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| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-06-01 14:21:07 -0700 |
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diff --git a/old/25581-h.zip b/old/25581-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index a010398..0000000 --- a/old/25581-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/25581-h/25581-h.htm b/old/25581-h/25581-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index f93ed90..0000000 --- a/old/25581-h/25581-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6615 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> - -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of Rinkitink in Oz, by L. Frank Baum. - </title> - <style type="text/css"> -/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ -<!-- - p { margin-top: .75em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .75em; - text-indent: 1.25em; - font-size: 130%; - } - h1 {text-align: center; clear: both; font-size: 240%; font-variant: small-caps;} - h2 {text-align: center; clear: both; font-size: 180%;} - h3 {text-align: center; clear: both; font-size: 130%;} - - - hr { width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; - clear: both; - } - - table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; font-size: 130%;} - .tda {padding-right: 2em; text-align: right;} - .tdb {padding-right: 2em; text-align: left;} - - a {text-decoration: none;} - - body{margin-left: 25%; - margin-right: 25%; - } - .center {text-align: center; text-indent: 0em;} - .right {text-align: right; text-indent: 0em;} - .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - .noin {text-indent: 0em;} - .poem {margin-left: 15%; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0em;} - - .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} - - - - // --> - /* XML end ]]>*/ - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Rinkitink in Oz, by L. Frank Baum - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Rinkitink in Oz - -Author: L. Frank Baum - -Illustrator: John R. Neill - -Release Date: May 24, 2008 [EBook #25581] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RINKITINK IN OZ *** - - - - -Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper, Greg Bergquist -and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> -<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="600" height="811" alt="" title="" /> -</div> -<hr /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image1.jpg" width="500" height="696" alt="" title="" /> -</div> -<hr /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image2.jpg" width="500" height="680" alt="" title="" /> -</div> -<hr /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image3.jpg" width="500" height="704" alt="" title="" /> -</div> -<hr /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image4.jpg" width="500" height="723" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> -<h1> -Rinkitink in Oz</h1> - -<h3><br /><br /><br /><br />BY</h3> - -<h2>L. FRANK BAUM</h2> - -<p class="center"><small>AUTHOR OF<br /> -<br /> -The Road to Oz, Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz, The<br /> -Emerald City of Oz, The Land of Oz, Ozma of Oz,<br /> -The Patchwork Girl of Oz, Tik-Tok of<br /> -Oz, The Scarecrow of Oz</small><br /></p> - - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 150px;"> -<img src="images/image5.jpg" width="150" height="66" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p class="center"><small>ILLUSTRATED BY</small><br /> -JOHN R. NEILL</p> - -<p class="center"><br /><br /><br /><b>The Reilly & Britton Co.<br /> -Chicago</b> -</p> - - - -<hr /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image6.jpg" width="500" height="679" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image7.jpg" width="500" height="726" alt="" title="" /> -</div> -<hr /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image8.jpg" width="500" height="726" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - -<hr /> -<h2>INTRODUCING THIS STORY</h2> - -<div class="figleft" style="width: 350px;"> -<img src="images/image9.jpg" width="350" height="600" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Here is a story with a boy hero, and a boy of whom you have never before -heard. There are girls in the story, too, including our old friend -Dorothy, and some of the characters wander a good way from the Land of -Oz before they all assemble in the Emerald City to take part in Ozma's -banquet. Indeed, I think you will find this story quite different from -the other histories of Oz, but I hope you will not like it the less on -that account.</p> - -<p>If I am permitted to write another Oz book it will tell of some -thrilling adventures encountered by Dorothy, Betsy Bobbin, Trot and the -Patchwork Girl right in the Land of Oz, and how they discovered some -amazing creatures that never could have existed outside a fairyland. I -have an idea that about the time you are reading this story of Rinkitink -I shall be writing that story of Adventures in Oz.