，thinkinghisenemywasgone，hebegantoshoutforhelp。Buttheinstantheopenedhismouthhiskeeperdartedathimandbithim，andafterthreeorfoursuchessays，helaystill。
ThemasterofthehorseCurdiegaveinchargetothetapir。Whenthesoldiersawhimenter—forhewasnotyetasleep—hesprangfromhisbed，andflewathimwithhissword。Butthecreature’shidewasinvulnerabletohisblows，andhepeckedathislegswithhisproboscisuntilhejumpedintobedagain，groaning，andcoveredhimselfup;afterwhichthetapircontentedhimselfwithnowandthenpayingavisittohistoes。
Asfortheattorney—general，Curdieledtohisdoorahugespider，abouttwofeetlonginthebody，which，havingmadeanexcellentsupper，wasfullofwebbing。Theattorney—generalhadnotgonetobed，butsatinachairasleepbeforeagreatmirror。Hehadbeentryingtheeffectofadiamondstarwhichhehadthatmorningtakenfromthejewelroom。Whenhewokehefanciedhimselfparalysed;
everylimb，everyfingereven，wasmotionless：coilsandcoilsofbroadspiderribbonbandagedhismemberstohisbody，andalltothechair。Intheglasshesawhimselfwoundaboutwithslaveryinfinite。Onafootstoolayardoffsatthespiderglaringathim。
Clubheadhadmountedguardoverthebutler，wherehelaytiedhandandfootunderthethirdcask。Fromthatcaskhehadseenthewinerunintoagreatbath，andthereinheexpectedtobedrowned。Thedoctor，withhiscrushedleg，needednoonetoguardhim。
AndnowCurdieproceededtotheexpulsionoftherest。Greatmenorunderlings，hetreatedthemallalike。Fromroomtoroomoverthehousehewent，andsleepingorwakingtookthemanbythehand。
Suchwasthestatetowhichayearofwickedrulehadreducedthemoralconditionofthecourt，thatinitallhefoundbutthreewithhumanhands。Thepossessorsoftheseheallowedtodressthemselvesanddepartinpeace。Whentheyperceivedhismission，andhowhewasbacked，theyyielded。
Thencommencedageneralhunt，toclearthehouseofthevermin。
Outoftheirbedsintheirnightclothing，outoftheirrooms，gorgeouschambersorgarretnooks，thecreatureshuntedthem。Notonewasallowedtoescape。Tumultandnoisetherewaslittle，forfearwastoodeadlyforoutcry。Ferretingthemouteverywhere，followingthemupstairsanddownstairs，yieldingnoinstantofreposeexceptuponthewayout，theavengerspersecutedthemiscreants，untilthelastofthemwasshiveringoutsidethepalacegates，withhardlysenseenoughlefttoknowwheretoturn。
Whentheysetouttolookforshelter，theyfoundeveryinnfulloftheservantsexpelledbeforethem，andnotonewouldyieldhisplacetoasuperiorsuddenlylevelledwithhimself。Mosthousesrefusedtoadmitthemonthegroundofthewickednessthatmusthavedrawnonthemsuchapunishment;andnotafewwouldhavebeenleftinthestreetsallnight，hadnotDerba，rousedbythevainentreatiesatthedoorsoneachsideofhercottage，openedhers，andgivenupeverythingtothem。Thelordchancellorwasonlytoogladtoshareamattresswithastableboy，andstealhisbarefeetunderhisjacket。
InthemorningCurdieappeared，andtheoutcastswereinterror，thinkinghehadcomeafterthemagain。Buthetooknonoticeofthem：hisobjectwastorequestDerbatogotothepalace：thekingrequiredherservices。Sheneedtakenotroubleabouthercottage，hesaid;thepalacewashenceforwardherhome：shewastheking’schatelaineovermenandmaidensofhishousehold。AndthisverymorningshemustcookHisMajestyanicebreakfast。
CHAPTER28
ThePreacherVariousreportswentundulatingthroughthecityastothenatureofwhathadtakenplaceinthepalace。Thepeoplegathered，andstaredatthehouse，eyeingitasifithadsprungupinthenight。
Butitlookedsedateenough，remainingclosedandsilent，likeahousethatwasdead。Theysawnoonecomeoutorgoin。Smokearosefromachimneyortwo;therewashardlyanothersignoflife。
Itwasnotforsomelittletimegenerallyunderstoodthatthehighestofficersofthecrownaswellasthelowestmenialsofthepalacehadbeendismissedindisgrace：forwhowastorecognizealordchancellorinhisnightshirt？Andwhatlordchancellorwould，soattiredinthestreet，proclaimhisrankandofficealoud？
Beforeitwasdaymostofthecourtierscreptdowntotheriver，hiredboats，andbetookthemselvestotheirhomesortheirfriendsinthecountry。Itwasassumedinthecitythatthedomesticshadbeendischargeduponasuddendiscoveryofgeneralandunpardonablepeculation;for，almosteverybodybeingguiltyofithimself，pettydishonestywasthecrimemosteasilycreditedandleasteasilypassedoverinGwyntystorm。
NowthatsamedaywasReligionday，andnotafewoftheclergy，alwaysgladtoseizeonanypassingeventtogiveinteresttothedullandmonotonicgrindoftheirintellectualmachines，madethisremarkableonethegroundofdiscoursetotheircongregations。
Moreespeciallythantherest，thefirstpriestofthegreattemplewherewastheroyalpew，judgedhimself，fromhisrelationtothepalace，calleduponto’improvetheoccasion’，fortheytalkedeveraboutimprovementatGwyntystorm，allthetimetheyweregoingdownhillwitharush。
Thebookwhichhad，oflateyears，cometobeconsideredthemostsacred，wascalledTheBookofNations，andconsistedofproverbs，andhistorytracedthroughcustom：fromitthefirstpriestchosehistext;andhistextwas，’HonestyIstheBestPolicy。’Hewasconsideredaveryeloquentman，butIcanofferonlyafewofthelargerbonesofhissermon。
