Dorothy's
beefsteak was smoking hot, and the shaggy man's apples were plump and
rosy-cheeked. The King had not thought to provide chairs, so they all
stood in their places around the table and ate with good appetite,
being hungry. The Rainbow's Daughter found three tiny dewdrops on a
crystal plate, and Button-Bright had a big slice of apple pie, which
he devoured eagerly.
Afterward the King called the brown donkey, which was his favorite
servant, and bade it lead his guests to the vacant house where they
were to pass the night. It had only one room and no furniture except
beds of clean straw and a few mats of woven grasses; but our travelers
were contented with these simple things because they realized it was
the best the Donkey-King had to offer them. As soon as it was dark
they lay down on the mats and slept comfortably until morning.
At daybreak there was a dreadful noise throughout the city. Every
donkey in the place brayed. When he heard this the shaggy man woke
up and called out "Hee-haw!" as loud as he could.
"Stop that!" said Button-Bright, in a cross voice. Both Dorothy and
Polly looked at the shaggy man reproachfully.
"I couldn't help it, my dears," he said, as if ashamed of his bray;
"but I'll try not to do it again."
Of coursed they forgave him, for as he still had the Love Magnet in
his pocket they were all obliged to love him as much as ever.
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