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Besides, it is an enchanted castle, you know, and none in the ocean can see it

unless Zog wishes him to. So it will be very hard for his enemy to find him."

We wish to escape," said Clia. "Will you help us, Sacho?"

In any way I can," replied the boy.

If we succeed, we will take you with us," continued the Princess.

But Sacho shook his head and laughed. "I would indeed like to see you escape

Zog's vengeance," said he, "for vengeance is wrong, and you are too pretty and too

good to be destroyed. But I am happy here and have no wish to go away, having

no other home or friends other than my fellow slaves."

Then he left them, and when they were again alone, Aquareine said, "We were

able to escape Zog's attacks today, but I am quite sure he will plan more powerful

ways to destroy us. He has shown that he knows some clever magic, and perhaps

I shall not be able to foil it. So it will be well for us to escape tonight if possible."

Can you fight and conquer the big sea devil up in the dome?" asked Trot.

The queen was thoughtful, and did not reply to this question at once. But Cap'n

Bill said uneasily, "I can't abide them devil critters, an' I hopes, for my part, we

won't be called on to tackle 'em. You see, Trot, we're in consider'ble of a bad

mess, an' if we ever live to tell the tale--"

"Why not, Cap'n?" asked the child. "We're safe enough so far. Can't you trust our

good friend, the queen?"

"She don't seem plumb sure o' things herself," remarked the sailor. "The

mermaids is all right an' friendly, mate, but this 'ere magic maker, ol' Zog, is a

bad one, out 'n' out, an' means to kill us if he can."

"But he can't!" cried Trot bravely.

"I hope you're right, dear. I wouldn't want to bet on Zog's chances jes' yet, an' at

the same time it would be riskin' money to bet on our chances. Seems to me it's a

case of luck which wins."

"Don't worry, friend," said the Queen. "I have a plan to save us. Let us wait

patiently until nightfall." They waited in the Rose Chamber a long time, talking

earnestly together, but the brilliant light that flooded both the room and the great

dome outside did not fade in the least. After several hours had passed away, the

gong sounded and Tom Atto again appeared, followed by four slaves bearing

many golden dishes upon silver trays. The friendly cook had prepared a fine

dinner, and they were all glad to find that, whatever Zog intended to do to them,

The Sea Fairies