There was a row of thick bushes which concealed the gulf
below, and as they approached these bushes the rain abruptly ceased,
and the clouds began to break and drift away in the sky. "Two of you
seize the girl and throw her over," said Tourmaline in a calm,
matter-of-fact way, "and two others must throw the boy over. It may
take four, perhaps, to lift the huge and ancient man."
"More'n that," said Cap'n Bill grimly. "I'm pretty sure it'll take
all o' you, young lady, an' the chances are you won't do it then."
They had halted a short distance from the bushes, and now there
suddenly appeared through a rift in the clouds an immense Rainbow.
It was perfectly formed and glistened with a dozen or more superb
tintings that were so vivid and brilliant and blended into one
another so exquisitely that everyone paused to gaze enraptured upon
the sight. Steadily, yet with wonderful swiftness, the end of the
great bow descended until it rested upon the pink field--almost at
the feet of the little party of observers. Then they saw, dancing
gaily upon the arch, a score of beautiful maidens, dressed in fleecy
robes of rainbow tints which fluttered around them like clouds.
"The Daughters of the Rainbow!" whispered Tourmaline in an awed
voice, and the Witch beside her nodded and said, "Fairies of the
sky. What did I tell you, Tourmaline?"
Just then one of the maidens tripped lightly down the span of the
arch until near the very end, leaning over to observe the group
below.
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