 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Sea-Ferries by L. Frank Baum Chapter 10 The Undiscovered Island In following the fleet of Argonauts, the four explorers had risen higher in the water and soon found they had wandered to an open space that seemed to trot like the flat top of a high hill. The sands were covered with a growth of weeds so gorgeously colored that one who had never peered beneath the surface of the sea would scarcely believe they were not the product of a dye shop. Every known hue seemed represented in the delicate fern-like leaves that swayed softly to and fro as the current moved them. They were not set close together, these branches of magnificent hues, but were scattered sparsely over the sandy bottom of the sea, so that while from a distance they seemed thick, a nearer view found them spread out with ample spaces of sand between them. In these sandy spaces lay the real attractiveness of the place, for here were many of those wonders of the deep that have surprised and interested people of all ages. First were the starfishes, hundreds of them it seemed, lying sleepily on the bottom with their five or six points extended outward. They were of various colors, some rich and brilliant, others of dark brown hues. A few had wound their arms around the weeds, or were creeping slowly from one place to another, in the latter case turning their points downward and using them as legs. But most of them were lying motionless, and as Trot looked down upon them she thought they resembled stars in the sky on a bright night, except that the blue of the heavens was here replaced by the white sand, and the twinkling diamond stars by the colored starfish. We are near an island, said the queen, and that is why so many starfishes are here, as they love to keep close to shore. Also the little seahorses love these weeds, and to me they are more interesting than the starfish. Trot now noticed the seahorses for the first time. They were quite small, merely two or three inches high, but had funny little heads that were shaped much like the head of a horse, and bright, intelligent eyes. They had no legs, though, for their bodies ended in tails, which they twined around the stems of seaweeds to support themselves, and keep the currents from carrying them away. Trot bent down close to examine one of the queer little creatures and exclaimed, Why the seahorses haven't any fins or anything to swim with? Oh yes, we have, replied the seahorse in a tiny but distinct voice. These things on the side of my head are fins. I thought they were ears, said the girl. So they are. Fins and ears at the same time, answered the little sea animal. Also there are small fins on our backs. Of course we can't swim as the mermaids do, or even as swiftly as fishes, but we managed to get around. Thank you. Don't the fishes catch and eat you, inquired Trot curiously? Sometimes admitted the seahorse, and there are many other living things that have a way of destroying us. But here I am, as you see. Over six weeks old, and during that time I have escaped every danger. That isn't so bad, is it? Foo, said a starfish, lying near. I'm over three months old. You're a mere baby seahorse. I'm not, cried the seahorse excitedly. I'm full grown, and may live to be as old as you are. Not if I keep on living, said the starfish calmly, and Trot knew he was correct in his statement. The little girl now noticed several sea spiders creeping around and drew back because she did not think them very pretty. They were shaped not unlike the starfishes, but had slender legs and big heads with wicked-looking eyes sticking out of them. Oh, I don't like those things, said Trot, coming closer to her companions. You don't, eh? said a big sea spider in a cross voice. Why do you come around here, then, scaring away my dinner when you are not wanted? It isn't your ocean, replied Trot. No, and it isn't yours, snapped the spider. But as it's big enough for us both, I'd like you to go away. So we will, said Aquarene gently, and at once she moved toward the surface of the water. Trot and Captain Bill followed with Clea and the child asked, what island are we near? It has no name, answered the queen, for it is not inhabited by man, nor has it ever yet been discovered by them. Perhaps you will be the first humans to see this island, but it is a barren, rocky place, and only fit for seals and turtles. Are any of them there now, Captain Bill inquired? I think so, we will see. Trot was astonished to find how near they were to the top of the ocean, for they had not ascended through the water very long when suddenly her head popped into the air, and she gave a gasp of surprise to find herself looking at the clear sky for the first time since she had started upon this adventure by rowing into Giant's Cave. She floated comfortably in the water with her head and face just out of it, and began to look around her. Captain Bill was at her side, and so were the two mermaids. The day was fair, and the surface of the sea, which stretched far away as the eye could reach, rippled under a gentle breeze. They had risen almost at the edge of a small rocky islet, high in the middle, but gradually slanting down to the water. No trees or bushes or grass grew anywhere about. Only rocks, gray, and bleak were to be seen. Trot scarcely noticed this at first, however, for the island seemed covered with groups of forms, some still and some moving, which the old sailor promptly recognized as seals. Many were lying asleep or sunning themselves, others crept awkwardly around using their strong fins as legs or paddles, and caring little if they disturbed the slumbers of the others. Once in a while, one of those crowded out of place would give a loud and angry bark, which awakened others and set them to barking likewise. Baby seals were there in great numbers, and were more active and playful than their elders. It was really wonderful how they could scramble around on the land, and Trot laughed more than once at their antics. At the edge of the water lay many huge turtles, some as big around as a wagon wheel, and others much smaller in size. The big ones are very old, said the queen, seeing Trot's eyes fixed on the turtles. How old asked the child? Hundreds of years, I think. They live to a great age, for nothing can harm them when they withdraw their legs and heads into their thick shells. We use some of the turtles for food, but prefer the younger ones. Men also fish for turtles and eat them, but of course no men ever come to this out of the way place in the ocean, so the inhabitants of this little island know they are perfectly safe. In the center of the island rose high cliffs, on top of which were to be seen great flocks of seagulls, some whirling in the air while others were perched upon the points of rock. What do the birds find to eat? asked Captain Bill. They often feed upon seals which die of accident or old age, and they are expert fishermen, explained Queen Aquarin. Curiously enough, the seals also feed upon these birds, which they are often able to catch in their strong jaws when the gulls venture too near. And then the seals frequently rob the nests of eggs, of which they are very fond. I'd like a few gull's eggs now, remarked a big seal, that lay near them upon the shore. Trot had thought him sound asleep, but now he opened his eyes to blink lazily at the group in the water. Good morning, said the Queen. Aren't you Chief Muffruff? I am, answered the old seal, and you are Aquarin the Mermaid Queen. You see, I remember you, although you haven't been here for years. And isn't that Princess Clea? To be sure. But the other mermaids are strangers to me, especially the bald-headed one. I'm not a mermaid, asserted Captain Bill. I'm a sailor just to visit in the mermaids. Our friends are earth dwellers, explained the Queen. That's odd, said Muffruff. I can't remember that any earth dwellers ever came this way before. I never travel far, you see, for I'm Chief of this disorderly family of seals that live on this island. On it and off it, that is. You're a poor chief, said a big turtle, lying beside the seal. If your people are disorderly, it is your own fault. Muffruff gave a chuckling laugh. Then with a movement quick as lightning, he pushed his head under the shell of the turtle and gave it a sudden jerk. The huge turtle was tossed up on edge and then turned flat on its back, where its short leg struggled vainly to right its overturned body. There snorted the seal contemptuously. Perhaps you'll dare insult me again in the presence of visitors, you old mud wallower. Seeing the plight of the turtle, several young seals came laughingly waddling to the spot. And as they approached, the helpless creature drew in his legs and head and closed his two shells tightly together. The seals bumped against the turtle and gave it a push that sent it sliding down the beach like a toboggan, and a minute later it splashed into the water and sank out of sight. But that was just what the creature wanted. Onshore the upset turtle was quite helpless, but the mischievous seals saved him. For as soon as he touched the water, he was able to turn and right himself, which he promptly did. Then he raised his head above the water and asked, is it peace or war, Muffruff? Whichever you like answered the seal indifferently. Perhaps the turtle was angry, for it ran on shore with remarkable swiftness, uttering a shrill cry as it advanced. At once all the other turtles awoke to life, and with upraised heads joined their comrade in the rush for the seals. Most of Chief Muffruff's band scrambled hastily down the rocks and plunged into the water of the sea, without waiting for the turtles to reach them, but the Chief himself was slow in escaping. It may be he was ashamed to run while the mermaids were watching, but if this was so he made a great mistake. The turtle snapped at his fins and tail and began biting round chunks out of them, so that Chief Muffruff screamed with pain and anger and floundered into the water as fast as he could go. The eventual turtles were certainly the victors and now held undisputed possession of the island. Trot laughed joyously at the incident, not feeling a bit sorry for the old seal, who had foolishly begun the battle. Even the gentle queen smiled as she said, these quarrels between the turtles and seals are very frequent, but they are soon ended. An hour from now they will all be lying asleep together just as we found them, but we will not wait for that. Let us go. She sank slowly beneath the water again and the others followed after her. End of chapter 10. