www.freeclassicebooks.com

Let's do it now!" said Trot eagerly.

No, my dear, we must wait for a good opportunity when we are not watched

closely. We do not wish the terrible Zog to thwart our plan," answered the Queen

gently.

Presently two sailor boys entered bearing trays of food, which they placed upon a

large table. They were cheery-faced young fellows with gills at their throats, but

had laughing eyes, and Trot was astonished not to find any of the slaves of Zog

weeping or miserable. Instead, they were as jolly and good-natured as could be

and seemed to like their life under the water. Cap'n Bill asked one of the boys

how many slaves were in the castle, and the youth replied that he would try to

count them and let him know.

Tom Atto had, they found, prepared for them an excellent meal, and they ate

heartily because they were really hungry. After luncheon Cap'n Bill smoked his

pipe contentedly, and they renewed their conversation, planning various ways to

outwit Zog and make their escape. While thus engaged, the gong at the door

sounded and Sacho entered.

My diabolical master commands you to attend him," said the boy.

When?" asked Aquareine.

At once, your Majesty."

Very well, we will follow you," she said. So they swam down the corridors

following Sacho until they again reached the golden-domed room they had

formerly visited. Here sat Zog just as they had left him, seemingly, but when his

prisoners entered, the magician arose and stood upon his cloven feet and then

silently walked to a curtained archway.

Sacho commanded the prisoners to follow, and beyond the archway they found a

vast chamber that occupied the center of the castle and was as big as a ballroom.

Zog, who seemed to walk with much difficulty because his ungainly body swayed

back and forth, did not go far beyond the arched entrance. A golden throne was

set nearby, and in this the monster seated himself. At one side of the throne

stood a group of slaves. They were men, women and children. All had broad gold

bands clasped around their ankles as a badge of servitude, and at each throat

were the fish's gills that enabled them to breathe and live under water. Yet every

face was smiling and serene, even in the presence of their dread master. In parts

of the big hall were groups of other slaves.

The Sea Fairies