Themainproofoftheverityoftheirreligion，hesaid，wasthatthingsalwayswentwellwiththosewhoprofessit;anditsfirstfundamentalprinciple，groundedininborninvariableinstinct，was，thateveryOneshouldtakecareofthatOne。ThiswasthefirstdutyofMan。Ifeveryonewouldbutobeythislaw，numberone，thenwouldeveryonebeperfectlycaredfor—onebeingalwaysequaltoone。Butthefacultyofcarewasinexcessofneed，andallthatoverflowed，andwouldotherwiseruntowaste，oughttobegentlyturnedinthedirectionofone’sneighbour，seeingthatthisalsowroughtforthefulfillingofthelaw，inasmuchasthereactionofexcesssodirectedwasuponthedirectorofthesame，tothecomfort，thatis，andwell—beingoftheoriginalself。Tobejustandfriendlywastobuildthewarmestandsafestofallnests，andtobekindandlovingwastolineitwiththesoftestofallfursandfeathers，fortheoneprecious，comfort—lovingselftheretolie，revellingindowniestbliss。Oneofthelawsthereforemostbindinguponmenbecauseofitsrelationtothefirstandgreatestofallduties，wasembodiedintheProverbhehadjustread;andwhatstrongerproofofitswisdomandtruthcouldtheydesirethanthesuddenandcompletevengeancewhichhadfallenuponthoseworsethanordinarysinnerswhohadoffendedagainsttheking’smajestybyforgettingthat’HonestyIstheBestPolicy’？
Atthispointofthediscoursetheheadofthelegserpentrosefromthefloorofthetemple，toweringabovethepulpit，abovethepriest，thencurvingdownward，withopenmouthslowlydescendeduponhim。Horrorfrozethesermon—pump。Hestaredupwardaghast。
Thegreatteethoftheanimalcloseduponamouthfulofthesacredvestments，andslowlyheliftedthepreacherfromthepulpit，likeahandfuloflinenfromawashtub，and，onhisfoursolemnstumps，borehimoutofthetemple，danglingaloftfromhisjaws。Atthebackofithedroppedhimintothedustholeamongtheremnantsofalibrarywhoseagehaddestroyeditsvalueintheeyesofthechapter。Theyfoundhimburrowinginit，alunatichenceforth—
whosemadnesspresentedthepeculiarfeature，thatinitsparoxysmshejabberedsense。
Bone—freezinghorrorpervadedGwyntystorm。Iftheirbestandwisestweretreatedwithsuchcontempt，whatmightnottherestofthemlookfor？Alasfortheircity！Theirgrandlyrespectablecity！Theirloftilyreasonablecity！Whereitwasalltoend，whocouldtell！
Butsomethingmustbedone。Hastilyassembling，thepriestschoseanewfirstpriest，andinfullconclaveunanimouslydeclaredandacceptedthatthekinginhisretirementhad，throughthepracticeoftheblackestmagic，turnedthepalaceintoanestofdemonsinthemidstofthem。Agrandexorcismwasthereforeindispensable。
Inthemeantimethefactcameoutthatthegreaterpartofthecourtiershadbeendismissedaswellastheservants，andthisfactswelledthehopeofthePartyofDecency，astheycalledthemselves。Uponittheyproceededtoact，andstrengthenedthemselvesonallsides。
Theactionoftheking’sbodyguardremainedforatimeuncertain。
Butwhenatlengthitsofficersweresatisfiedthatboththemasterofthehorseandtheircolonelweremissing，theyplacedthemselvesundertheordersofthefirstpriest。
Everyonedatedtheculminationoftheevilfromthevisitoftheminerandhismongrel;andthebutchersvowed，iftheycouldbutgetholdofthemagain，theywouldroastbothofthemalive。Atoncetheyformedthemselvesintoaregiment，andputtheirdogsintrainingforattack。
incessantwasthetalk，innumerablewerethesuggestions，andgreatwasthedeliberation。Thegeneralconsent，however，wasthatassoonasthepriestsshouldhaveexpelledthedemons，theywoulddeposetheking，andattiredinallhisregalinsignia，shuthiminacageforpublicshow;thenchoosegovernors，withthelordchancellorattheirhead，whosefirstdutyshouldbetoremiteverypossibletax;andthemagistrates，bythemouthofthecitymarshal，requiredallable—bodiedcitizens，inordertodotheirparttowardthecarryingoutoftheseandamultitudeofotherreforms，tobereadytotakearmsatthefirstsummons。
Thingsneedfulwerepreparedasspeedilyaspossible，andamightyceremony，inthetemple，inthemarketplace，andinfrontofthepalace，wasperformedfortheexpulsionofthedemons。Thisover，theleadersretiredtoarrangeanattackuponthepalace。
Butthatnighteventsoccurredwhich，provingthefailureoftheirfirst，inducedtheabandonmentoftheirsecond，intent。Certainoftheprowlingorderofthecommunity，whosenumbershadoflatebeensteadilyontheincrease，reportedfrightfulthings。Demonsofindescribableuglinesshadbeenespiedcareeringthroughthemidnightstreetsandcourts。Acitizen—somesaidintheveryactofhousebreaking，butnoonecaredtolookintotriflesatsuchacrisis—hadbeenseizedfrombehind，hecouldnotseebywhat，andsousedintheriver。Awell—knownreceiverofstolengoodshadhadhisshopbrokenopen，andwhenhecamedowninthemorninghadfoundeverythinginruinonthepavement。Thewoodenimageofjusticeoverthedoorofthecitymarshalhadhadthearmthatheldtheswordbittenoff。Thegluttonousmagistratehadbeenpulledfromhisbedinthedark，bybeingsofwhichhecouldseenothingbuttheflamingeyes，andtreatedtoabathoftheturtlesoupthathadbeenleftsimmeringbythesideofthekitchenfire。Havingpoureditoverhim，theyputhimagainintohisbed，wherehesoonlearnedhowamummymustfeelinitscerements。
Worstofall，inthemarketplacewasfixedupapaper，withtheking’sownsignature，totheeffectthatwhoeverhenceforthshouldshowinhospitalitytostrangers，andshouldbeconvictedofthesame，shouldbeinstantlyexpelledthecity;whileasecond，inthebutchers’quarter，ordainedthatanydogwhichhenceforthshouldattackastrangershouldbeimmediatelydestroyed。Itwasplain，saidthebutchers，thattheclergywereofnouse;theycouldnotexorcisedemons！Thatafternoon，catchingsightofapooroldfellowinragsandtatters，quietlywalkingupthestreet，theyhoundedtheirdogsuponhim，andhaditnotbeenthatthedoorofDerba’scottagewasstandingopen，andwasnearenoughforhimtodartinandshutiteretheyreachedhim，hewouldhavebeentorninpieces。
Andthusthingswentonforsomedays。
CHAPTER29