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Seafarries by L. Frank Baum. Chapter 11, Zog the Terrible and His Sea Devils. The sun must be going under a cloud, said Trot, looking ahead. They had descended far into the ocean depths again, further the girl thought than they had ever been before. No, the queen answered after a glance ahead of them, that is a cuttlefish and he is dying the sea around him with ink so that he can hide from us. Let us turn a little to the left, for we could see nothing at all in that inky water. Following her advice they made a broad curve to the left and at once the water began to darken in that direction too. Why, there is another of them, said Captain Bill, as the little party came to a sudden halt. So there is, returned the queen, and Trot thought there was a little quiver of anxiety in her voice. We must go far to the right to escape the ink. So they again started this time almost at a right angle to their former course, and the little girl inquired, how can the cuttlefish color the water so very black? They carried big sacks in front of them where they concealed the ink, Princess Clea answered. Whenever they choose the cuttlefish are able to press out this ink, and it colors the water for a great space around them. The direction in which they were now swimming was taking them far out of their way. Ocarine did not wish to travel very far to the right, so when she thought they had gone far enough to escape the inky water, she turned to lead her party toward the left, the direction in which she did wish to go. At once another cloud of ink stained the water and drove them to the right again. Is anything wrong, ma'am, asked Captain Bill, seeing a frown gather upon the queen's lovely face. I hope not, she said, but I must warn you that these cuttlefish are the servants of the terrible sea devils, and from the way they are acting they seem determined to drive us toward the devil caves, which I wish to avoid. This admission on the part of their powerful protector, the fairy mermaid, sent a chill to the hearts of the earth people. Neither spoke for a time, but finally Captain Bill asked in a timid voice, hadn't we better go back, ma'am? Yes, decided Ocarine after a moment's thought. I think it will be wise to retreat. The sea devils are evidently aware of our movements and wish to annoy us. For my part I have no fear of them, but I do not care to have you meet such creatures. But when they turned around to abandon their journey, another inky cloud was to be seen behind them. They really had no choice but to swim in the only streak of clear water they could find, and the mermaids well knew this would lead them nearer and nearer to the caves of their enemies. But Ocarine led the way, moving very slowly, and the others followed her. In every other direction they were hemmed in by the black waters, and they did not dare to halt, because the inky fluid crept swiftly up behind them and drove them on. The queen and the princess had now become silent and grave. They swam on either side of their guests, as if to better protect them. Don't look up, whispered Clea, pressing close to the little girl's side. Why not, Astrot? And then she did exactly what she had been told not to do. She lifted her head and saw stretched over them a network of scrawny crimson arms interlaced like the branches of trees in winter, when the leaves have fallen and left them bare. Cat and Bill gave a start and muttered, Lay on six, for he too had gazed upward and seen the crimson network of limbs. Are these the sea-devils, asked the child, more curious than frightened? Yes, dear, replied the queen, but I advise you to pay no attention to them. Remember they cannot touch us. In order to avoid the threatening arms overhead, which followed them as they swam, our friends kept near to the bottom of the sea, which was here thickly covered with rough and jagged rocks. The inky water had now been left far behind, but when Trot looked over her shoulder, she shuddered to find a great crimson monster following closely after them, with a dozen long, snaky feelers stretched out as if to grab anyone that lagged behind. And there, at the side of Princess Clea, was another sea-devil leering silently with his cruel, bulging eyes at the pretty mermaid. Beside the queen swam still another of their enemies. Indeed the sea-devils had crept upon them and surrounded them everywhere except at the front, and Trot began to feel nervous and worried for the first time. Captain Bill kept mumbling queer words under his breath, for he had a way of talking to himself when anything upset him as he would quaintly remark. Trot always knew he was disturbed or in trouble when he began to growl. The only way now open was straight ahead. They swam slowly yet fast enough to keep a safe distance from the dreadful creature behind them. I'm afraid they are driving us into a trap, whispered the queen softly, but whatever happens do not lose courage, earth-friends. Clea and I are here to protect you, and our fairy powers are sufficient to keep you from all harm. Oh, I don't mind so very much, declared Trot calmly. It's like the fairy adventures in story books, and I've often thought I'd like that kind of adventures, because the story always turns out the right way. Captain Bill growled something just then, but the only words Trot could make out were, never live to tell the tale. Oh, pshaw, Captain, she said. We may be in danger right enough, and to be honest I don't like the looks of those sea-devils at all, but I'm sure it's no killing matter, for we've got the fairy circles all around us. Ha-ha, laughed the monster beside her. We know all about the fairy circles, don't we, Mig? Ho-ho, laughed the monster on the other side. We do, slipped my boy, and we don't think much of fairy circles, either. They have foiled our enemies many a time, declared the princess with much dignity. Ha-ha, laughed one, that's why we're here now. Ho-ho, laughed the other. We've learned a trick or two, and we've got you fast this time. Then all the sea-devils, those above, and the one behind, and the two on the sides, laughed all together, and their laughter was so horrible that it made even Trot shudder. But now the queen stopped short, and the others stopped with her. I will go no farther, she said firmly, not caring if the creatures overheard her. It is evident that these monsters are trying to drive us into some secret place, and it is well known that they are in league with Zog the Terrible, whom they serve because they are as wicked as he is. We must be somewhere near the hidden castle of Zog, so I prefer to stay here rather than be driven into some place far more dangerous. As for the sea-devils, they are powerless to injure us in any way. Not one of the thousand arms about us can possibly touch our bodies. The only reply to this defiant speech was another burst of horrible laughter, and now there suddenly appeared before them still another of the monsters, which thus completely hemmed them in. Then the creatures began interlacing their long arms or feelers until they formed a perfect cage around the prisoners, not an opening being left that was large enough for one of them to escape through. The mermaids and the girl and the sailor-man kept huddled close together, before, although they might be walled in by the sea-devils, their captors could not touch them because of the protecting magic circles. All at once Trot exclaimed, why, we must be moving. This was startling news, but by watching the flow of the water past them, they saw that the little girl was right. The sea-devils were swimming altogether, and as the cage they were in moved forward, our friends were carried with it. Queen Aquarin had a stern look upon her beautiful face. Captain Bill guessed from this look that the mermaid was angry, for it seemed much like the look Trot's mother wore when they came home late to dinner. But however angry the queen might be, she was unable to help herself or her guests just now, or to escape from the guidance of the dreaded sea-devils. The rest of the party had become sober and thoughtful, and in dignified silence, they awaited the outcome of this strange adventure. End of Chapter 11. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Sea-Ferries by L. Frank Baum, Chapter 12, The Enchanted Island. All at once it grew dark around them. Neither Captain Bill nor Trot liked this gloom, for it made them nervous not to be able to see their enemies. We must be near a sea cavern, if not within one, whispered Princess Clea, and even as she spoke, the network of scarlet arms parted before them, leaving an avenue for them to swim out of the cage. There was brighter water ahead, too, so the queen said without hesitation, come along, dear friends, but let us clasp hands and keep close together. They obeyed her commands and swam swiftly out of their prison and into the clear water before them, glad to put a distance between themselves and the loathsome sea devils. The monsters made no attempt to follow them, but they burst into a course of harsh laughter which warned our friends that they had not yet accomplished their escape. The four now found themselves in a broad rocky passage, which was dimly lighted from some unknown source. The walls overhead, below them and at the sides, all glistened, as if made of silver, and in places were set small statues of birds, beasts, and fishes, occupying niches in the walls and seemingly made from the same glistening material. The queen swam more slowly now that the sea devils had been left behind, and she looked exceedingly grave and thoughtful. Have you ever been here before, Astrot? No, dear, said the queen with a sigh, and do you know where we are, continued the girl? I can gas-replied, Ocarine. There is only one place in all the sea where such a passage as that we are in could exist without my knowledge, and that is in the hidden dominions of Zog. If we are indeed in the power of that fearful magician, we must summon all our courage to resist him, or we are lost. Is Zog more powerful than the mermaids, asked Trot anxiously? I do not know, for we have never before met to measure our strength, answered Ocarine. But if King Enko could defeat the magician as he surely did, then I think I shall be able to do so. I wish I was sure of it, muttered Cat and Bill. Absolute silence reigned in the silver passage. No fish were there, not even a sea flower grew to relieve the stern grandeur of this vast corridor. Trot began to be impressed with the fact that she was a good way from her home and mother, and she wondered if she would ever get back again to the white cottage on the cliff. Here she was at the bottom of the great ocean, swimming through a big tunnel that had an enchanted castle at one end, and a group of horrible sea devils at the other. In spite of this thought she was not very much afraid. Although two fairy mermaids were her companions, she relied, strange to say, more upon her tried and true friend Cat and Bill, and upon her newer acquaintances to see her safely out of her present troubles. Cat and Bill himself did not feel very confident. I don't care too sense what becomes of me, he told Princess Clea in a low voice, but I am dreadful worried over our trot. She's too sweet and too young to be made an end of in this year's fashion. Clea smiled at the speech. I'm sure you will find our little girl's end a good way off, she replied. Just to our powerful queen and be sure she will find some means for us all to escape uninjured. The light grew brighter as they advanced, until finally they perceived a magnificent archway just ahead of them. Ocarine hesitated a moment whether to go on or turn back, but there was no escaping the sea devils behind them, and she decided the best way out of their difficulties was to bravely face the unknown Zog, and rely upon her fairy powers to prevent his doing any mischief to herself or her friends. So she led the way, and together they approached the archway and passed through it. They now found themselves in a vast cavern so great in extent that the dome overhead looked like the sky when seen from the earth. In the center of this immense sea cavern rose the towers of a splendid castle, all built of coral inlaid with silver and having windows of clear glass. In the castle were beds of beautiful sea flowers, many being in full bloom, and these were laid out with great care in artistic designs. Goldfish and silverfish started here and there among the foliage, and the whole scene was so pretty and peaceful that Trot began to doubt there was any danger lurking in such a lovely place. As they paused to look around them, a brilliantly colored Greggfish approached, and gazed at them curiously with his big saucer-like eyes. So Zog has got you at last, he said, in a pitying tone, how foolish you were to swim into that part of the sea where he is powerful. The sea devils made us, explained Clea. Well, I'm sorry for you, I'm sure, remarked the Gregg, and with a flash of his tail he disappeared among the sea foliage. Let us go to the castle, said the queen, in a determined voice. We may as well boldly defy our fate as to wait until Zog seeks us out. So they swam to the entrance of the castle. The door stood wide open, and the interior seemed as well lighted as the cavern itself, although none of them could discover from whence the light came. At each side of the entrance lay a fish such as they had never seen before. It was flat as a doormat, and seemed to cling fast to the coral