Page:Wet Magic - Nesbit.djvu/119

The Water-War "It's the Boy Scouts," she said. "Your Reuben is giving them their orders."

It seemed that she was right, for next moment the balls of sea-weed drifted away in different directions, and the one who had stood before them drifted straight to the arch where the Princess and the children stood. It drifted in, pulled off its seaweed disguise, and was, in effect, Reuben.

"We've found out something more, your Highness," he said, saluting the Princess. "The vanguard are to be Sea Horses; you know, not the little ones, but the great things they have in the depths."

"No use our attacking the horses," said the Princess. "They're as hard as ice. Who rides them?"

"The First Dipsys," said Reuben. "They're the young Under Folk who want to cut a dash. They call them the Forlorn Hopers, for short."

"Have they got armor?"

"No—that's their swank. They've no armor but their natural scales. Those look thick enough, though. I say, Princess, I suppose we Sea Urchins are free to do exactly as we choose?"

"Yes," said the Princess, "unless orders are given."

"Well, then—my idea is that the Lobsters are the fellows to tackle the Sea Horses. Hold on to their tails, see? They can't hurt the Lobsters because they can't get at their own tails."

"But when the Lobsters let go?" said the Princess.

"The Lobsters wouldn't let go till they had driven back the enemy," said the Lobster Captain, saluting. "Your Highness, may I ask if you propose to take this Urchin's advice?"

"Isn't it good?" she asked.

"Yes, your Highness," the Lobster Captain answered, "but it's impertinent." 109