BarbaraInthemeantime，withDerbatoministertohiswants，withCurdietoprotecthim，andIrenetonursehim，thekingwasgettingrapidlystronger。Goodfoodwaswhathemostwantedandofthat，atleastofcertainkindsofit，therewasplentifulstoreinthepalace。Everywheresincethecleansingofthelowerregionsofit，theairwascleanandsweet，andunderthehonesthandsoftheonehousemaidtheking’schamberbecameapleasuretohiseyes。Withsuchchangesitwasnowonderifhisheartgrewlighteraswellashisbrainclearer。
Butstillevildreamscameandtroubledhim，thelingeringresultofthewickedmedicinesthedoctorhadgivenhim。Everynight，sometimestwiceorthrice，hewouldwakeupinterror，anditwouldbeminuteserehecouldcometohimself。Theconsequencewasthathewasalwaysworseinthemorning，andhadlosstomakeupduringtheday。Whileheslept，IreneorCurdie，oneortheother，muststillbealwaysbyhisside。
Onenight，whenitwasCurdie’sturnwiththeking，heheardacrysomewhereinthehouse，andastherewasnootherchild，concluded，notwithstandingthedistanceofhergrandmother’sroom，thatitmustbeBarbara。Fearingsomethingmightbewrong，andnotingtheking’ssleepmorequietthanusual，herantosee。Hefoundthechildinthemiddleofthefloor，weepingbitterly，andDerbaslumberingpeacefullyinbed。Theinstantshesawhimthenight—lostthingceasedhercrying，smiled，andstretchedoutherarmstohim。Unwillingtowaketheoldwoman，whohadbeenworkinghardallday，hetookthechild，andcarriedherwithhim。Sheclungtohimso，pressinghertear—wetradiantfaceagainsthis，thatherlittlearmsthreatenedtochokehim。
Whenhere—enteredthechamber，hefoundthekingsittingupinbed，fightingthephantomsofsomehideousdream。Generallyuponsuchoccasions，althoughhesawhiswatcher，hecouldnotdissociatehimfromthedream，andwentravingon。ButthemomenthiseyesfelluponlittleBarbara，whomhehadneverseenbefore，hissoulcameintothemwitharush，andasmilelikethedawnofaneternaldayoverspreadhiscountenance;thedreamwasnowhere，andthechildwasinhisheart。Hestretchedouthisarmstoher，thechildstretchedoutherstohim，andinfiveminutestheywerebothasleep，eachintheother’sembrace。
FromthatnightBarbarahadacribintheking’schamber，andasoftenashewoke，IreneorCurdie，whicheverwaswatching，tookthesleepingchildandlaidherinhisarms，uponwhich，invariablyandinstantly，thedreamwouldvanish。Agreatpartofthedaytooshewouldbeplayingonorabouttheking’sbed;anditwasadelighttotheheartoftheprincesstoseeheramusingherselfwiththecrown，nowsittinguponit，nowrollingithitherandthitherabouttheroomlikeahoop。Hergrandmotherenteringoncewhileshewaspretendingtomakeporridgeinit，heldupherhandsinhorror—struckamazement;butthekingwouldnotallowhertointerfere，forthekingwasnowBarbara’splaymate，andhiscrowntheirplaything。
Thecoloneloftheguardalsowasgrowingbetter。Curdiewentoftentoseehim。Theyweresoonfriends，forthebestpeopleunderstandeachothertheeasiest，andthegrimoldwarriorlovedtheminerboyasifhewereatoncehissonandhisangel。Hewasveryanxiousabouthisregiment。Hesaidtheofficersweremostlyhonestmen，hebelieved，buthowtheymightbedoingwithouthim，orwhattheymightresolve，inignoranceoftherealstateofaffairs，andexposedtoeverymisrepresentation，whocouldtell？
Curdieproposedthatheshouldsendforthemajor，offeringtobethemessenger。Thecolonelagreed，andCurdiewent—notwithouthismattock，becauseofthedogs。
Buttheofficershadbeentoldbythemasterofthehorsethattheircolonelwasdead，andalthoughtheywereamazedheshouldbeburiedwithouttheattendanceofhisregiment，theyneverdoubtedtheinformation。Thehandwritingitselfoftheircolonelwasinsufficient，counteractedbythefreshreportsdailycurrent，todestroythelie。Themajorregardedtheletterasatrapforthenextofficerincommand，andsenthisorderlytoarrestthemessenger。ButCurdiehadhadthewisdomnottowaitforananswer。
Theking’senemiessaidthathehadfirstpoisonedthegoodcoloneloftheguard，andthenmurderedthemasterofthehorse，andotherfaithfulcouncillors;andthathisoldestandmostattacheddomesticshadbutescapedfromthepalacewiththeirlives—notallofthem，forthebutlerwasmissing。Madorwicked，hewasnotonlyunfittoruleanylonger，butworsethanunfittohaveinhispowerandunderhisinfluencetheyoungprincess，onlyhopeofGwyntystormandthekingdom。
Themomentthelordchancellorreachedhishouseinthecountryandhadgothimselfclothed，hebegantodevisehowyettodestroyhismaster;andtheverynextmorningsetoutfortheneighbouringkingdomofBorsagrasstoinviteinvasion，andofferacompactwithitsmonarch。
CHAPTER30
PeterAtthecottageinthemountaineverythingforatimewentonjustasbefore。ItwasindeeddullwithoutCurdie，butasoftenastheylookedattheemeralditwasgloriouslygreen，andwithnothingtofearorregret，andeverythingtohope，theyrequiredlittlecomforting。Onemorning，however，atlast，Peter，whohadbeenconsultingthegem，rathernowfromhabitthananxiety，asafarmerhisbarometerinundoubtfulweather，turnedsuddenlytohiswife，thestoneinhishand，andhelditupwithalookofghastlydismay。
’Why，that’snevertheemerald！’saidJoan。
’Itis，’answeredPeter;’butitweresmallblametoanyonethattookitforabitofbottleglass！’
For，allsaveonespotrightinthecentre，ofintensestandmostbrilliantgreen，itlookedasifthecolourhadbeenburntoutofit。
’Run，run，Peter！’criedhiswife。’Runandtelltheoldprincess。
itmaynotbetoolate。Theboymustbelyingatdeath’sdoor。’
WithoutawordPetercaughtuphismattock，dartedfromthecottage，andwasatthebottomofthehillinlesstimethanheusuallytooktogethalfway。