floor. Upon its back were quills like those of a porcupine, all pointed and sharp. From the center of the fish arose a head shaped like a round ball, with a circle of piercing bead-like eyes set in it. These strange guardians of the entrance might be able to talk and to tell what their numerous eyes saw, yet they remained silent and watchful. Then Aquireen gazed upon them curiously, and she gave a little shutter as she did so. Inside the entrance was a domed hall with a flight of stairs leading to an upper balcony. Around the hall were several doorways hung with curtains made of woven seaweeds. Chairs and benches stood against the wall, and these astonished the visitors, because neither stairs nor chairs seemed useful in a kingdom where every living thing was supposed to swim and have a fish's tail. In Queen Aquireen's palaces benches for reclining were used, and stairs were wholly unnecessary, but in the palace of Zog the furniture and fittings were much like those of a house upon earth, and except that every space was here filled with water instead of air, Trot and Cat and Bill might have imagined themselves in a handsome earthly castle. The little group paused half fearfully in the hall, yet so far there was surely nothing to be afraid of. They were wondering what to do next when the curtains of an archway were pushed aside and a boy entered. To Trot's astonishment he had legs, and walked upon them naturally and with perfect ease. He was a delicate, frail-looking little fellow dressed in a black velvet suit with knee-breaches. The bows at his throat and knees were of colored seaweeds, woven into broad ribbons. His hair was yellow and banged across his forehead. His eyes were large and dark, with a pleasant merry sparkle in them. Around his neck he wore a high ruff, but in spite of this, Trot could see that below his plump cheeks were several scarlet-edged slits that looked like the gills of fishes, for they gently opened and closed as the boy breathed in the water by which he was surrounded. These gills did not greatly mar the lad's delicate beauty, and he spread out his arms and bowed low and gracefully in greeting. �Hello,� said Trot. �Why, I'd like to,� replied the boy with a laugh. �But being a mere slave, it isn't proper for me to hello. But it's good to see earth-people again, and I'm glad you're here. �We're not glad,� observed the girl, �were afraid.� �You'll get over that,� declared the boy smilingly. People lose a lot of time being afraid. Once I was myself afraid, but I found it was no fun, so I gave it up. �Why, were we brought here,� inquired Queen Aquarin gently. �I can't say, madam, being a mere slave,� replied the boy. �But you have reminded me of my errand. I am sent to inform you that Zog the Forsaken, who hates all the world, and is hated by all the world, commands your presence in his den. �Do you hate Zog, too,� asked Trot. �Oh, no� answered the boy. People lose a lot of time in hating others, and there's no fun in it at all. Zog may be hateful, but I'm not going to waste time hating him. You may do so if you like. �You are a queer child,� remarked the Mermaid Queen, looking at him attentively. �Will you tell us who you are?� Once I was Prince Sacco of Saccharino La Land, which is a sweet country but hard to pronounce,� he answered. �But in this domain I have but one title and one name, and that is Slave.� �How came you to be Zog's slave?� asked Clea. �The funniest adventure you ever heard of,� asserted the boy with eager pride. �I sailed in a ship that went to pieces in a storm. All on board were drowned but me, and I came mighty near it to tell the truth. I went down deep deep into the sea, and at the bottom was Zog, watching the people drown. I tumbled on his head, and he grabbed and saved me, saying I would make a useful slave. By his magic power he made me able to live underwater as the fishes live, and he brought me to this castle and taught me to wait upon him, as his other slaves do. �Isn't it a dreadful lonely life,� asked Trot. �No indeed,� said Sacco. �We haven't any time to be lonely, and the dreadful things Zog does are very exciting and amusing, I assure you. He keeps us guessing every minute, and that makes the life here interesting. Things were getting a bit slow an hour ago, but now that you are here I am in hopes we will all be kept busy and amused for some time. �Are there many others in the castle besides you and Zog?� asked Ocarine. �Dozens of us, perhaps hundreds. I've never counted them,� said the boy. �But Zog is the only master. All the rest of us are in the same class, so there is no jealousy among the slaves.� �What is Zog like?� Captain Bill questioned. At this the boy laughed, and the laugh was full of mischief. �If I could tell you what Zog is like it would take me a year with the reply, but I can't tell you. Everyone has a different idea of what he's like, and soon you will see him yourselves. Are you fond of him,� asked Trot. �If I said yes, I'd get a good whipping,� declared Sacco. �I am commanded to hate Zog, and being a good servant I try to obey. If anyone dared to like Zog I am sure he'd be instantly fed to the turtles, so I advise you not to like him. �Oh, we won't promise Trot. But we're keeping the master waiting, and that is also a dangerous thing to do,� continued the boy. �If we don't hurry up Zog will begin to smile, and when he smiles there is trouble brewing.� �The queen sighed. �Leave the way, Sacco,� she said. �We will follow.� The boy bowed again, and going to an archway held aside the curtains for them. They first swam into a small anti-room, which led into a long corridor, at the end of which was another curtained arch. Through this Sacco also guided them, and now they found themselves in a cleverly constructed maze. Every few feet were twists and turns and sharp corners, and sometimes the passage would be wide, and again so narrow that they could just squeeze through in single file. �Seems like we're getting further into the trap,� growled Cat and Bill. �We couldn't find our way out of here to save our lives.� �Oh, yes we could� replied Clea, who was just behind him. �Such a maze may indeed puzzle you, but the queen or I could lead you safely through it again, I assure you. Zog is not so clever as he thinks himself.� The sailor, however, found the maze very bewildering, and so did Trot. Passages ran in every direction, crossing and re-crossing, and it seemed wonderful that the boy, Sacco, knew just which way to go. But he never hesitated an instant. Trot looked carefully to see if there were any marks to guide him, but every wall was of plain polished marble, and every turning looked just like all the others. Suddenly Sacco stopped short. They were now in a broader passage, but as they gathered around their conductor they found further advance blocked. Solid walls faced them, and here the corridor seemed to end. �Enter,� cried a clear voice. �But we can't,� protested Trot. �Swim straight ahead,� whispered the boy in soft tones. �There is no real barrier before you. Your eyes are merely deceived by magic. �Ah, I understand� said Aquarin, nodding her pretty head. And then she took Mary's hand and swam boldly forward, while Captain Bill followed holding the hand of Clea. And behold! The marble wall melted away before them, and they found themselves in a chamber more splendid than even the fairy mermaids had ever seen before. End of chapter 12 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Seafarries by L. Frank Baum Chapter 13 Prisoners of the Sea Monster The room in the enchanted castle which Zog called his den, and in which the wicked sea monster passed most of his time, was a perfectly shaped dome of solid gold. The upper part of the stone was thickly set with precious jewels, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, which sparkled beautifully through the crystal water. The lower walls were as thickly studded with pearls, all being a perfect shape and color. Many of the pearls were larger than any which may be found upon earth, for the sea people know where to find the very best, and hide them away where men cannot discover them. The golden floor was engraved with designs of rare beauty, depicting not only sea life but many adventures upon land. In the room were several large golden cabinets, the doors of which were closed and locked, and in addition to the cabinets there were tables, chairs, and sofas, the latter upholstered with softest seal skins. Handsome rugs of exquisitely woven seaweeds were scattered about, the colors of which were artistically blended together. In one corner a fountain of air bubbled up through the water. The entire room was lighted as brilliantly as if exposed to the direct rays of the sun, yet where this light came from our friends could not imagine. No lamp or other similar device was visible anywhere. The strangers at first scarcely glanced at all these beautiful things, for in an easy chair set Zog himself, more wonderful than any other living creature, and as they gazed upon him their eyes seemed fascinated as if held by a spell. Zog's face was the face of a man, except that the tops of his ears were pointed like horns, and he had small horns instead of eyebrows and a horn on the end of his chin. In spite of these deformities the expression of the face was not unpleasant or repulsive. His hair was carefully parted and brushed, and his mouth and nose were not only perfect in shape but quite handsome. Only the eyes betrayed Zog and made him terrible to all the holders. They seemed like coals of glowing fire, and sparkled so fiercely that no one ever cared to meet their gaze for more than an instant. Perhaps the monster realized this, for he usually drooped his long lashes over his fiery eyes to shut out their glare. Zog had two well-shaped legs which ended in the hoofs of beasts instead of feet, and these hoofs were shot with gold. His body was a shapeless mass covered with rich embroidered raiment over which a great robe of cloth of gold fell in many folds. This robe was intended to hide the magician's body from view, but Trot noticed that the cloth moved constantly in little ripples as if what lay underneath would not keep still. The best features of which Zog could boast were his arms and hands, the latter being as well-formed, as delicate and white as those of a well-bred woman. When he spoke his voice sounded sweet and clear, and its tones were very gentle. He had given them a few minutes to stare at him, for he was examining them in turn with considerable curiosity. Well, said he, do you not find me the most hateful creature you have ever beheld? The queen refrained from answering, but Trot said promptly, we do. Nothing could be more horridor or more disgusting than you are, it seems to me. Very good, very good indeed, declared the monster, lifting his lashes to flash his glowing eyes upon her. Then he turned toward Captain Bill. Manfish, he continued, what do you think of me? Mighty little, the sailor replied. You ought to be ashamed to ask such a question, knowing you look worse than the devil himself. Very true, answered Zog, frowning. He felt that he had received a high compliment, and the frown showed he was pleased with Captain Bill. But now Queen Ocarine advanced to a position in front of their captor and said, tell me, Zog, why have you trapped us and brought us here? To destroy you was the quick answer, and the magician turned for an instant to flash his eyes upon the beautiful mermaid. For two hundred years I have been awaiting a chance to get within my power some friend of Anko the Sea Serpent, of Anko whom I hate, he added, smiling sweetly. When you left your palace today, my swift spies warned me, and so I sent the sea devils to capture you. Often have they tried to do this before, but always failed. Today, acting by my command, they tricked you, and by surrounding you forced you to the entrance of my enchanted castle. The result is a fine capture of important personages. I have now in my power the queen and princess of the fairy mermaids, as well as two wandering earth