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overcome the guards at the entrances rather than to encounter their terrible

master. But even the guards have been given strength and power by the

magician, as we have already discovered, so I must procure a weapon with which

to fight them."

"A weapon, ma'am?" said Cap'n Bill, and then he took a jackknife from his coat

pocket and opened the big blade, afterward handing it to the queen. "That ain't a

bad weapon," he announced.

But it is useless in this case," she replied, smiling at the old sailor's earnestness.

For my purpose I must have a golden sword."

Well, there's plenty of gold around this castle," said Trot, looking around her.

Even in this room there's enough to make a hundred golden swords."

But we can't melt or forge gold under water, mate," the Cap'n said.

Why not? Don't you s'pose all these gold roses and things were made under

water?" asked the little girl.

"Like enough," remarked the sailor, "but I don't see how."

Just then the gong at the door sounded, and the boy Sacho came in smiling and

cheerful as ever. He said Zog had sent him to inquire after their health and

happiness. "You may tell him that his water became a trifle too warm, so we

cooled it," replied the Queen. Then they told Sacho how the boiling water had

made them uncomfortable while they slept.

Sacho whistled a little tune and seemed thoughtful. "Zog is foolish," said he. "How

often have I told him that vengeance is a waste of time. He is worried to know

how to destroy you, and that is wasting more time. You are worried for fear he

will injure you, and so you also are wasting time. My, my! What a waste of time is

going on in this castle!"

"Seems to me that we have so much time it doesn't matter," said Trot. "What's

time for, anyhow?"

Time is given us to be happy, and for no other reason," replied the boy soberly.

When we waste time, we waste happiness. But there is no time for preaching, so

I'll go."

"Please wait a moment, Sacho," said the Queen.

"Can I do anything to make you happy?" he asked, smiling again.

The Sea Fairies