</p> - -<p>Don't fail to write me often and give me your advice and suggestions, -which I always appreciate. I get a good many letters from my readers, -but every one is a joy to me and I answer them as soon as I can find -time to do so.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="smcap">L. Frank Baum</span><br /> -Royal Historian of Oz<br /><br /></p> - -<p class="center">"OZCOT"<br /> -at HOLLYWOOD<br /> -in CALIFORNIA<br /> -1916.<br /> -</p> - - - -<hr /> -<h2>LIST OF CHAPTERS</h2> - - - -<div class='center'> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> -<tr><td class='tda'>1</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#The_Prince_of_Pingaree">The Prince of Pingaree</a></td><td align='right'>17</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>2</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#The_Coming_of_King_Rinkitink">The Coming of King Rinkitink</a></td><td align='right'>29</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>3</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#The_Warriors_from_the_North">The Warriors from the North</a></td><td align='right'>44</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>4</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#The_Deserted_Island">The Deserted Island</a></td><td align='right'>56</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>5</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#The_Three_Pearls">The Three Pearls</a></td><td align='right'>71</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>6</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#The_Magic_Boat">The Magic Boat</a></td><td align='right'>92</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>7</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#The_Twin_Islands">The Twin Islands</a></td><td align='right'>109</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>8</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#Rinkitink_Makes_a_Great_Mistake">Rinkitink Makes a Great Mistake</a></td><td align='right'>127</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>9</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#A_Present_for_Zella">A Present for Zella</a></td><td align='right'>142</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>10</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#The_Cunning_of_Queen_Cor">The Cunning of Queen Cor</a></td><td align='right'>153</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>11</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#Zella_Goes_to_Coregos">Zella Goes to Coregos</a></td><td align='right'>167</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>12</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#The_Excitement_of_Bilbil_the_Goat">The Excitement of Bilbil the Goat</a></td><td align='right'>175</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>13</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#Zella_Saves_the_Prince">Zella Saves the Prince</a></td><td align='right'>180</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>14</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#The_Escape">The Escape</a></td><td align='right'>192</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>15</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#The_Flight_of_the_Rulers">The Flight of the Rulers</a></td><td align='right'>210</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>16</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#Nikobob_Refuses_a_Crown">Nikobob Refuses a Crown</a></td><td align='right'>216</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>17</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#The_Nome_King">The Nome King</a></td><td align='right'>226</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>18</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#Inga_Parts_With_His_Pink_Pearl">Inga Parts with his Pink Pearl</a></td><td align='right'>237</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>19</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#Rinkitink_Chuckles">Rinkitink Chuckles</a></td><td align='right'>265</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>20</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#Dorothy_to_the_Rescue">Dorothy to the Rescue</a></td><td align='right'>275</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>21</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#The_Wizard_Finds_an_Enchantment">The Wizard Finds an Enchantment</a></td><td align='right'>281</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>22</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#Ozmas_Banquet">Ozma's Banquet</a></td><td align='right'>291</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>23</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#The_Pearl_Kingdom">The Pearl Kingdom</a></td><td align='right'>301</td></tr> -<tr><td class='tda'>24</td><td class='tdb'><a href="#The_Captive_King">The Captive King</a></td><td align='right'>307</td></tr> -</table></div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image10.jpg" width="500" height="249" alt="" title="" /> -</div> -<hr /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image11.jpg" width="500" height="713" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="The_Prince_of_Pingaree" id="The_Prince_of_Pingaree"></a>The Prince of Pingaree</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image12.jpg" width="500" height="314" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 1</h3> - - -<p>If you have a map of the Land of Oz handy, you will find that the great -Nonestic Ocean washes the shores of the Kingdom of Rinkitink, between -which and the Land of Oz lies a strip of the country of the Nome King -and a Sandy Desert. The Kingdom of Rinkitink isn't very big and lies -close to the ocean, all the houses and the King's palace being built -near the shore. The people live much upon the water, boating and -fishing, and the wealth of Rinkitink is gained from trading along the -coast and with the islands nearest it.</p> - -<p>Four days' journey by boat to the north of Rinkitink is the Island of -Pingaree, and as our story begins here I must tell you something about -this island. At the north end of Pingaree, where it is widest, the land -is a mile from shore to shore, but at the south end it is scarcely half -a mile broad; thus, although Pingaree is four miles long, from north to -south, it cannot be called a very big island. It is exceedingly pretty, -however, and to the gulls who approach it from the sea it must resemble -a huge green wedge lying upon the waters, for its grass and trees give -it the color of an emerald.</p> - -<p>The grass came to the edge of the sloping shores; the beautiful trees -occupied all the central portion of Pingaree, forming a continuous grove -where the branches met high overhead and there was just space beneath -them for the cosy houses of the inhabitants. These houses were scattered -everywhere throughout the island, so that there was no town or city, -unless the whole island might be called a city. The canopy of leaves, -high overhead, formed a shelter from sun and rain, and the dwellers in -the grove could all look past the straight tree-trunks and across the -grassy slopes to the purple waters of the Nonestic Ocean.</p> - -<p>At the big end of the island, at the north, stood the royal palace of -King Kitticut, the lord and ruler of Pingaree. It was a beautiful -palace, built entirely of snow-white marble and capped by domes of -burnished gold, for the King was exceedingly wealthy. All along the -coast of Pingaree were found the largest and finest pearls in the whole -world.</p> - -<p>These pearls grew within the shells of big oysters, and the people raked -the oysters from their watery beds, sought out the milky pearls and -carried them dutifully to their King. Therefore, once every year His -Majesty was able to send six of his boats, with sixty rowers and many -sacks of the valuable pearls, to the Kingdom of Rinkitink, where there -was a city called Gilgad, in which King Rinkitink's palace stood on a -rocky headland and served, with its high towers, as a lighthouse to -guide sailors to the harbor. In Gilgad the pearls from Pingaree were -purchased by the King's treasurer, and the boats went back to the island -laden with stores of rich merchandise and such supplies of food as the -people and the royal family of Pingaree needed.</p> - -<p>The Pingaree people never visited any other land but that of Rinkitink, -and so there were few other lands that knew there was such an island. -To the southwest was an island called the Isle of Phreex, where the -inhabitants had no use for pearls. And far north of Pingaree—six days' -journey by boat, it was said—were twin islands named Regos and Coregos, -inhabited by a fierce and warlike people.</p> - -<p>Many years before this story really begins, ten big boatloads of those -fierce warriors of Regos and Coregos visited Pingaree, landing suddenly -upon the north end of the island. There they began to plunder and -conquer, as was their custom, but the people of Pingaree, although -neither so big nor so strong as their foes, were able to defeat them and -drive them all back to the sea, where a great storm overtook the raiders -from Regos and Coregos and destroyed them and their boats, not a single -warrior returning to his own country.</p> - -<p>This defeat of the enemy seemed the more wonderful because the -pearl-fishers of Pingaree were mild and peaceful in disposition and -seldom quarreled even among themselves. Their only weapons were their -oyster rakes; yet the fact remains that they drove their fierce enemies -from Regos and Coregos from their shores.</p> - -<p>King Kitticut was only a boy when this remarkable battle was fought, -and now his hair was gray; but he remembered the day well and, during -the years that followed, his one constant fear was of another invasion -of his enemies. He feared they might send a more numerous army to his -island, both for conquest and revenge, in which case there could be -little hope of successfully opposing them.</p> - -<p>This anxiety on the part of King Kitticut led him to keep a sharp -lookout for strange boats, one of his men patrolling the beach -constantly, but he was too wise to allow any fear to make him or his -subjects unhappy. He was a good King and lived very contentedly in his -fine palace, with his fair Queen Garee and their one child, Prince Inga.