Thedooroftheking’shousestoodopen;herushedinandupthestair。Butafterwanderingaboutinvainforanhour，openingdoorafterdoor，andfindingnowayfartherup，theheartoftheoldmanhadwell—nighfailedhim。Emptyrooms，emptyrooms！—desertionanddesolationeverywhere。
Atlasthedidcomeuponthedoortothetowerstair。Uphedarted。Arrivedatthetop，hefoundthreedoors，and，oneaftertheother，knockedatthemall。Buttherewasneithervoicenorhearing。Urgedbyhisfaithandhisdread，slowly，hesitatingly，heopenedone。Itrevealedabaregarretroom，nothinginitbutonechairandonespinningwheel。Heclosedit，andopenedthenext—tostartbackinterror，forhesawnothingbutagreatgulf，amoonlessnight，fullofstars，and，forallthestars，dark，dark！—afathomlessabyss。Heopenedthethirddoor，andarushlikethetideofalivingseainvadedhisears。Multitudinouswingsflappedandflashedinthesun，and，liketheascendingcolumnfromavolcano，whitebirdsinnumerableshotintotheair，darkeningthedaywiththeshadowoftheircloud，andthen，withasharpsweep，asifbentsidewaysbyasuddenwind，flewnorthward，swiftlyaway，andvanished。Theplacefeltlikeatomb。Thereseemednobreathoflifeleftinit。
Despairlaidholduponhim;herusheddownthunderingwithheavyfeet。Outuponhimdartedthehousekeeperlikeanogress—spider，andafterhercamehermen;butPeterrushedpastthem，heedlessandcareless—forhadnottheprincessmockedhim？—andspedalongtheroadtoGwyntystorm。Whathelplayinaminer’smattock，aman’sarm，afather’sheart，hewouldbeartohisboy。
Joansatupallnightwaitinghisreturn，hopingandhoping。Themountainwasverystill，andtheskywasclear;butallnightlongtheminerspednorthward，andtheheartofhiswifewastroubled。
CHAPTER31
TheSacrificeThingsinthepalacewereinastrangecondition：thekingplayingwithachildanddreamingwisedreams，waiteduponbyalittleprincesswiththeheartofaqueen，andayouthfromthemines，whowentnowhere，notevenintotheking’schamber，withouthismattockonhisshoulderandahorribleanimalathisheels;inaroomnearbythecolonelofhisguard，alsoinbed，withoutasoldiertoobeyhim;insixotherrooms，farapart，sixmiscreants，eachwatchedbyabeast—jailer;ministerstothemall，anoldwomanandapage;andinthewinecellar，forty—threeanimals，creaturesmoregrotesquethaneverbrainofmaninvented。Nonedaredapproachitsgates，andseldomoneissuedfromthem。
Allthedwellersinthecitywereunitedinenmitytothepalace。
Itswarmedwithevilspirits，theysaid，whereastheevilspiritswereinthecity，unsuspected。Oneconsequenceoftheirpresencewasthat，whentherumourcamethatagreatarmywasonthemarchagainstGwyntystorm，insteadofrushingtotheirdefences，tomakenewgates，freeportcullisesanddrawbridges，andbartheriver，eachbandflewfirsttotheirtreasures，buryingthemintheircellarsandgardens，andhidingthembehindstonesintheirchimneys;and，nexttorebellion，signinganinvitationtoHisMajestyofBorsagrasstoenterattheiropengates，destroytheirking，andannextheircountrytohisown。
Thestraitsofisolationweresoonfoundinthepalace：itsinvalidswererequiringstrongerfood，andwhatwastobedone？
Forifthebutcherssentmeattothepalace，wasitnotlikelyenoughtobepoisoned？CurdiesaidtoDerbahewouldthinkofsomeplanbeforemorning。
Butthatsamenight，assoonasitwasdark，Linacametohermaster，andlethimunderstandshewantedtogoout。Heunlockedalittleprivateposternforher，leftitsothatshecouldpushitopenwhenshereturned，andtoldthecrocodiletostretchhimselfacrossitinside。Beforemidnightshecamebackwithayoungdeer。
Earlythenextmorningthelegserpentcreptoutofthewinecellar，throughthebrokendoorbehind，shotintotheriver，andsoonappearedinthekitchenwithasplendidsturgeon。EverynightLinawentouthunting，andeverymorningLegserpentwentoutfishing，andbothinvalidsandhouseholdhadplentytoeat。Astonews，thepage，inplainclothes，wouldnowandthenventureoutintothemarketplace，andgathersome。
OnenighthecamebackwiththereportthatthearmyofthekingofBorsagrasshadcrossedtheborder。Twodaysafter，hebroughtthenewsthattheenemywasnowbuttwentymilesfromGwyntystorm。
Thecoloneloftheguardrose，andbeganfurbishinghisarmour—
butgaveitovertothepage，andstaggeredacrosstothebarracks，whichwereinthenextstreet。Thesentrytookhimforaghostorworse，ranintotheguardroom，boltedthedoor，andstoppedhisears。Thepoorcolonel，whowasyethardlyabletostand，crawledbackdespairing。
ForCurdie，hehadalready，assoonasthefirstrumourreachedhim，resolved，ifnootherinstructionscame，andthekingcontinuedunabletogiveorders，tocallLinaandthecreatures，andmarchtomeettheenemy。Ifhedied，hediedfortheright，andtherewasarightendofit。Hehadnopreparationstomake，exceptagoodsleep。
HeaskedthekingtoletthehousemaidtakehisplacebyHisMajestythatnight，andwentandlaydownonthefloorofthecorridor，nofartheroffthanawhisperwouldreachfromthedoorofthechamber。There，—withanoldmantleoftheking’sthrownoverhim，hewassoonfastasleep。
Somewhereaboutthemiddleofthenight，hewokesuddenly，startedtohisfeet，andrubbedhiseyes。Hecouldnottellwhathadwakedhim。Butcouldhebeawake，orwashenotdreaming？Thecurtainoftheking’sdoor，adullredeverbefore，wasglowingagorgeous，aradiantpurple;andthecrownwroughtuponitinsilksandgemswasflashingasifitburned！Whatcoulditmean？Wastheking’schamberonfire？Hedartedtothedoorandliftedthecurtain。
Gloriousterriblesight！