people, and I assure you I shall take great enjoyment in destroying you utterly. You are a coward, declared the queen proudly. You dared not meet us in the open sea. No, I dare not leave this castle, Zog, admitted, still smiling, but here in my own domain my power is supreme. Nothing can interfere with my vengeance. That remains to be seen, said Ocarine, firmly meeting the gaze of the terrible eyes. Of course, he answered, nodding his head with a graceful movement. You will try to thwart me and escape. You will pit your fairy power against my powers of magic. This will give me great pleasure for the more you struggle the greater will be my revenge. But why should you seek revenge upon us, asked Clea? We have never harmed you. That is true, replied Zog. I bear you no personal ill will, but you are friends of my great enemy, King Enko, and it will annoy him very much when he finds that you have been destroyed by me. I cannot hurt the rascally old sea serpent himself, but through you I can make him feel my vengeance. The mermaids have existed thousands of years, said the queen, in a tone of pride. Do you imagine the despised and conquered Zog has power to destroy them? I do not know, was the quiet answer. It will be interesting to discover which is the more powerful. I challenge you to begin the test at once, vile magician, exclaimed Aquirene. There is no hurry, fair queen, answered Zog, in his softest tones. I have been so many years in accomplishing your capture that it is foolish to act hastily now. Besides, I am lonely. Here in my forced retirement I see only those uninteresting earth mortals whom I have made my slaves. For all sea dwellers are forbidden to serve me, save the sea devils, and they dare not enter my castle. I have saved many mortals from drowning, and brought them here to people my castle, but I do not love mortals. Two lovely mermaids are much more interesting, and before I allow you to perish I shall have much amusement in witnessing your despair and your struggles to escape. You are now my prisoners. By slow degrees I shall wear out your fairy powers and break your hearts, as well as the hearts of these earth dwellers who have no magic powers, and I think it will be a long time before I finally permit you to die. That's all right, said Trot cheerfully. The longer I live the better I'll be satisfied. That's how I feel about it, added cat and bill. Don't get in a hurry to kill us, Zog. It'll be such a wear and tear on your nerves. Just take it easy, and let us live as long as we can. Don't you care to die, asked the magician? It's a thing I never longed for, the sailor replied. You see, we had no business to go on a trip with the mermaids to begin with. I've always heard tell that mermaids is dangerous, and no one has met them ever lived to tell the tale, eh, Trot? That's what you said, cat and bill. So I guess we're done for one way or another, and it don't matter much which. But Trot's a good child, and mighty young and tender. It don't seem like her time has come to die. I'd like to have her sent safe home to her mother. So I've got this ear proposition to make, Zog. If your magic could make me die twice, or even three times for good measure, why you go ahead and do it, and I won't complain. All I ask is for you to send this little girl safe back to dry land again. Don't you do it, Zog, cried Trot indignantly. And turning to cat and bill, she added, I'm not going to leave you down here in all this mess, Cat and, and don't you think it. If one of us gets out of the muddle we're in, we'll both get out. So don't you make any bargains with Zog to die twice. Zog listened to this conversation very carefully. The dying does not amount to much, he said. It is the thinking about it that hurts you mortals most. I've watched many a shipwreck at sea, and the people would howl and scream for hours before the ship broke up. Their terror was very enjoyable. But when the end came, they all drowned as peacefully as if they were going to sleep. So it didn't amuse me at all. I'm not worrying, said Trot. Nermi, said Cat and Bill, you'll find we can take what comes just as easy as anybody. I do not expect to get much fun from you poor mortals, said Zog carelessly. You are merely a sideshow to my circus, a sort of dessert to my feast of vengeance. When the time comes, I can find a hundred ways to kill you. My most interesting prisoners are these pretty mermaids, who claim that none of their race has ever yet died or been destroyed. The first mermaid ever created is living yet, and I am told she is none other than Queen Aquirene, so I have a pretty problem before me to invent some way to destroy the mermaids or put them out of existence, and it will require some thought. Also it will require some power you do not possess, suggested the Queen. That may be, replied Zog softly, but I am going to experiment, and I believe I shall be able to cause you a lot of pain and sorrow before I finally make an end of you. I have not lived twenty-seven thousand years, Aquirene, without getting a certain amount of wisdom, and I am more powerful than you suspect. You are a monster and a wicked magician, said the mermaid queen. I am a greed, Zog, but I cannot help it. I was created part man, part bird, part fish, part beast, and part reptile, and such a monstrosity could not be otherwise than wicked. Everybody hates me, and I hate everybody. Why don't you kill yourself, Astrod? I have tried that and failed, he answered. Only one being in the world has power to destroy me, and that is King Enko, the sea serpent. Then you'd better let him do it, advised the little girl. No, much as I long to die, I cannot allow King Enko the pleasure of killing me. He has always been my worst enemy, and it would be such a joy to him to kill me that I really cannot allow him. Indeed, I have always hoped to kill Enko. I have now been three thousand six hundred and forty-two years, eleven months, and nine days figuring out a plan to destroy old Enko, and as yet I have not discovered a way. I'd give it up if I were you, advised Trot. Don't you think you could get some fun out of trying to be good? No, cried Zog, and his voice was not so soft as before. In Aquirene, you and your attendants shall be prisoners in this castle until I can manage to stop you from living. Rooms will be placed at your disposal, and I wish you to go to them at once, as I am tired of looking at you. You're no more tired than we are, remarked Trot. It's lucky you can't see yourself, Zog. He turned his glowing eyes full upon her. The worst of my queer body I keep concealed, he said. If ever you see it you will scream with terror. He touched a bell beside him, and the girl was surprised to find how clearly its tones rang through the water. In an instant the boy Sacco appeared and bowed low before his dreadful master. Take the mermaids and the child to the rose chamber, commanded Zog, and take the old man-fish to the peony room. Sacco turned to obey. Are the outer passages well guarded, asked the monster? Yes, as you have commanded, said the boy. Then you may allow the prisoners to roam at will throughout the castle. Now go. The prisoners followed Sacco from the room, glad to get away. The presence of this evil being had grown oppressive to them, and Zog had himself seemed ill at ease during the last few minutes. The robe so closely wound around his body moved jerkily, as if something beneath disturbed it, and at such times Zog shifted nervously in his seat. Sacco's thin little legs trotted through the water and led the way into a different passage from the one by which they had entered. They swam slowly after him and breathed easier when they had left the golden dome chamber, where their wicked enemy sat enthroned. Well, how do you like him, asked Sacco with a laugh? We hate him, declared Trot emphatically. Of course you do, replied Sacco. But you're wasting time hating anything. It doesn't do you any good, or him any harm. Can you sing? A little said Trot, but I don't feel like singing now. You're wrong about that, the boy asserted. Anything that keeps you from singing is foolishness, unless it's laughter. Laughter, joy, and song are the only good things in the world. Trot did not answer this queer speech, for just then they came to a flight of stairs, and Sacco climbed up them while the others swam. Now they were in a lofty broad corridor, having many rooms hung with seaweed draperies. At one of these doorways Sacco stopped and said, Here is the rose chamber where the master commands you to live until you die. You may wander anywhere in the castle as you please, to leave it as impossible. Whenever you return to the rose chamber you will know it by this design of roses, sewn in pearls upon the hangings. The peony room where the manfish is to live is the next one farther on. Thank you, replied Queen Aquarine. Are we to be fed? Meals will be served in your rooms. If you desire anything, ring the bell, and some of the slaves will be sure to answer it. I am mostly in attendance upon my master, but whenever I am at liberty I will look after your comfort myself. Again they thanked the strange boy, and he turned and left them. They could hear him whistle and sing as he returned along the passage. Then Princess Clea parted the curtains that her queen and companions might enter the rose chamber. CHAPTER XIV The roomsog had given his prisoners were as handsome as all other parts of this strange enchanted castle. Gold was used plentifully in the decorations, and in the rose chamber occupied by the mermaids and trot, golden roses formed a border around the entire room. The seam-maidens had evidently been expected, for the magician had provided couches for them to recline upon, similar to the ones used in the mermaid palaces. The frames were of mother of pearl and the cushions of soft white sponges. In the room were toilet tables, mirrors, ornaments, and many articles used by earth people, which they afterward learned had been plundered by sog from sunken ships, and brought to his castle by his allies the sea devils. While the mermaids were examining and admiring their room, Cat and Bill went to the peony room to see what it was like, and found his quarters very cozy and interesting. There were pictures on the walls, portraits of grave-looking porpoises, bachelor seals, and smug and smiling walruses. Some of the wall panels were formed of mirrors and reflected clearly the interior of the room. Around the ceiling was a freeze of imitation peonies in silver, and the furniture was peony-shaped, the broad leaves being bent to form seats and couches. Beside a pretty dressing table hung a bell cord with a tassel at the end. Cat and Bill did not know it was a bell cord, so he pulled it to see what would happen, and was puzzled to find that nothing seemed to happen at all, the bell being too far away for him to hear it. Then he began looking at the treasures contained in this royal apartment, and was much pleased with a golden statue of a mermaid that resembled Princess Clea in feature. A silver flower vase upon a stand contained a bouquet of gorgeous peonies, as natural as life. He said Cat and Bill, although he saw plainly that they must be made of metal. Trot came in just then to see how her dear friend was located. She entered from the doorway that connected the two rooms and said, Isn't it pretty Cat and who'd ever think that awful creature Zog owned such a splendid castle and kept his prisoners in such lovely rooms? I once heard Tell said the sailor of a foreign people that sacrificed human beings to please their pagan gods, and before they killed him outright, they stuffed the victims full of good things to eat, and dressed them in pretty clothes and treated them like princes. That's why I don't take much comfort in our fine surroundings Trot. This Zog is a pagan if ever there was one, and he don't mean us any good, you may depend on it. No replied Trot soberly. I'm sure he doesn't expect us to be happy here, but I'm going to fool him and have just a good time as I can. As she spoke, they both turned