</p> - -<p>The wealth of Pingaree increased year by year; and the happiness of the -people increased, too. Perhaps there was no place, outside the Land of -Oz, where contentment and peace were more manifest than on this pretty -island, hidden in the bosom of the Nonestic Ocean. Had these conditions -remained undisturbed, there would have been no need to speak of Pingaree -in this story.</p> - -<p>Prince Inga, the heir to all the riches and the kingship of Pingaree, -grew up surrounded by every luxury; but he was a manly little fellow, -although somewhat too grave and thoughtful, and he could never bear to -be idle a single minute. He knew where the finest oysters lay hidden -along the coast and was as successful in finding pearls as any of the -men of the island, although he was so slight and small. He had a little -boat of his own and a rake for dragging up the oysters and he was very -proud indeed when he could carry a big white pearl to his father.</p> - -<p>There was no school upon the island, as the people of Pingaree were far -removed from the state of civilization that gives our modern children -such advantages as schools and learned professors, but the King owned -several manuscript books, the pages being made of sheepskin. Being a man -of intelligence, he was able to teach his son something of reading, -writing and arithmetic.</p> - -<p>When studying his lessons Prince Inga used to go into the grove near his -father's palace and climb into the branches of a tall tree, where he had -built a platform with a comfortable seat to rest upon, all hidden by the -canopy of leaves. There, with no one to disturb him, he would pore over -the sheepskin on which were written the queer characters of the -Pingarese language.</p> - -<p>King Kitticut was very proud of his little son, as well he might be, and -he soon felt a high respect for Inga's judgment and thought that he was -worthy to be taken into the confidence of his father in many matters of -state. He taught the boy the needs of the people and how to rule them -justly, for some day he knew that Inga would be King in his place. One -day he called his son to his side and said to him:</p> - -<p>"Our island now seems peaceful enough, Inga, and we are happy and -prosperous, but I cannot forget those terrible people of Regos and -Coregos. My constant fear is that they will send a fleet of boats to -search for those of their race whom we defeated many years ago, and whom -the sea afterwards destroyed. If the warriors come in great numbers we -may be unable to oppose them, for my people are little trained to -fighting at best; they surely would cause us much injury and suffering."</p> - -<p>"Are we, then, less powerful than in my grandfather's day?" asked Prince -Inga.</p> - -<p>The King shook his head thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>"It is not that," said he. "That you may fully understand that marvelous -battle, I must confide to you a great secret. I have in my possession -three Magic Talismans, which I have ever guarded with utmost care, -keeping the knowledge of their existence from anyone else. But, lest I -should die and the secret be lost, I have decided to tell you what these -talismans are and where they are hidden. Come with me, my son."</p> - -<p>He led the way through the rooms of the palace until they came to the -great banquet hall. There, stopping in the center of the room, he -stooped down and touched a hidden spring in the tiled floor. At once one -of the tiles sank downward and the King reached within the cavity and -drew out a silken bag.</p> - -<p>This bag he proceeded to open, showing Inga that it contained three -great pearls, each one as big around as a marble. One had a blue tint -and one was of a delicate rose color, but the third was pure white.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image13.jpg" width="500" height="715" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>"These three pearls," said the King, speaking in a solemn, impressive -voice, "are the most wonderful the world has ever known. They were gifts -to one of my ancestors from the Mermaid Queen, a powerful fairy whom he -once had the good fortune to rescue from her enemies. In gratitude for -this favor she presented him with these pearls. Each of the three -possesses an astonishing power, and whoever is their owner may count -himself a fortunate man. This one having the blue tint will give to -the person who carries it a strength so great that no power can resist -him. The one with the pink glow will protect its owner from all dangers -that may threaten him, no matter from what source they may come. The -third pearl—this one of pure white—can speak, and its words are always -wise and helpful."</p> - -<p>"What is this, my father!" exclaimed the Prince, amazed; "do you tell me -that a pearl can speak? It sounds impossible."</p> - -<p>"Your doubt is due to your ignorance of fairy powers," returned the -King, gravely. "Listen, my son, and you will know that I speak the -truth."