Alongandbroadmarbletable，thatstoodatoneendoftheroom，hadbeendrawnintothemiddleofit，andthereonburnedagreatfire，ofasortthatCurdieknew—afireofglowing，flamingroses，redandwhite。Inthemidstoftheroseslaytheking，moaning，butmotionless。Everyrosethatfellfromthetabletothefloor，someone，whomCurdiecouldnotplainlyseeforthebrightness，liftedandlaidburningupontheking’sface，untilatlengthhisfacetoowascoveredwiththeliveroses，andhelayallwithinthefire，moaningstill，withnowandthenashudderingsob。
AndtheshapethatCurdiesawandcouldnotsee，weptoverthekingashelayinthefire，andoftenshehidherfaceinhandfulsofhershadowyhair，andfromherhairthewaterofherweepingdroppedlikesunsetraininthelightoftheroses。Atlastsheliftedagreatarmfulofherhair，andshookitoverthefire，andthedropsfellfromitinshowers，andtheydidnothissintheflames，buttherearoseinsteadasitwerethesoundofrunningbrooks。
Andtheglowoftheredfirediedaway，andtheglowofthewhitefiregrewgrey，andthelightwasgone，andonthetableallwasblack—exceptthefaceoftheking，whichshonefromundertheburntroseslikeadiamondintheashesofafurnace。
ThenCurdie，nolongerdazzled，sawandknewtheoldprincess。Theroomwaslightedwiththesplendourofherface，ofherblueeyes，ofhersapphirecrown。Hergoldenhairwentstreamingoutfromherthroughtheairtillitwentoffinmistandlight。ShewaslargeandstrongasaTitaness。Shestoopedoverthetable—altar，puthermightyarmsunderthelivingsacrifice，liftedtheking，asifhewerebutalittlechild，toherbosom，walkedwithhimupthefloor，andlaidhiminhisbed。Thendarknessfell。
Theminerboyturnedsilentaway，andlaidhimselfdownagaininthecorridor。Anabsolutejoyfilledhisheart，hisbosom，hishead，hiswholebody。Allwassafe;allwaswell。Withthehelveofhismattocktightinhisgrasp，hesankintoadreamlesssleep。
CHAPTER32
TheKing’sArmyHewokelikeagiantrefreshedwithwine。
Whenhewentintotheking’schamber，thehousemaidsatwherehehadlefther，andeverythingintheroomwasasithadbeenthenightbefore，savethataheavenlyodourofrosesfilledtheairofit。Hewentuptothebed。Thekingopenedhiseyes，andthesoulofperfecthealthshoneoutofthem。NorwasCurdieamazedinhisdelight。
’Isitnottimetorise，Curdie？’saidtheking。
’Itis，YourMajesty。Todaywemustbedoing，’answeredCurdie。
’Whatmustwebedoingtoday，Curdie？’
’Fighting，sire。’
’Thenfetchmemyarmour—thatofplatedsteel，inthechestthere。Youwillfindtheunderclothingwithit。’
Ashespoke，hereachedouthishandforhissword，whichhunginthebedbeforehim，drewit，andexaminedtheblade。
’Alittlerusty！’hesaid，’buttheedgeisthere。Weshallpolishitourselvestoday—notonthewheel。Curdie，myson，Iwakefromatroubleddream。Aglorioustorturehasendedit，andIlive。I
knownowwellhowthingsare，butyoushallexplainthemtomeasIgetonmyarmour。No，Ineednobath。Iamclean。Callthecoloneloftheguard。’
Incompletesteeltheoldmansteppedintothechamber。Heknewitnot，buttheoldprincesshadpassedthroughhisroominthenight。
’Why，SirBronzebeard！’saidtheking，’youaredressedbeforeme！
Youneednovalet，oldman，whenthereisbattleinthewind！’
’Battle，sire！’returnedthecolonel。’Wherethenareoursoldiers？’
’Why，thereandhere，’answeredtheking，pointingtothecolonelfirst，andthentohimself。’Whereelse，man？Theenemywillbeuponuseresunset，ifwebenotuponhimerenoon。Whatotherthingwasinyourbravebrainwhenyoudonnedyourarmour，friend？’
’YourMajesty’sorders，sire，’answeredSirBronzebeard。
ThekingsmiledandturnedtoCurdie。
’Andwhatwasinyours，Curdie，foryourfirstwordwasofbattle？’
’See，YourMajesty，’answeredCurdie;’Ihavepolishedmymattock。
IfYourMajestyhadnottakenthecommand，Iwouldhavemettheenemyattheheadofmybeasts，anddiedincomfort，ordonebetter。’
’Braveboy！’saidtheking。’Hewhotakeshislifeinhishandistheonlysoldier。Youshallheadyourbeaststoday。SirBronzebeard，willyoudiewithmeifneedbe？’
’Seventimes，myking，’saidthecolonel。
’Thenshallwewinthisbattle！’saidtheking。’Curdie，goandbindsecurelythesix，thatwelosenottheirguards。Canyoufindmeahorse，thinkyou，SirBronzebeard？Alas！theytoldmemywhitechargerwasdead。’
’Iwillgoandfrightthevarletrywithmypresence，andsecure，I
trust，ahorseforYourMajesty，andoneformyself。’
’Andlookyou，brother！’saidtheking;’bringoneformyminerboytoo，andasoberoldchargerfortheprincess，forshetoomustgotothebattle，andconquerwithus。’
’Pardonme，sire，’saidCurdie;’aminercanfightbestonfoot。
Imightsmitemyhorsedeadundermewithamissedblow。Andbesidesthat，Imustbeneartomybeasts。’
’Asyouwill，’saidtheking。’Threehorsesthen，SirBronzebeard。’
Thecoloneldeparted，doubtingsorelyinhishearthowtoaccoutreandleadfromthebarrackstablesthreehorses，intheteethofhisrevoltedregiment。
Inthehallhemetthehousemaid。
’Canyouleadahorse？’heasked。
’Yes，sir。’
’Areyouwillingtodiefortheking？’
’Yes，sir。’
’Canyoudoasyouarebid？’
’Icankeepontrying，sir。’
’Comethen。WereInotamanIwouldbeawomansuchasyou。’
Whentheyenteredthebarrackyard，thesoldiersscatteredlikeautumnleavesbeforeablastofwinter。Theywentintothestableunchallenged—andlo！inastall，beforethecolonel’seyes，stoodtheking’swhitecharger，withtheroyalsaddleandbridlehunghighbesidehim！
’Traitorousthieves！’mutteredtheoldmaninhisbeard，andwentalongthestalls，lookingforhisownblackcharger。Havingfoundhim，hereturnedtosaddlefirsttheking’s。Butthemaidhadalreadythesaddleuponhim，andsogirtthatthecolonelcouldthrustnofingertipbetweengirthandskin。Helefthertofinishwhatshehadsowellbegun，andwentandmadereadyhisown。Hethenchosefortheprincessagreatredhorse，twentyyearsold，whichheknewtopossesseveryequinevirtue。Thisandhisownheledtothepalace，andthemaidledtheking’s。