around, an easy thing to do with a single flop of their flexible tails, and Cat and Bill uttered a cry of surprise. Just around the rooms stood a perfect duplicate of himself. The round head with its bald top and scraggly whiskers, the sailor cap and shirt, the wide pantaloons, even the wooden leg, each and every one were exact copies of those owned by Cat and Bill. Even the expression in the light blue eyes was the same, and it is no wonder the old sailor stared at his double in amazement. But the next minute he laughed and said, Why, Trot, it's me reflected in a mirror. But at first I thought it was someone else. Trot was staring too. Look, Cat and she whispered, look at the wooden leg. Well, it's my wooden leg, ain't it? he inquired. If it is, it can't be a reflection in a mirror, she argued. For you haven't got a wooden leg, you've got a fish's tail. The old sailor was so startled by this truth that he gave a great flop with his tail that upset his balance, and made him keel a somersault in the water before he got right side up again. Then he found the other sailor man laughing at him, and was horrified to find the reflection advancing toward them by stumping along on its wooden leg. Keep away, get out there, yelled Cat and Bill. You're a ghost, the ghost of me that once was, and I can't bear the sight of you. Get out. Did you ring just to tell me to get out? asked the other in a mild voice. I didn't ring, declared Cat and Bill. You did. You pulled that bell cord, said the one-legged man. Oh, did pulling that thing ring a bell inquire the Cat and a little ashamed of his ignorance and reassured by hearing the ghost talk. It surely did was the reply, and Sacco told me to answer your bell and look after you, so I'm a-looking after you. I wish you wouldn't protested, Cat and Bill. I've no use for-for ghosts as anyhow. The strange sailor began to chuckle at hearing this, and his chuckle was just like Cat and Bill's chuckle, so full of merry humor that it usually made everyone laugh with him. Who are you, asked Trot, who was very curious and much surprised. I'm Cat and Joe, was the reply. Cat and Joe Weedles, formerly of the great Gladsom, and now a slave of a dog at the bottom of the sea. Joe Weedles, gasped Cat and Bill, amazed. Joe Weedles of the Gladsom. Why, dash my eyes, mate, you must be my brother. Are you Bill Weedles, asked the other? And then he added, But no, you can't be. Bill wasn't no merman. He were a human critter like myself. That's what I am, said Cat and Bill hastily. I'm a human critter, too. I've just borrowed this fishtail to swim with while I'm visiting the mermaids. Well, well, said Cat and Joe, an astonishment. Who'd have thought it? And who'd ever have thought I'd find my long-lost brother in Zog's enchanted castle, full fifty fathoms deep down in the wet, wet water? Why, as for that, replied Cat and Bill, it's you as is the long-lost brother, not me. You and your ship disappeared many a year ago, and ain't ever been heard of since, while as for me, I'm living on earth yet. You don't look it to all appearances, remarked Cat and Joe, in a reflective tone of voice. But I'll agree it's many a year since I saw the top of the water, and I'm not expecting to ever tramp on dry land again. Are you dead, or drowned, or what? asked Cat and Bill. Neither one nor tether was the answer, but Zog gave me gills, so as I could live in the water, like fishes do, and if I got on land, I couldn't breathe air any more in a fish-out-of-water can. So I guess as long as I live, I'll have to stay down here. Do you like it, asked Trot? Oh, I don't object much, said Cat and Joe. There ain't much excitement here, for we don't catch a flock of mermaids every day, but the work is easy and the rations fair. I might have been worse off, you know, for when my brig was wrecked, I'd have gone to Davy Jones' locker if Zog hadn't happened to find me and made me a fish. You don't look as much like a fish as Cat and Bill does, observed Trot. Perhaps not, said Cat and Joe, but I noticed Bill ain't got any gills and breathes like you and the mermaids does. When he gets back to land, he'll have his two legs again and live in comfort, breathe in air. I won't have two legs, asserted Cat and Bill, for when I'm on earth, I'm fitted with one wooden leg, just the same as you are, Joe. Oh, I hadn't heard of that, Bill, but I'm not surprised, replied Brother Joe. Many a sailor gets to wear a wooden leg in time. Mine's hickory. So's mine, said Cat and Bill, with an air of pride. I'm glad I've run across you, Joe, for I often wondered what had become of you. Seems too bad, though, to have you spend all your life under water. What's the odds, asked Cat and Joe? I never could keep away from the water since I was a boy, and there's more dangers to be met floating on it than there is soaking in it. And one other thing pleases me when I think on it. I'm parted from my wife, a mighty good woman with a tongue like a two-edged sword, and my poor widow will get the insurance money and live happy. As for me, Bill, I'm a good deal happier than I was when she kept scolding me from morning to night every minute I was home. Is Zog a kind master, Astrot? I can't say he's kind, replied Cat and Joe, for he's as near a devil as any living critter can be. He grumbles and growls in his soft voice all day and hates himself and everybody else. But I don't see much of him. There's so many of us slaves here that Zog don't pay much attention to us, and we have a pretty good time when the old magician is shut up in his den, as he mostly is. Could you help us to escape, asked the child? Why, I don't know how, admitted Cat and Joe. There's magic all around us, and we slaves are never allowed to leave this great cave. I'll do what I can, of course, but Sacco is the boy to help you if anyone can. That little chap knows a heap, I can tell you. So now, if nothing more is wanted, I must get back to work. What work do you do, Cat and Bill asked? I sell buttons on Zog's clothes. Every time he gets mad, he busts his buttons off, and I have to sew him on again. As he's mad most of the time, it keeps me busy. I'll see you again, won't I, Joe, said Cat and Bill? No reason why you shouldn't, if you managed to keep alive, said Cat and Joe. But you mustn't forget, Bill, that Zog has his grip on you, and I've never known anything to escape him yet. Saying this, the old sailor began to stump toward the door, but tripped his foot against his wooden leg, and gave a swift dive forward. He would have fallen flat had he not grabbed the drapery at the doorway, and saved himself by holding fast to it with both hands. Even then he rolled and twisted so awkwardly before he could get upon his legs, that Trot had to laugh outright at his antics. This hickory leg, said Cat and Joe, is so blamed light that it always wants to float. Agagru, the gold worker, has promised me a gold leg that will stay down, but he never has time to make it. You're mighty lucky, Bill, to have a merman's tail instead of legs. I guess I am, Joe, replied Bill, for in such a wet country the fishes have the best of it. But I ain't sure I'd like this sort of thing always. Think of the money you'd make in a sideshow, said Cat and Joe, with his funny, chuckling laugh. Then he pounded his wooden leg against the hard floor, and managed to hobble from the room without more accidents. When he had gone, Trot said, aren't you glad to find your brother again, Cat and Bill? Why, so so, replied the sailor. I don't know much about Joe, seen as we haven't met before for many a long year, and all I remember about our boyhood days is that we fought and pulled hair most of the time. But what worries me most is Joe's looking so much like me myself, wooden leg and all. Don't you think it's rather cheeky and unbrotherly, Trot? Perhaps he can't help it, suggested the child, and anyhow he'll never be able to live on land again. No, said Cat and Bill with a sigh. Joe's a fish now, and so he ain't likely to be took for me by any of our friends on the earth. End of Chapter 14 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Seafarries by L. Frank Baum. Chapter 15. The Magic of the Mermaids When Trot and Cat and Bill entered the Rose Chamber, they found the two mermaids reclining before an air fountain that was sending thousands of tiny bubbles up through the water. These fountains of air are excellent things, remarked Queen Ocarine, for they keep the water fresh and sweet, and that is the more necessary when it is confined by walls as it is in this castle. But now let us counsel together and decide what to do in the emergency that confronts us. How can we tell what to do without knowing what's going to happen, asked Trot? Something sure to happen, said Cat and Bill. As if to prove his words, a gong suddenly sounded at their door, and in walked a fat little man clothed all in white, including a white apron and white cap. His face was round and jolly, and he had a big mustache that curled up at the ends. Well, well, said the little man, spreading out his legs and putting his hands on his hips as he stood looking at them. Of all the queer things in the sea, you're the queerest. Mermaids, eh? Don't bunch us that way, protested Cat and Bill. You're quite wrong, said Trot. I'm a girl. With a fish's tail, he asked, laughing at her. That's only just for a while, she said. While I'm in the water, you know. When I'm at home on the land, I walk just as you do, and so does Cat and Bill. But we haven't any gills, remarked the Cat and, looking closely at the little man's throat. So I take it we're not as fishy as some others. If you mean me, I must admit you are right, said the little man, twisting his mustaches. I'm as near a fish as a man can be. But you see, Cat and, without the gills that make me a fish, I could not live under water. When it comes to that, you've no business to live under water, asserted the sailor. But I suppose you're a slave, and can't help it. I'm Chief Cook for that old horror zog, and that reminds me good mermaids or good people, or good girls and sailors, or whatever you are, that I'm sent here to ask what you'd like to eat. Glad to see you, sir, said Cat and Bill. I'm nearly starved myself. I had it in mind, said the little man, to prepare a regular mermaid dinner. But since you're not mermaids, oh, two of us are, said the queen, smiling. I, my good cook, am Aquirene, the ruler of the mermaids, and this is the Princess Clea. I've often heard of you, your Majesty, return the Chief Cook, bowing respectfully, and I must say I've heard only good of you. Now that you have unfortunately become my master's prisoners, it will give me pleasure to serve you as well as I am able. We thank you, good sir, said Aquirene. What have you got to eat, inquired Trot? Seems to me I'm hollow way down to my toes, my tail, I mean, and it'll take a lot to fill me up. We haven't eaten a morsel since breakfast, you know. I think I shall be able to give you almost anything you would like, said the cook. Zog is a wonderful magician, and can procure anything that exists with no more effort than a wiggle of his thumb. But some eatables, you know, are hard to serve underwater, because they get so damp that they are soon ruined. Ah, it is different with the mermaids, said Princess Clea. Yes, all your things are kept dry because they are surrounded by air. I've heard how the mermaids live, but here it is different. Take this ring, said the queen, handing the chief cook a circlip which she drew from her finger. While it is in your possession, the food you prepare will not get wet, or even moist. I thank your majesty, returned the cook, taking the ring. My name is Tom Atto, and I'll do my best to please you. How would you like for luncheon some oysters on the half shell, clam broth, shrimp salad, broiled turtle steak, and watermelon? That will do very nicely, answered the queen. Do watermelons grow in the sea, as Trot? Of course, that is why they are called watermelons, replied Tom Atto. I think I shall serve you a water ice in addition to the rest. Water ice is