</p> - -<p>He held the white pearl to Inga's ear and the Prince heard a small voice -say distinctly: "Your father is right. Never question the truth of what -you fail to understand, for the world is filled with wonders."</p> - -<p>"I crave your pardon, dear father," said the Prince, "for clearly I -heard the pearl speak, and its words were full of wisdom."</p> - -<p>"The powers of the other pearls are even greater," resumed the King. -"Were I poor in all else, these gems would make me richer than any other -monarch the world holds."</p> - -<p>"I believe that," replied Inga, looking at the beautiful pearls with -much awe. "But tell me, my father, why do you fear the warriors of Regos -and Coregos when these marvelous powers are yours?"</p> - -<p>"The powers are mine only while I have the pearls upon my person," -answered King Kitticut, "and I dare not carry them constantly for fear -they might be lost. Therefore, I keep them safely hidden in this recess. -My only danger lies in the chance that my watchmen might fail to -discover the approach of our enemies and allow the warrior invaders to -seize me before I could secure the pearls. I should, in that case, be -quite powerless to resist. My father owned the magic pearls at the time -of the Great Fight, of which you have so often heard, and the pink pearl -protected him from harm, while the blue pearl enabled him and his people -to drive away the enemy. Often have I suspected that the destroying -storm was caused by the fairy mermaids, but that is a matter of which I -have no proof."</p> - -<p>"I have often wondered how we managed to win that battle," remarked Inga -thoughtfully. "But the pearls will assist us in case the warriors come -again, will they not?"</p> - -<p>"They are as powerful as ever," declared the King. "Really, my son, I -have little to fear from any foe. But lest I die and the secret be lost -to the next King, I have now given it into your keeping. Remember that -these pearls are the rightful heritage of all Kings of Pingaree. If at -any time I should be taken from you, Inga, guard this treasure well and -do not forget where it is hidden."</p> - -<p>"I shall not forget," said Inga.</p> - -<p>Then the King returned the pearls to their hiding place and the boy went -to his own room to ponder upon the wonderful secret his father had that -day confided to his care.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image14.jpg" width="500" height="296" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="The_Coming_of_King_Rinkitink" id="The_Coming_of_King_Rinkitink"></a>The Coming of King Rinkitink</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image15.jpg" width="500" height="306" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 2</h3> - - -<p>A few days after this, on a bright and sunny morning when the breeze -blew soft and sweet from the ocean and the trees waved their leaf-laden -branches, the Royal Watchman, whose duty it was to patrol the shore, -came running to the King with news that a strange boat was approaching -the island.</p> - -<p>At first the King was sore afraid and made a step toward the hidden -pearls, but the next moment he reflected that one boat, even if filled -with enemies, would be powerless to injure him, so he curbed his fear -and went down to the beach to discover who the strangers might be. Many -of the men of Pingaree assembled there also, and Prince Inga followed -his father. Arriving at the water's edge, they all stood gazing eagerly -at the oncoming boat.</p> - -<p>It was quite a big boat, they observed, and covered with a canopy of -purple silk, embroidered with gold. It was rowed by twenty men, ten on -each side. As it came nearer, Inga could see that in the stern, seated -upon a high, cushioned chair of state, was a little man who was so very -fat that he was nearly as broad as he was high. This man was dressed in -a loose silken robe of purple that fell in folds to his feet, while upon -his head was a cap of white velvet curiously worked with golden threads -and having a circle of diamonds sewn around the band. At the opposite -end of the boat stood an oddly shaped cage, and several large boxes of -sandalwood were piled near the center of the craft.</p> - -<p>As the boat approached the shore the fat little man got upon his feet -and bowed several times in the direction of those who had assembled to -greet him, and as he bowed he flourished his white cap in an energetic -manner. His face was round as an apple and nearly as rosy. When he -stopped bowing he smiled in such a sweet and happy way that Inga thought -he must be a very jolly fellow.</p> - -<p>The prow of the boat grounded on the beach, stopping its speed so -suddenly that the little man was caught unawares and nearly toppled -headlong into the sea. But he managed to catch hold of the chair with -one hand and the hair of one of his rowers with the other, and so -steadied himself. Then, again waving his jeweled cap around his head, he -cried in a merry voice:</p> - -<p>"Well, here I am at last!"</p> - -<p>"So I perceive," responded King Kitticut, bowing with much dignity.