ThekingandCurdiestoodinthecourt，thekinginfullarmourofsilveredsteel，withacircletofrubiesanddiamondsroundhishelmet。Healmostleapedforjoywhenhesawhisgreatwhitechargercomein，gentleasachildtothehandofthehousemaid。
Butwhenthehorsesawhismasterinhisarmour，herearedandboundedinjubilation，yetdidnotbreakfromthehandthatheldhim。Thenoutcametheprincessattiredandready，withahuntingknifeherfatherhadgivenherbyherside。Theybroughthermother’ssaddle，splendentwithgemsandgold，setitonthegreatredhorse，andliftedhertoit。Butthesaddlewassobig，andthehorsesotall，thatthechildfoundnocomfortinthem。
’Please，KingPapa，’shesaid，’canInothavemywhitepony？’
’Ididnotthinkofhim，littleone，’saidtheking。’Whereishe？’
’Inthestable，’answeredthemaid。’Ifoundhimhalfstarved，theonlyhorsewithinthegates，thedayaftertheservantsweredrivenout。Hehasbeenwellfedsince。’
’Goandfetchhim，’saidtheking。
Asthemaidappearedwiththepony，fromasidedoorcameLinaandtheforty—nine，followingCurdie。
’IwillgowithCurdieandtheUglies，’criedtheprincess;andassoonasshewasmountedshegotintothemiddleofthepack。
Soouttheyset，thestrangestforcethateverwentagainstanenemy。Thekinginsilverarmoursatstatelyonhiswhitesteed，withthestonesflashingonhishelmet;besidehimthegrimoldcolonel，armedinsteel，rodehisblackcharger;behindtheking，alittletotheright，Curdiewalkedafoot，hismattockshininginthesun;Linafollowedathisheel;behindhercamethewonderfulcompanyofUglies;inthemidstofthemrodethegraciouslittleIrene，dressedinblue，andmountedontheprettiestofwhiteponies;behindthecolonel，alittletotheleft，walkedthepage，armedinabreastplate，headpiece，andtrooper’sswordhehadfoundinthepalace，allmuchtoobigforhim，andcarryingahugebrasstrumpetwhichhedidhisbesttoblow;andthekingsmiledandseemedpleasedwithhismusic，althoughitwasbutthegruntofabrazenunrest。AlongsidethebeastswalkedDerbacarryingBarbara—theirrefugethemountains，shouldthecauseofthekingbelost;
assoonastheywereovertherivertheyturnedasidetoascendtheCliff，andthereawaitedtheforgingoftheday’shistory。ThenfirstCurdiesawthatthehousemaid，whomtheyhadallforgotten，wasfollowing，mountedonthegreatredhorse，andseatedintheroyalsaddle。
Manyweretheeyesunfriendlyofwomenthathadstaredatthemfromdoorandwindowastheypassedthroughthecity;andlowlaughterandmockeryandevilwordsfromthelipsofchildrenhadrippledabouttheirears;butthemenwereallgonetowelcometheenemy，thebutchersthefirst，theking’sguardthelast。Andnowontheheelsoftheking’sarmyrushedoutthewomenandchildrenalso，togatherflowersandbranches，wherewithtowelcometheirconquerors。
Aboutamiledowntheriver，Curdie，happeningtolookbehindhim，sawthemaid，whomhehadsupposedgonewithDerba，stillfollowingonthegreatredhorse。Thesamemomenttheking，afewpacesinfrontofhim，caughtsightoftheenemy’stents，pitchedwhere，thecliffsreceding，thebankoftheriverwidenedtoalittleplain。
CHAPTER33
TheBattleHecommandedthepagetoblowhistrumpet;and，inthestrengthofthemoment，theyouthutteredarightwarlikedefiance。
Butthebutchersandtheguard，whohadgoneoverarmedtotheenemy，thinkingthatthekinghadcometomakehispeacealso，andthatitmightthereaftergohardwiththem，rushedatoncetomakeshortworkwithhim，andbothsecureandcommendthemselves。Thebutcherscameonfirst—fortheguardshadslackenedtheirsaddlegirths—brandishingtheirknives，andtalkingtotheirdogs。
Curdieandthepage，withLinaandherpack，boundedtomeetthem。
Curdiestruckdowntheforemostwithhismattock。Thepage，findinghisswordtoomuchforhim，threwitawayandseizedthebutcher’sknife，whichasheroseheplungedintotheforemostdog。
Linarushedragingandgnashingamongthem。Shewouldnotlookatadogsolongastherewasabutcheronhislegs，andsheneverstoppedtokillabutcher，onlywithonegrindofherjawscrushedalegofhim。Whentheywerealldown，thenindeedsheflashedamongthedogs。
Meantimethekingandthecolonelhadspurredtowardtheadvancingguard。Thekingclovethemajorthroughskullandcollarbone，andthecolonelstabbedthecaptaininthethroat。Thenafiercecombatcommenced—twoagainstmany。Butthebutchersandtheirdogsquicklydisposedof，upcameCurdieandhisbeasts。Thehorsesoftheguard，struckwithterror，turnedinspiteofthespur，andfledinconfusion。
ThereupontheforcesofBorsagrass，whichcouldseelittleoftheaffair，butcorrectlyimaginedasmalldeterminedbodyinfrontofthem，hastenedtotheattack。Nosoonerdidtheirfirstadvancingwaveappearthroughthefoamoftheretreatingone，thanthekingandthecolonelandthepage，Curdieandthebeasts，wentcharginguponthem。Theirattack，especiallytherushoftheUglies，threwthefirstlineintogreatconfusion，butthesecondcameupquickly;thebeastscouldnotbeeverywhere，therewerethousandstooneagainstthem，andthekingandhisthreecompanionswereinthegreatestpossibledanger。
Adensecloudcameoverthesun，andsankrapidlytowardtheearth。
Thecloudmovedalltogether，andyetthethousandsofwhiteflakesofwhichitwasmadeupmovedeachforitselfinceaselessandrapidmotion：thoseflakeswerethewingsofpigeons。Downswoopedthebirdsupontheinvaders;rightinthefaceofmanandhorsetheyflewwithswift—beatingwings，blindingeyesandconfoundingbrain。Horsesrearedandplungedandwheeled。Allwasatonceinconfusion。Themenmadefranticeffortstoseizetheirtormentors，butnotonecouldtheytouch;andtheyoutdoubledtheminnumbers。