an appropriate seafood. Have some watercrest with the salad, said Captain Bill. I thought of that to clear the cook. Doesn't my bill a fair make your mouths water? Hurry up and get it ready, suggested Trot. Tom Atto at once bowed and retired, and when they were alone, Captain Bill said to the queen, Do you think, ma'am, we can manage to escape from Zog and his castle? I hope we shall find a way, replied Aquarin. The evil powers of magic, which Zog controls, may not prove to be as strong as the fairy powers I possess. But of course I cannot be positive until I discover what this wicked magician is able to do. Princess Cleo was looking out of one of the windows. I think I can see an opening far up in the top of the dome, she said. They all hastened to the windows to look, and although Trot and Captain Bill could see nothing but a solid dome above the castle, perhaps because it was so far away from them, the sharp eyes of Aquarin were not to be deceived. Yes, she announced, there is surely an opening in the center of the Great Dome. A little thought must convince us that such an opening is bound to exist, for otherwise the water confined within the dome would not be fresh or clear. Then if we could escape from this castle, we could swim up to the hole in the dome and get free, exclaimed Trot. Why, Zog has probably ordered the opening well guarded, as he has all other outlets, responded the Queen. Yet it may be worthwhile for us to make the attempt to get back into the broad ocean this way. The night would be the best time when all are asleep, and surely it will be quicker to reach the ocean through the hole in the roof, than by means of the long winding passages by which we entered. But we will have to break out of the castle in some way, observed Cat and Bill. That will not be difficult, answered Aquarin. It will be no trouble for me to shatter one of these paints of glass, allowing us to pass out and swim straight up to the top of the dome. 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. Captain Bill asked one of these 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 Captain 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 Sacco entered. My diabolical master commands you to attend him, said the boy. When, asked Aquirene, at once your Majesty, very well, we will follow you, she said. So they swam down the corridors, following Sacco, until they again reached the golden domed room they had formally visited. Here sat Zog, just as they had left him, seemingly, but when the prisoners entered the magician arose and stood upon his cloven feet, and then silently walked to a curtained archway. Sacco 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 fishes 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. Sacco arranged the prisoners in a circle before Zog's throne, and slowly the magician turned his eyes, glowing like live coals upon the four. Captive said he, speaking in his clear sweet voice. In our first interview you defied me, and both them are made queen and the princess declared they could not die. But if that is a true statement, as I have yet to discover, there are various ways to make you miserable and unhappy, and this I proposed to do in order to amuse myself at your expense. You have been brought here to undergo the first trial of strength between us. None of the prisoners replied to this speech, so Zog turned to one of his slaves and said, Revivi, bring in the yellmaker. Revivi was a big fellow, brown of skin, and with flashing black eyes. He bowed to his master and left the room by an archway covered with heavy draperies. The next moment these curtains were violently pushed aside, and a dreadful sea creature swam into the hall. It had a body much like that of a crab, only more round and of a jet-black color. Its eyes were bright yellow balls set on the ends of two horns that stuck out of its head. They were cruel-looking eyes, too, and seemed able to see every person in the room at the same time. The legs of the yellmaker, however, were the most curious part of the creature. There were six of them, slender and black as coal, and each extended twelve to fifteen feet from its body when stretched out in a straight line. They were hinged in several places, so they could be folded up or extended at will. At the ends of these thin legs were immense claws shaped like those of a lobster, and they were real nippers of a most dangerous sort. The prisoners knew, as soon as they saw the awful claws, why the thing was called the yellmaker, and Trott gave a little shiver and crept closer to cat and bill. Zogg looked with approval upon the creature he had summoned and said to it, I give you four victims, the four people with fishes' tails. Let me hear how loud they can yell. The yellmaker uttered a grunt of pleasure, and in a flash stretched out one of its long legs toward the queen's nose, where its powerful claws came together with a loud snap. Aquarin did not stir, she only smiled. Both Zogg and the creature that had attacked her seemed much surprised to find she was unhurt. Again cried Zogg, and again the yellmaker's claw shot out and tried to pinch the queen's pretty ear. But the magic of the fairy mermaid was proof against this sea rascal's strength and swiftness. Nor could he touch any part of Aquarin, although he tried again and again, roaring with anger like a mad bull. Trott began to enjoy this performance, and as her merry childish laughter rang out, the yellmaker turned furiously upon the little girl, two of the dreadful claws trying to nip her at the same time. She had no chance to cry out or jump backward, yet she remained unharmed, for the fairy circle of Queen Aquarin kept her safe. Now Captain Bill was attacked, and Princess Clea as well. The half-dozen slender leg started in every direction, like sword thrusts to reach their victims, and the cruel claws snapped so rapidly that the sound was like the rattling of castanets. But the four prisoners regarded their enemy with smiling composure, and no yell greeted the yellmaker's efforts. Enough, said Zog, softly and sweetly, you may retire my poor yellmaker, for with these people you are powerless. The creature paused and rolled its yellow eyes. May I nip just one of the slaves of Zog, he asked pleadingly? I hate to leave without pleasing your ears with a single yell. Let my slaves alone was Zog's answer. They are here to serve me and must not be injured. Go, feeble one. Not so, cried the queen. It is a shame, Zog, that such an evil thing should exist in our fair sea. With this she drew her fairy wand from a fold of her gown and waved it toward the creature. At once the yellmaker sank down unconscious upon the floor. Its legs fell apart in many pieces, the claws tumbling in a heap beside the body. Then all grew withered and lost shape becoming a pulpy mass like gelatin. A few moments later the creature had melted away to nothing at all, forever disappearing from the ocean where it had caused so much horror and pain. Zog watched this destruction with surprising patience. When it was all over he nodded his head and smiled, and Trot noticed that whenever Zog smiled his slaves lost their jolly looks and began to tremble. That is very pretty magic, Ocarine said the monster. I myself learned the trick several thousand years ago so it does not astonish me. Have you fairies nothing that is new to show me? We desire only to protect ourselves, replied the queen with dignity. Then I will give you a chance to do so, said Zog. As he spoke the great marble blocks in the ceiling of the room directly over the heads of the captives gave way and came crashing down upon them. Many tons of weight were in these marble blocks, and the magician had planned to crush his victims where they stood. But the four were still unharmed. The marble being unable to touch them was diverted from its course and when the roar of the great crash had died away Zog saw his intended victims standing quietly in their places and smiling scornfully at his weak attempts to destroy them. End of Chapter 15 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. The Sea Fairies by L. Frank Baum Chapter 16 The Top of the Great Dome Captain Bill's heart was beating pretty fast, but he did not let Zog know that. Trot was so sure of the protection of the fairy mermaids that she would not allow herself to become frightened. Aquarin and Clea were as calm as if nothing had happened. Please excuse this little interruption, said Zog. I knew very well the marble blocks could not hurt you, but the play is over for a time. You may now retire to your rooms, and when I again invite you to my presence I shall have found some better way to entertain you. With that reply to this threat they turned and followed Sacco from the hall and the boy led them straight back to their own rooms. Zog is making a great mistake, said Sacco with a laugh. He has no time for vengeance, but the great magician does not know that. What is he trying to do, anyway? asked Trot. He does not tell me his secrets, but I have an idea he wants to kill you, replied Sacco. How absurd it is to be plotting such a thing when he might spend his time in laughing and being jolly, isn't it now? Zog is a wicked, wicked creature, exclaimed Trot. But he has his good points, replied Sacco cheerfully. There is no one in all the world so bad that there is nothing good about him. I'm not so sure of that, said Cat and Bill, what are Zog's good points? All his slaves were saved from drowning, and he is kind to them, said Sacco. That is merely the kindness of selfishness, said Aquirene. Tell me, my lad, is the opening in the great dome outside guarded? Yes, indeed, was the reply. You cannot hope to escape in that way for the Prince of the Sea Devils who is the largest and fiercest of his race lies crouched over the opening night and day, and none can pass his network of curling legs. Is there no avenue that is not guarded, continued Aquirene? None at all, Your Majesty. Zog is always careful to be well guarded, for he fears the approach of an enemy. What this enemy can be to terrify the powerful magician I do not know, but Zog is always afraid and never leaves an entrance unguarded. 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 Clea. Will you help us, Zocco? In any way I can, replied the boy. If we succeed, we will take you with us, continued the Princess. But Zocco 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, Ocarine 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 Captain Bill said uneasily, I can't abide them, Devil Critters, and I hopes for my part we won't be called on to tackle them. You see, Trot, we're inconsiderable of a bad mess, and if we ever live to tell the tale. Why not, Captain? asked the child. We're safe enough so far. Can't you trust to our good friend, the Queen? She don't seem plum-sure of things herself, for Mark the Sailor. The Mermaids is all right and friendly mates, but this year magic maker, Ol' Zog, is a bad one out and out, and means to kill us if he can. But he can't cry, Trot, bravely. I hope you're right, dear. I wouldn't want to bet on Zog's chances just yet, and at the same time it would be risk and money to bet on our chances. Seems to me it's a case of luck which wins. Don't worry, friends, 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 glad to find that whatever Zog intended to do to them he had no intention of starving them. Perhaps the magician realized that Ocarine's fairy powers, if put to the test, would be able to provide food for her companions. But whatever his object may have been, their enemy had given them splendid rooms and plenty to eat. Isn't it nearly night time, asked the Queen, as Tom Atto spread the table with a cloth of woven seaweed and directed his men to place the dishes upon it. Night, he exclaimed, as if surprised. There is no night here. Doesn't it ever get dark, inquired Trot? Never. We know nothing of the passage of time or of day and night. The light always shines just as you see it now, and we sleep whenever we are tired and rise again as soon as we are