</p> - -<p>The fat man glanced at all the sober faces before him and burst into a -rollicking laugh. Perhaps I should say it was half laughter and half a -chuckle of merriment, for the sounds he emitted were quaint and droll -and tempted every hearer to laugh with him.</p> - -<p>"Heh, heh—ho, ho, ho!" he roared. "Didn't expect me, I see. -Keek-eek-eek-eek! This is funny—it's really funny. Didn't know I was -coming, did you? Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo! This is certainly amusing. But I'm -here, just the same."</p> - -<p>"Hush up!" said a deep, growling voice. "You're making yourself -ridiculous."</p> - -<p>Everyone looked to see where this voice came from; but none could guess -who had uttered the words of rebuke. The rowers of the boat were all -solemn and silent and certainly no one on the shore had spoken. But the -little man did not seem astonished in the least, or even annoyed.</p> - -<p>King Kitticut now addressed the stranger, saying courteously:</p> - -<p>"You are welcome to the Kingdom of Pingaree. Perhaps you will deign to -come ashore and at your convenience inform us whom we have the honor of -receiving as a guest."</p> - -<p>"Thanks; I will," returned the little fat man, waddling from his place -in the boat and stepping, with some difficulty, upon the sandy beach. "I -am King Rinkitink, of the City of Gilgad in the Kingdom of Rinkitink, -and I have come to Pingaree to see for myself the monarch who sends to -my city so many beautiful pearls. I have long wished to visit this -island; and so, as I said before, here I am!"</p> - -<p>"I am pleased to welcome you," said King Kitticut. "But why has Your -Majesty so few attendants? Is it not dangerous for the King of a great -country to make distant journeys in one frail boat, and with but -twenty men?"</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image16.jpg" width="500" height="721" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>"Oh, I suppose so," answered King Rinkitink, with a laugh. "But what -else could I do? My subjects would not allow me to go anywhere at all, -if they knew it. So I just ran away."</p> - -<p>"Ran away!" exclaimed King Kitticut in surprise.</p> - -<p>"Funny, isn't it? Heh, heh, heh—woo, hoo!" laughed Rinkitink, and this -is as near as I can spell with letters the jolly sounds of his laughter. -"Fancy a King running away from his own people—hoo, hoo—keek, eek, -eek, eek! But I had to, don't you see!"</p> - -<p>"Why?" asked the other King.</p> - -<p>"They're afraid I'll get into mischief. They don't trust me. -Keek-eek-eek—Oh, dear me! Don't trust their own King. Funny, isn't it?"</p> - -<p>"No harm can come to you on this island," said Kitticut, pretending not -to notice the odd ways of his guest. "And, whenever it pleases you to -return to your own country, I will send with you a fitting escort of my -own people. In the meantime, pray accompany me to my palace, where -everything shall be done to make you comfortable and happy."</p> - -<p>"Much obliged," answered Rinkitink, tipping his white cap over his left -ear and heartily shaking the hand of his brother monarch. "I'm sure you -can make me comfortable if you've plenty to eat. And as for being -happy—ha, ha, ha, ha!—why, that's my trouble. I'm <i>too</i> happy. But -stop! I've brought you some presents in those boxes. Please order your -men to carry them up to the palace."</p> - -<p>"Certainly," answered King Kitticut, well pleased, and at once he gave -his men the proper orders.</p> - -<p>"And, by the way," continued the fat little King, "let them also take my -goat from his cage."</p> - -<p>"A goat!" exclaimed the King of Pingaree.</p> - -<p>"Exactly; my goat Bilbil. I always ride him wherever I go, for I'm not -at all fond of walking, being a trifle stout—eh, Kitticut?—a trifle -stout! Hoo, hoo, hoo—keek, eek!"</p> - -<p>The Pingaree people started to lift the big cage out of the boat, but -just then a gruff voice cried: "Be careful, you villains!" and as the -words seemed to come from the goat's mouth the men were so astonished -that they dropped the cage upon the sand with a sudden jar.</p> - -<p>"There! I told you so!" cried the voice angrily. "You've rubbed the skin -off my left knee. Why on earth didn't you handle me gently?"</p> - -<p>"There, there, Bilbil," said King Rinkitink soothingly; "don't scold, my -boy. Remember that these are strangers, and we their guests." Then he -turned to Kitticut and remarked: "You have no talking goats on your -island, I suppose."</p> - -<p>"We have no goats at all," replied the King; "nor have we any animals, -of any sort, who are able to talk."</p> - -<p>"I wish my animal couldn't talk, either," said Rinkitink, winking -comically at Inga and then looking toward the cage. "He is very cross at -times, and indulges in language that is not respectful. I thought, at -first, it would be fine to have a talking goat, with whom I could -converse as I rode about my city on his back; but—keek-eek-eek-eek!—the -rascal treats me as if I were a chimney sweep instead of a King. Heh, heh, -heh, keek, eek! A chimney sweep—hoo, hoo, hoo!