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We do!" shouted the slaves, glad to find someone willing to take the job.

But I'll want a few pointers," continued Cap'n Bill's brother. "I ain't used to this

sort o' work, you know, an' if I ain't properly posted I'm liable to make mistakes."

"Sacho will tell you," said Tom Atto encouragingly. "And now I must go back to

the kitchen and look after my dumplings, or you people won't have any dinner

today."

"Very well," announced Sacho. "I hereby proclaim Cap'n Joe elected King of the

Castle, which is the Enchanted Castle no longer. You may all return to your

work."

The slaves went away well contented, and the boy and Cap'n Joe now came

forward to greet their visitors. "We're on our way home," explained Cap'n Bill, "an'

we don't expec' to travel this way again. But it pleases me to know, Joe, that

you're the king o' such a fine castle, an' I'll rest easier now that you're well

pervided for."

"Oh, I'm all right, Bill," returned Cap'n Joe. "It's an easy life here, an' a peaceful

one. I wish you were as well fixed."

"If ever you need friends, Sacho, or any assistance or counsel, come to me," said

the Mermaid Queen to the boy.

"Thank you, madam," he replied. "Now that Zog has gone, I am sure we shall be

very safe and contented. But I shall not forget to come to you if we need you. We

are not going to waste any time in anger or revenge or evil deeds, so I believe we

shall prosper from now on."

I'm sure you will," declared Trot.

They now decided that they must continue their journey, and as neither Sacho

nor King Joe could ascend to the top of the dome without swimming in the

human way, which was slow and tedious work for them, the goodbyes were said

at the castle entrance, and the four visitors started on their return. Trot took one

last view of the beautiful silver castle from the hole high up in the dome, which

was now open and unguarded, and the next moment she was in the broad ocean

again, swimming toward home beside her mermaid friends.

110

The Sea Fairies