Betweeneverywildclutchcameapeckofbeakandabuffetofpinionintheface。Generallythebirdwould，withsharp—clappingwings，dartitswholebody，withtheswiftnessofanarrow，againstitssingledmark，yetsoastoglancealoftthesameinstant，anddescendskimming;muchasthethinstone，shotwithhorizontalcastofarm，havingtouchedandtornthesurfaceofthelake，ascendstoskim，touch，andtearagain。Somingledthefeatheredmultitudeinthegrimgameofwar。Itwasastorminwhichthewindwasbirds，andtheseamen。Andeveraseachbirdarrivedattherearoftheenemy，itturned，ascended，andspedtothefronttochargeagain。
Themomentthebattlebegan，theprincess’sponytookfright，andturnedandfled。Butthemaidwheeledherhorseacrosstheroadandstoppedhim;andtheywaitedtogethertheresultofthebattle。
Andastheywaited，itseemedtotheprincessrightstrangethatthepigeons，everyoneasitcametotherear，andfetchedacompasstogatherforceforthereattack，shouldmaketheheadofherattendantontheredhorsethegoalaroundwhichitturned;sothataboutthemwasanunintermittentflappingandflashingofwings，andacurving，sweepingtorrentoftheside—poisedwheelingbodiesofbirds。Strangealsoitseemedthatthemaidshouldbeconstantlywavingherarmtowardthebattle。Andthetimeofthemotionofherarmsofittedwiththerushesofbirds，thatitlookedasifthebirdsobeyedhergesture，andshewascastinglivingjavelinsbythethousandagainsttheenemy。Themomentapigeonhadroundedherhead，itwentoffstraightasboltfrombow，andwithtrebledvelocity。
Butofthesestrangethings，othersbesidestheprincesshadtakennote。Fromarisinggroundwhencetheywatchedthebattleingrowingdismay，theleadersoftheenemysawthemaidandhermotions，and，concludingheranenchantress，whoseweretheairylegionshumiliatingthem，setspurstotheirhorses，madeacircuit，outflankedtheking，andcamedownuponher。Butsuddenlybyhersidestoodastalwartoldmaninthegarbofaminer，who，asthegeneralrodeather，swordinhand，heavedhisswiftmattock，andbroughtitdownwithsuchforceontheforeheadofhischarger，thathefelltothegroundlikealog。Hisridershotoverhisheadandlaystunned。Hadnotthegreatredhorserearedandwheeled，hewouldhavefallenbeneaththatofthegeneral。
Withliftedsabre，oneofhisattendantofficersrodeattheminer。
Butamassofpigeonsdartedinthefacesofhimandhishorse，andthenextmomenthelaybesidehiscommander。
Therestofthemturnedandfled，pursuedbythebirds。
’Ah，friendPeter！’saidthemaid;’thouhastcomeasItoldthee！
Welcomeandthanks！’
Bythistimethebattlewasover。Theroutwasgeneral。Theenemystormedbackupontheirowncamp，withthebeastsroaringinthemidstofthem，andthekingandhisarmy，nowreinforcedbyone，pursuing。Butpresentlythekingdrewrein。
’Calloffyourhounds，Curdie，andletthepigeonsdotherest，’heshouted，andturnedtoseewhathadbecomeoftheprincess。
Infullpanicfledtheinvaders，sweepingdowntheirtents，stumblingovertheirbaggage，tramplingontheirdeadandwounded，ceaselesslypursuedandbuffetedbythewhite—wingedarmyofheaven。Homewardtheyrushedtheroadtheyhadcome，straightfortheborders，manydroppingfrompurefatigue，andlyingwheretheyfell。Andstillthepigeonswereintheirnecksastheyran。Atlengthtotheeyesofthekingandhisarmynothingwasvisiblesaveadustcloudbelow，andabirdcloudabove。Beforenightthebirdcloudcameback，flyinghighoverGwyntystorm。Sinkingswiftly，itdisappearedamongtheancientroofsofthepalace。
CHAPTER34
JudgementThekingandhisarmyreturned，bringingwiththemoneprisoneronly，thelordchancellor。Curdiehaddraggedhimfromunderafallentent，notbythehandofaman，butbythefootofamule。
Whentheyenteredthecity，itwasstillasthegrave。Thecitizenshadfledhome。’Wemustsubmit，’theycried，’orthekingandhisdemonswilldestroyus。’Thekingrodethroughthestreetsinsilence，ill—pleasedwithhispeople。Buthestoppedhishorseinthemidstofthemarketplace，andcalled，inavoiceloudandclearasthecryofasilvertrumpet，’Goandfindyourown。Buryyourdead，andbringhomeyourwounded。’Thenheturnedhimgloomilytothepalace。
justastheyreachedthegates，Peter，who，astheywent，hadbeentellinghistaletoCurdie，endeditwiththewords：
’AndsothereIwas，inthenickoftimetosavethetwoprincesses！’
’Thetwoprincesses，Father！Theoneonthegreatredhorsewasthehousemaid，’saidCurdie，andrantoopenthegatesfortheking。
TheyfoundDerbareturnedbeforethem，andalreadybusypreparingthemfood。Thekingputuphischargerwithhisownhands，rubbedhimdown，andfedhim。
Whentheyhadwashed，andeatenanddrunk，hecalledthecolonel，andtoldCurdieandthepagetobringoutthetraitorsandthebeasts，andattendhimtothemarketplace。
Bythistimethepeoplewerecrowdingbackintothecity，bearingtheirdeadandwounded。AndtherewaslamentationinGwyntystorm，fornoonecouldcomforthimself，andnoonehadanytocomforthim。Thenationwasvictorious，butthepeoplewereconquered。
Thekingstoodinthecentreofthemarketplace，uponthestepsoftheancientcross。Hehadlaidasidehishelmetandputonhiscrown，buthestoodallarmedbeside，withhisswordinhishand。
Hecalledthepeopletohim，and，foralltheterrorofthebeasts，theydarednotdisobeyhim。Those，even，whowerecarryingtheirwoundedlaidthemdown，anddrewneartrembling。
ThenthekingsaidtoCurdieandthepage：
’Settheevilmenbeforeme。’
Helookeduponthemforamomentinmingledangerandpity，thenturnedtothepeopleandsaid：
’Beholdyourtrust！Yeslaves，beholdyourleaders！Iwouldhavefreedyou，butyewouldnotbefree。Nowshallyeberuledwitharodofiron，thatyemaylearnwhatfreedomis，andloveitandseekit。ThesewretchesIwillsendwheretheyshallmisleadyounolonger。’
HemadeasigntoCurdie，whoimmediatelybroughtupthelegserpent。Tothebodyoftheanimaltheyboundthelordchamberlain，speechlesswithhorror。Thebutlerbegantoshriekandpray，buttheyboundhimonthebackofClubhead。Oneafteranother，uponthelargestofthecreaturestheyboundthewholeseven，eachthroughtheunveilingterrorlookingthevillainhewas。Thensaidtheking：