rested. What causes the light, Princess Clea asked? It's magic your highness, said the cook solemnly. It's one of the curious things Zog is able to do. But you must remember all this place is a big cave, in which the castle stands, so the light is never seen by anyone, except those who live here. But why does Zog keep his light going all the time, asked the Queen? I suppose it is because he himself never sleeps, replied Tom Atto. They say the Master hasn't slept for hundreds of years, not since Enko the Sea Serpent defeated him and drove him into this place. They asked no more questions and began to eat their dinner in silence. Before long Captain Joe came in to visit his brother, and took a seat at the table with the prisoners. He proved a jolly fellow, and when he and Captain Bill talked about their boyhood days, the stories were so funny that everybody laughed and for a time forgot their worries. When dinner was over, however, and Captain Joe had gone back to his work of sewing on buttons, and the servants had carried away the dishes, the prisoners remembered their troubles and the fate that awaited them. I am much disappointed, said the Queen, to find there is no night here and that Zog never sleeps. It will make our escape more difficult, yet we must make the attempt, and as we are tired and a great struggle is before us, it will be best for us to sleep and refresh ourselves. They agreed to this for the day had been long and adventurous, so Captain Bill kissed Trot and went into the P&E room, where he lay down upon his spongy couch and soon fell fast to sleep. The mermaids and Trot followed this example, and I think none of them was much worried after all, because they quickly sank into peaceful slumber and forgot all the dangers that threatened them. End of Chapter 16 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Seafarys by L. Frank Baum Chapter 17 The Queen's Golden Sword Goodness me exclaimed Trot, raising herself by a flirt of her pink-scaled tail and a wave of her fins. Isn't it dreadful hot here? The mermaids had risen at the same time, and Captain Bill came swimming in from the P&E room in time to hear the little girl's speech. Hot echoed the sailor. Why, I feel like the inside of a steam engine. The perspiration was rolling down his round red face, and he took out his handkerchief and carefully wiped it away, waving his fishtail gently at the same time. What we need most in this room said he is a fan. What's the matter, do you suppose, inquired Trot? It is another trick of the monster Zog answered the Queen calmly. He has made the water in our rooms boiling hot, and if it could touch us, we would be well cooked by this time. Even as it is, we are all made uncomfortable by breathing the heated air. What shall we do, ma'am? The sailor-man asked with a groan. I expect it to get into hot water before we've done with this foolishness, but I don't like the feel of being parboiled just the same. The Queen was waving her fairy wand and paid no attention to Captain Bill's moans. Already the water felt cooler and they began to breathe more easily. In a few moments more, the heat had passed from the surrounding water altogether, and all danger from this source was over. This is better, said Trot gratefully. Do you care to sleep again? asked the Queen. No, I'm wide awake now, answered the child. I'm afraid if I goes to sleep again, I'll wake up a pot roast, said Captain Bill. Let us consider ways to escape, suggested Clea. It seems useless for us to remain here quietly until Zogg discovers a way to destroy us. But we must not blunder, added Aquirene cautiously. To fail in our attempt would be to acknowledge Zogg's superior power, so we must think well upon our plan before we begin to carry it out. What do you advise, sir? she asked, turning to Captain Bill. My opinion, ma'am, is that the only way for us to escape is to get out of here was the sailor's vague answer. How to do it is your business, seeing as I ain't no fairy myself, either in looks or in education. The Queen smiled and said to Trot, What is your opinion, my dear? I think we might swim out the same way we came in, answered the child. If we could get Sacco to lead us back through the maze, we would follow that long tunnel to the open ocean, and and there would be the sea devils waiting for us, added Captain Bill with a shake of his bald head. They'd drive us back into the tunnel like they did the first time, Trot. It won't do, mate, it won't do. Have you a suggestion, Clea, inquired the Queen? I have thought of an undertaking, replied the pretty princess, but it is a bold plan, your Majesty, and you may not care to risk it. Let us hear it anyway, said Aquarine encouragingly. It is to destroy Zog himself and put him out of the world forever. Then we would be free to go home whenever we pleased. Can you suggest a way to destroy Zog, asked Aquarine? Know your Majesty, Clea answered, I must leave the way for you to determine. In the old days, said the Queen thoughtfully, the mighty King Encho could not destroy this monster. He succeeded in defeating Zog and drove him into this great cavern, but even Encho could not destroy him. I have heard the sea serpent explain that it was because he could not reach the magician return, Clea. If King Encho could have seized Zog in his coils, he would have made an end of the wicked monster quickly. Zog knows this, and that is why he does not dare to venture forth from his retreat. Encho is the enemy he constantly dreads. But with you, my Queen, the case is different. You may easily reach Zog, and the only question is whether your power is sufficient to destroy him. For a while Aquarine remains silent. I am not sure of my power over Zog, she said at last, and for that reason I hesitate to attack him personally. His slaves and his allies, the sea devils, I can easily conquer, so I prefer to find a way to 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 Captain 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 Captain said. Why not? Don't you suppose all these gold roses and things were made under water, asked the little girl? Like enough, admitted the sailor, but I don't see how. Just then the gong at their door sounded, and the boy's sacco 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 sacco how the boiling water had made them uncomfortable while they slept. Sacco whistled a little tune and seemed thoughtful. Zog is foolish, said he. How often have I told him that vengeance is but 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 so 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, Sacco, said the Queen. Can I do anything to make you happy? He asked, smiling again. Yes, answered Aquarin. We are curious to know who does all this beautiful goldwork and ornamentation. Some of the slaves here are goldsmiths, having been taught by Zog to forge and work metal under water, explained Sacco. In parts of the ocean lie many rocks filled with veins of pure gold and golden nuggets, and we get large supplies from sunken ships as well. There is no lack of gold here, but it is not as precious as it is upon the earth, because here we have no need of money. We would like to see the goldsmiths at work announce the Queen. The boy hesitated a moment, then he said, I will take you to their room, where you may watch them for a time. I will not ask Zog's permission to do this, for he might refuse. But my orders were to allow you the liberty of the castle, and so I will let you see the goldsmith's shop. Thank you, replied Aquarin quietly, and then the four followed Sacco along various corridors, until they came to a large room, where a dozen men were busily at work. The shop was flooded with the brilliant unknown light. Lying here and there were heaps of virgin gold, some of it in its natural state, and some already fashioned into ornaments and furniture of various sorts. Each man worked at a bench where there was a curious iron furnace in which glowed a vivid white light. Although this workshop was all under water, and the workmen were obliged to breathe as fishes do, the furnaces glowed so hot that the water touching them was turned into steam. Gold or other metal held over a furnace quickly softened or melted, when it could be forged or molded into any shape desired. The furnaces are electric, explained Sacco, and heat as well under water as they would in the open air. Let me introduce you to the foreman who will tell you of his work better than I can. The foreman was a slave named Aga Gru, who was lean and lank, and had an expression more surly and unhappy than any slave they had yet seen. Yet he seemed willing to leave his work, and explain to the visitors how he made so many beautiful things out of gold, for he took much pride in this labour and knew its artistic worth. Moreover, since he had been in Zog's castle, these were the first strangers to enter his workshop, so he welcomed them in his own gruff way. The queen asked him if he was happy, and he shook his head and replied, It isn't like Calcutta where I used to work in gold before I was wrecked at sea and nearly drowned. Zog rescued me and brought me here a slave. It is a stupid life we lead, doing the same things over and over every day, but perhaps it is better than being dead. I'm not sure. The only pleasure I get in life is in creating pretty things out of gold. Could you forge me a golden sword? asked the queen, smiling sweetly upon the goldsmith. I could, madam, but I won't, unless Zog orders me to do it. Do you like Zog better than you do me, inquired Aquarin? No, was the answer. I hate Zog. Then won't you make the sword to please me and to show your skill, pleaded the pretty mermaid? I'm afraid of my master. He might not like it, the man replied. But he will never know, said Princess Clea. You cannot say what Zog knows or what he doesn't know, growled the man. I can't take chances of offending Zog, for I must live with him always as a slave. With this he turned away and resumed his work, hammering the leaf of a golden tulip. Captain Bill had listened carefully to this conversation, and being a wise old sailor in his way, he thought he understood the nature of old aga grew better than the mermaids did. So he went close to the goldsmith and feeling in his pockets of his coat drew out a silver compass shaped like a watch. I'll give you this if you make the queen the golden sword, he said. Aga grew looked at the compass with interest and tested its power of pointing north. Then he shook his head and handed it back to Captain Bill. The sailor dived into his pocket again and pulled out a pair of scissors, which he placed beside the compass on the palm of his big hand. You may have them both, he said. Aga grew hesitated for he wanted the scissors badly, but finally he shook his head again. Captain Bill added a piece of cord, an iron thimble, some fish hooks, four buttons, and a safety pin, but still the goldsmith would not be tempted. So with a sigh the sailor brought out his fine big jackknife, and at sight of this Aga grew's eyes began to sparkle. Steel was not to be had at the bottom of the sea, although gold was so plentiful. All right, friend, he said, give me that lot of trinkets, and I'll make you a pretty gold sword. But it won't be any good except to look at, for our gold is so pure that it is very soft. Never mind that, replied Captain Bill, all we want is the sword. The goldsmith set to work at once, and so skillful was he that in a few minutes he had forged a fine sword of yellow gold with an ornamental handle. The shape was graceful and the blade keen and slender. It was evident to them all that the 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 Sokko returned to say that they must go back to their rooms, and after thanking the goldsmith who was so busy examining his newly acquired treasures that he made no response, they joyfully followed the boy back to the rose chamber. Sokko 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 yellmaker 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 Clea? No, said Sokko, 