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"If I chance to fail," said the Queen, "try not to blame me. I will do all in my power
to provide for our escape, and I am willing to risk everything, because I well know
that to remain here will mean to perish in the end."
"
That's all right," said Trot with fine courage. "Let's have it over with."
Then we will leave here at once," said Aquareine.
"
She approached the window of the room and with one blow of her golden sword
shattered the thick pane of glass. The opening thus made was large enough for
them to swim through if they were careful not to scrape against the broken points
of glass. The queen went first, followed by Trot and Cap'n Bill, with Clia last of all.
And now they were in the vast dome in which the castle and gardens of Zog had
been built. Around them was a clear stretch of water, and far above--full half a
mile distant--was the opening in the roof guarded by the prince of the sea devils.
The mermaid queen had determined to attack this monster. If she succeeded in
destroying it with her golden sword, the little band of fugitives might then swim
through the opening into the clear waters of the ocean. Although this prince of
the sea devils was said to be big and wise and mighty, there was but one of him
to fight; whereas, if they attempted to escape through any of the passages, they
must encounter scores of such enemies.
"Swim straight for the opening in the dome!" cried Aquareine, and in answer to
the command, the four whisked their glittering tails, waved their fins, and shot
away through the water at full speed, their course slanting upward toward the
top of the dome.
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