ruel and unjust," answered Polychrome as sternly as her sweet
voice could speak. "But here," she added, for she had still continued
to turn the leaves of the Great Book, "is another Law which you have
also overlooked. It says, 'The person, whether man or woman, boy or
girl, living in the Pink Country who has the lightest skin shall be the
Ruler--King or Queen--as long as he or she lives, unless someone of a
lighter skin is found, and this Ruler's commands all the people must
obey.' Do you know this Law?"

"Oh yes," replied Tourmaline. "That is why I am the Queen. You will
notice my complexion is of a lighter pink than that of any other of my
people."

"Yes," remarked Polychrome, looking at her critically, "when you were
made Queen without doubt you had the lightest-colored skin in all the
Pink Country. But now you are no longer Queen of the Pinkies,
Tourmaline."

Those assembled were so startled by this statement that they gazed at
the Rainbow's Daughter in astonishment for a time. Then Tourmaline
asked, "Why not, your Highness?"

"Because here is one lighter in color than yourself," pointed to Trot.
"This girl is, by the Law of the Great Book, the rightful Queen of the
Pinkies, and as loyal citizens you are all obliged to obey her
commands. Give me that circlet from your brow, Tourmaline." Without
hesitation Tourmaline removed the rose-gold circlet with its glittering
jewel and handed it to Polychrome, who turned and placed it upon Trot's
brow. Then she called in a loud, imperative voice, "Greet your new
Queen, Pinkies!"

One by one they all advanced, knelt before Trot and pressed her hand to
their lips. "Long live Queen Mayre!" called out Cap'n Bill, dancing
around on his wooden leg in great delight. "Vive la--Vive la--ah, ah,
Trot!"

"Thank you, Polly," said Button-Bright gratefully. "This will fix us
all right, I'm sure."

"Why, I have done nothing," returned Polychrome, smiling upon him. "It
is the Law of the Country. Isn't it surprising how little people know
of their Laws? Are you all contented, Pinkies?" she asked, turning to
the people.

"We are!" they cried. Then several of the men ran out to spread the
news throughout the City and Country, so that a vast crowd soon began
to gather in the Court of the Statues.

MAYRE, QUEEN OF THE PINK COUNTRY

CHAPTER 18

Polychrome now dismissed all but Button-Bright, Cap'n Bill, Rosalie the
Witch and the new Queen of the Pinkies. Tourmaline hastened