’Ithankyou，mygoodbeasts;andIhopetovisityouerelong。
Taketheseevilmenwithyou，andgotoyourplace。’
Likeawhirlwindtheywereinthecrowd，scatteringitlikedust。
Likehoundstheyrushedfromthecity，theirburdenshowlingandraving。
WhatbecameofthemIhaveneverheard。
Thenthekingturnedoncemoretothepeopleandsaid，’Gotoyourhouses’;norvouchsafedthemanotherword。Theycrepthomelikechiddenhounds。
Thekingreturnedtothepalace。Hemadethecoloneladuke，andthepageaknight，andPeterheappointedgeneralofallhismines。
ButtoCurdiehesaid：
’Youaremyownboy，Curdie。Mychildcannotchoosebutloveyou，andwhenyouaregrownup—ifyoubothwill—youshallmarryeachother，andbekingandqueenwhenIamgone。Tillthenbetheking’sCurdie。’
IreneheldoutherarmstoCurdie。Heraisedherinhis，andshekissedhim。
’AndmyCurdietoo！’shesaid。
ThereafterthepeoplecalledhimPrinceConrad;butthekingalwayscalledhimeitherjustCurdie，ormyminerboy。
Theysatdowntosupper，andDerbaandtheknightandthehousemaidwaited，andBarbarasatattheking’slefthand。Thehousemaidpouredoutthewine;andasshepouredforCurdieredwinethatfoamedinthecup，asifgladtoseethelightwhenceithadbeenbanishedsolong，shelookedhimintheeyes。AndCurdiestarted，andsprangfromhisseat，anddroppedonhisknees，andburstintotears。Andthemaidsaidwithasmile，suchasnonebutonecouldsmile：
’DidInottellyou，Curdie，thatitmightbeyouwouldnotknowmewhennextyousawme？’
Thenshewentfromtheroom，andinamomentreturnedinroyalpurple，withacrownofdiamondsandrubies，fromunderwhichherhairwentflowingtothefloor，allaboutherruby—slipperedfeet。
Herfacewasradiantwithjoy，thejoyovershadowedbyafaintmistasofunfulfilment。Thekingroseandkneeledononekneebeforeher。Allkneeledinlikehomage。Thenthekingwouldhaveyieldedherhisroyalchair。Butshemadethemallsitdown，andwithherownhandsplacedatthetableseatsforDerbaandthepage。Theninrubycrownandroyalpurplesheservedthemall。
CHAPTER35
TheEndThekingsentCurdieoutintohisdominionstosearchformenandwomenthathadhumanhands。Andmanysuchhefound，honestandtrue，andbroughtthemtohismaster。Soanewanduprightcourtwasformed，andstrengthreturnedtothenation。
Buttheexchequerwasalmostempty，fortheevilmenhadsquanderedeverything，andthekinghatedtaxesunwillinglypaid。ThencameCurdieandsaidtothekingthatthecitystoodupongold。Andthekingsentformenwiseinthewaysoftheearth，andtheybuiltsmeltingfurnaces，andPeterbroughtminers，andtheyminedthegold，andsmeltedit，andthekingcoineditintomoney，andtherewithestablishedthingswellintheland。
Thesamedayonwhichhefoundhisboy，Petersetouttogohome。
WhenhetoldthegoodnewstoJoan，hiswife，sherosefromherchairandsaid，’Letusgo。’Andtheyleftthecottage，andrepairedtoGwyntystorm。Andonamountainabovethecitytheybuiltthemselvesawarmhousefortheiroldage，highintheclearair。
AsPeterminedoneday，atthebackoftheking’swineCellar，hebrokeintoacaverncrustedwithgems，andmuchwealthflowedtherefrom，andthekinguseditwisely。
QueenIrene—thatwastherightnameoftheoldprincess—wasthereafterseldomlongabsentfromthepalace。Onceortwicewhenshewasmissing，Barbara，whoseemedtoknowofhersometimeswhennobodyelsehadanotionwhithershehadgone，saidshewaswiththedearoldUgliesinthewood。Curdiethoughtthatperhapsherbusinessmightbewithothersthereaswell。Alltheuppermostroomsinthepalacewerelefttoheruse，andwhenanyonewasinneedofherhelp，upthitherhemustgo。Butevenwhenshewasthere，hedidnotalwayssucceedinfindingher。She，however，alwaysknewthatsuchaonehadbeenlookingforher。
Curdiewenttofindheroneday。Asheascendedthelaststair，tomeethimcamethewell—knownscentofherroses;andwhenheopenedthedoor，lo！therewasthesamegorgeousroominwhichhistouchhadbeenglorifiedbyherfire！Andthereburnedthefire—ahugeheapofredandwhiteroses。Beforethehearthstoodtheprincess，anoldgrey—hairedwoman，withLinaalittlebehindher，slowlywagginghertail，andlookinglikeabeastofpreythatcanhardlysolongrestrainitselffromspringingastobesureofitsvictim。
Thequeenwascastingroses，moreandmoreroses，uponthefire。
Atlastsheturnedandsaid，’NowLina！’—andLinadashedburrowingintothefire。Therewentupablacksmokeandadust，andLinawasnevermoreseeninthepalace。
IreneandCurdieweremarried。Theoldkingdied，andtheywerekingandqueen。AslongastheylivedGwyntystormwasabettercity，andgoodpeoplegrewinit。Buttheyhadnochildren，andwhentheydiedthepeoplechoseaking。Andthenewkingwentminingandminingintherockunderthecity，andgrewmoreandmoreeagerafterthegold，andpaidlessandlessheedtohispeople。Rapidlytheysanktowardtheiroldwickedness。Butstillthekingwentonmining，andcoininggoldbythepailful，untilthepeoplewereworseeventhanintheoldtime。Andsogreedywasthekingaftergold，thatwhenatlasttheorebegantofail，hecausedtheminerstoreducethepillarswhichPeterandtheythatfollowedhimhadleftstandingtobearthecity。Andfromthegirthofanoakofathousandyears，theychippedthemdowntothatofafirtreeoffifty。
Onedayatnoon，whenlifewasatitshighest，thewholecityfellwitharoaringcrash。Thecriesofmenandtheshrieksofwomenwentupwithitsdust，andthentherewasagreatsilence。
Wherethemightyrockoncetowered，crowdedwithhomesandcrownedwithapalace，nowrushesandravesastone—obstructedrapidoftheriver。Allaroundspreadsawildernessofwilddeer，andtheverynameofGwyntystormhadceasedfromthelipsofmen。