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golden sword would not stand hard use, for the edge of the blade would nick and

curl like lead, but the queen was delighted with the prize and took it eagerly in

her hand.

Just then Sacho returned to say that they must go back to their rooms, and after

thanking the goldsmith, who was so busy examining his newly acquired treasure

that he made no response, they joyfully followed the boy back to the Rose

Chamber. Sacho told them that he had just come from Zog, who was still wasting

time in plotting vengeance. "You must be careful," he advised them, "for my cruel

master intends to stop you from living, and he may succeed. Don't be unhappy,

but be careful. Zog is angry because you escaped his Yell-Maker and the falling

stones and the hot water. While he is angry he is wasting time, but that will not

help you. Take care not to waste any time yourselves."

Do you know what Zog intends to do to us next?" asked Princess Clia.

No," said Sacho, "but it is reasonable to guess that, being evil, he intends evil. He

never intends to do good, I assure you." Then the boy went away.

I am no longer afraid," declared the Mermaid Queen when they were alone.

When I have bestowed certain fairy powers upon this golden sword, it will fight

its way against any who dare oppose us, and even Zog himself will not care to

face so powerful a weapon. I am now able to promise you that we shall make our

escape."

Good!" cried Trot joyfully. "Shall we start now?"

Not yet, my dear. It will take me a little while to charm this golden blade so that

it will obey my commands and do my work. There is no need of undue haste, so I

propose we all sleep for a time and obtain what rest we can. We must be fresh

and ready for our great adventure."

As their former nap had been interrupted, they readily agreed to Aquareine's

proposal and at once went to their couches and composed themselves to slumber.

When they were asleep, the fairy mermaid charmed her golden sword and then

she also lay down to rest herself.

The Sea Fairies