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 to clear 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 Aquarine's proposal and at once went to their couches and composed themselves to slumber. While they were asleep the fairy mermaid charmed her golden sword and then she also lay down to rest herself. End of Chapter 17 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org The Seafarries by L. Frank Baum Chapter 18 A Dash for Liberty Trot dreamed that she was at home in her own bed, but the night seemed chilly and she wanted to draw the coverlet up to her chin. She was not wide awake but realized that she was cold and was unable to move her arms to cover herself up. She tried but could not stir. Then she roused herself a little more and tried again. Yes, it was cold, very cold. Really, she must do something to get warm, she thought. She opened her eyes and stared at a great wall of ice in front of her. She was awake now and frightened too, but she could not move because the ice was all around her. She was frozen inside of it and the airspace around her was not big enough to allow her to turn over. At once the little girl realized what had happened. Their wicked enemy Zog had by his magic art frozen all the water in their room while they slept and now they were all imprisoned and helpless. Trot and Captain Bill were sure to freeze to death in a short time for only a tiny airspace remained between their bodies and the ice and this air was like that of a winter day when the thermometer is below zero. Across the room Trot could see the mermaid queen lying on her couch for the solid ice was clear as crystal. Aquarin was imprisoned just as Trot was and although she held her fairy wand in one hand and the golden sword in the other she seemed unable to move either of them and the girl remembered that the queen always waved her magic wand to accomplish anything. Princess Clea's couch was behind that of Trot so the girl could not see her and Captain Bill was in his own room probably frozen fast in the ice as the others were. The terrible Zog had surely been very clever in this last attempt to destroy them. Trot thought it all over and decided that in as much as the queen was unable to wave her fairy wand she could do nothing to release herself or her friends. But in this the girl was mistaken. The fairy mermaid was even now at work trying to save them and in a few minutes Trot was astonished and delighted to see the queen rise from her couch. She could not go far from it at first but the ice was melting rapidly all around her so that gradually Ocarine approached the place with a child lay. Trot could hear the mermaid's voice sounding through the ice as if from a far off but it grew more distinct until she could make out that the queen was saying courage friends do not despair for soon you will be free. Before very long the ice between Trot and the queen had melted away entirely and with a cry of joy the little girl flopped her pink tail and swam to the side of her deliverer. Are you very cold? asked Ocarine. Not the very replied Trot but her teeth chattered and she was still shivering. The water will be warm in a few minutes said the queen but now I must melt the rest of the ice and liberate Clea. This she did in an astonishingly brief time and the pretty princess being herself a fairy had not been at all affected by the cold surrounding her. They now swam to the door of cat and bill's room and found the peony chamber a solid block of ice. The queen worked her magic power as hard as she could and the ice thawed and melted quickly before her fairy wand. Yet when they reached the old sailor he was almost frozen stiff and Trot and Clea had to rub his hands and nose and ears very briskly to warm him up and bring him back to life. Cat and bill was pretty tough and he came around in time and opened his eyes and sneezed and asked if the blizzard was over. So the queen waved her wand over his head a few times to restore him to his natural condition of warmth and soon the old sailor became quite comfortable and was able to understand all about the strange adventure from which she had so marvelously escaped. I've made up my mind to one thing Trot he said confidentially if ever I get out of this mess I'm in I won't be an arctic explorer whatever else happens shivers and shakes ain't to my lichen and this ice business ain't what it's sometimes cracked up to be to be frizzed once is enough for anybody and if I was a gal like you I wouldn't even wear frizzes in my hair. You haven't any hair Cat and bill answered Trot so you needn't worry. The queen and Clea had been talking together very earnestly they now approached their earth friends and Ocarine said we have decided not to remain in this castle any longer Zogg's cruel designs upon our lives and happiness are becoming too dangerous for us to endure the golden sword now bears a fairy charm and by its aid I will cut away through our enemies are you ready and willing to follow me of course we are cried Trot it don't seem exactly right to ask a lady to do the fight and remark Cat and bill but magic ain't my strong point and it seems to be yours ma'am so swim ahead and we'll wiggle the same way you do and try to wiggle out of our troubles 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 Ocarine she approached the window of the room and with one blow of her golden sword shattered the thick pain 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 Cat and bill with Clea 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 aquarene and in answer to the command the four whisked their glittering tails wave their fins and shot away through the water at full speed their course slanting upward toward the top of the dome end of chapter 18 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org The Seafarries by L. Frank Baum Chapter 19 King Enko Comes to the Rescue The great magician Zog never slept he was always watchful and alert some strange power warned him that his prisoners were about to escape scarcely had the four left the castle by the broken window when the monster stepped from a doorway below and saw them instantly he blew upon a golden whistle and at the summons a band of wolffish appeared and dashed after the prisoners these creatures swam so swiftly that soon they were between the fugitives and the dome and then they turned and with wicked eyes and sharp fangs began a fierce attack upon the mermaids and the earth dwellers Trot was a little frightened at the evil looks of the sea wolves whose heads were enormous and whose jaws contained rows of curved and pointed teeth but Aquarin advanced upon them with her golden sword and every touch of the charmed weapon instantly killed an enemy so that one by one the wolffish rolled over upon their backs and sank helplessly downward through the water leaving the prisoners free to continue their way toward the opening in the dome Zog witnessed the destruction of his wolves and uttered a loud laugh that was terrible to hear then the dread monster determined to arrest the fugitives himself and in order to do this he was forced to discover himself in all the horror of his awful form a form he was so ashamed of and loathed so greatly that he always strove to keep it concealed even from his own eyes but it was important that his prisoners should not escape hastily casting off the folds of the robe that enveloped him Zog allowed his body to uncoil and shoot upward through the water in swift pursuit of his victims his cloven hoofs upon which he usually walked being now useless were drawn up under him while coil after coil of his eel-like body wriggled away like a serpent at his shoulders two broad feathery wings expanded and these enabled the monster to cleave his way through the water with terrific force Zog was part man part beast part fish part fowl and part reptile his undulating body was broad and thin and like the body of an eel it was as repulsive as one could well imagine and no wonder Zog hated it and kept it covered with his robe now with his horned head and its glowing eyes thrust forward wings flapping from his shoulders and his eely body ending in a fish's tail wriggling far behind him this strange and evil creature was a thing of terror even to the sea-dwellers who were accustomed to remarkable sights the mermaids the sailor and the child one after another looking back as they swam onward toward liberty and safety saw the monster coming and shuttered with uncontrollable fear they were drawing nearer to the dome by this time yet it was still some distance away the four redoubled their speed darting through the water with the swiftness of skyrockets but fast as they swam Zog swam faster and the good queen's heart began to throb as she realized she would be forced to fight her loathsome foe presently Zog's long body was circling round them like a whirlwind lashing the water into foam and gradually drawing nearer and nearer to his victims his eyes were no longer glowing coals they were balls of flame and as he circled around them he laughed aloud that horrible laugh which was far more terrifying than any cry of rage could be the queen struck out with her golden sword but Zog wrapped a coil of his thin body around it and resting it from her hand crushed the weapon into a shapeless mass then Aquirene waved her fairy wand but in a flash the monster sent it flying away through the water Captain Bill now decided that they were lost he drew Trot closer to his side and placed one arm around her I can't save you dear little mate he said sadly but we've lived a long time together and now we'll die together I knew Trot when first we saw them mermaids as we'd we'd never lived to tell the tales had the child but never mind Captain Bill we've done the best we could and we've had a fine time forgive me oh forgive me cried Aquirene despairingly I tried to save you my poor friends but what's that exclaimed the princess pointing upward they all looked past Zog's whirling body which was slowly enveloping them in its folds toward the round opening in the dome a dark object had appeared there sliding downward like a huge rope and descending toward them with lightning rapidity they gave a great gasp as they recognized the countenance of King Enko the sea serpent its gray hair and whiskers bristling like those of an angry cat and the usually mild blue eyes glowing with a ferocity even more terrifying than the orbs of Zog the magician gave a shrill scream at the sight of his dreaded enemy and abandoning his intended victims Zog made a quick dash to escape but nothing in the sea could equal the strength and quickness of King Enko when he was roused in a flash the sea serpent had caught Zog fast in his coils and his mighty body swept round the monster and imprisoned him tightly the four so suddenly rescued swam away to a safer distance from the struggle and then they turned to watch the encounter between the two great opposing powers of the ocean steps yet there was no desperate fight to observe for the combatants were unequal the end came before they were aware of it Zog had been taken by surprise and his great fear of Enko destroyed all of his magic power when the sea serpent slowly released those awful coils a mass of jelly-like pulp floated downward through the water with no remnant of life remaining in it no form to show it had once been Zog the magician then Enko shook his body that the water might cleanse it and advanced his head toward the group of four whom he had so opportunely rescued it's all over friends said he in his gentle tones while a mild expression once more reigned on his comical features you may go home at any time you please for the way through the dome will be open as soon as I get my own body through it indeed so amazing was the length of the great sea serpent that only a part of him had descended through the hole into the dome without waiting for the thanks of those he had rescued he swiftly retreated to the ocean above and with grateful hearts they followed him glad to leave the cavern where they had endured so much anxiety and danger