—and me a King! Funny, -isn't it?" This last was addressed to Prince Inga, whom he chucked -familiarly under the chin, to the boy's great embarrassment.</p> - -<p>"Why do you not ride a horse?" asked King Kitticut.</p> - -<p>"I can't climb upon his back, being rather stout; that's why. Kee, kee, -keek, eek!—rather stout—hoo, hoo, hoo!" He paused to wipe the tears -of merriment from his eyes and then added: "But I can get on and off -Bilbil's back with ease."</p> - -<p>He now opened the cage and the goat deliberately walked out and looked -about him in a sulky manner. One of the rowers brought from the boat a -saddle made of red velvet and beautifully embroidered with silver -thistles, which he fastened upon the goat's back. The fat King put his -leg over the saddle and seated himself comfortably, saying:</p> - -<p>"Lead on, my noble host, and we will follow."</p> - -<p>"What! Up that steep hill?" cried the goat. "Get off my back at once, -Rinkitink, or I won't budge a step."</p> - -<p>"But—consider, Bilbil," remonstrated the King. "How am I to get up that -hill unless I ride?"</p> - -<p>"Walk!" growled Bilbil.</p> - -<p>"But I'm too fat. Really, Bilbil, I'm surprised at you. Haven't I -brought you all this distance so you may see something of the world and -enjoy life? And now you are so ungrateful as to refuse to carry me! Turn -about is fair play, my boy. The boat carried you to this shore, because -you can't swim, and now you must carry me up the hill, because I can't -climb. Eh, Bilbil, isn't that reasonable?"</p> - -<p>"Well, well, well," said the goat, surlily, "keep quiet and I'll carry -you. But you make me very tired, Rinkitink, with your ceaseless -chatter."</p> - -<p>After making this protest Bilbil began walking up the hill, carrying the -fat King upon his back with no difficulty whatever.</p> - -<p>Prince Inga and his father and all the men of Pingaree were much -astonished to overhear this dispute between King Rinkitink and his goat; -but they were too polite to make critical remarks in the presence of -their guests. King Kitticut walked beside the goat and the Prince -followed after, the men coming last with the boxes of sandalwood.</p> - -<p>When they neared the palace, the Queen and her maidens came out to meet -them and the royal guest was escorted in state to the splendid throne -room of the palace. Here the boxes were opened and King Rinkitink -displayed all the beautiful silks and laces and jewelry with which they -were filled. Every one of the courtiers and ladies received a handsome -present, and the King and Queen had many rich gifts and Inga not a few. -Thus the time passed pleasantly until the Chamberlain announced that -dinner was served.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image17.jpg" width="500" height="721" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Bilbil the goat declared that he preferred eating of the sweet, rich -grass that grew abundantly in the palace grounds, and Rinkitink said -that the beast could never bear being shut up in a stable; so they -removed the saddle from his back and allowed him to wander wherever he -pleased.</p> - -<p>During the dinner Inga divided his attention between admiring the pretty -gifts he had received and listening to the jolly sayings of the fat -King, who laughed when he was not eating and ate when he was not -laughing and seemed to enjoy himself immensely.</p> - -<p>"For four days I have lived in that narrow boat," said he, "with no -other amusement than to watch the rowers and quarrel with Bilbil; so I -am very glad to be on land again with such friendly and agreeable -people."</p> - -<p>"You do us great honor," said King Kitticut, with a polite bow.</p> - -<p>"Not at all—not at all, my brother. This Pingaree must be a wonderful -island, for its pearls are the admiration of all the world; nor will I -deny the fact that my kingdom would be a poor one without the riches and -glory it derives from the trade in your pearls. So I have wished for -many years to come here to see you, but my people said: No! Stay at -home and behave yourself, or we'll know the reason why.'"</p> - -<p>"Will they not miss Your Majesty from your palace at Gilgad?" inquired -Kitticut.</p> - -<p>"I think not," answered Rinkitink. "You see, one of my clever subjects -has written a parchment entitled 'How to be Good,' and I believed it -would benefit me to study it, as I consider the accomplishment of being -good one of the fine arts. I had just scolded severely my Lord High -Chancellor for coming to breakfast without combing his eyebrows, and was -so sad and regretful at having hurt the poor man's feelings that I -decided to shut myself up in my own room and study the scroll until I -knew how to be good—hee, heek, keek, eek, eek!—to be good! Clever -idea, that, wasn't it? Mighty clever! And I issued a decree that no one -should enter my room, under pain of my royal displeasure, until I was -ready to come out. They're awfully afraid of my royal displeasure, -although not a bit afraid of me. Then I put the parchment in my pocket -and escaped through the back door to my boat—and here I am. Oo, -hoo-hoo, keek-eek! Imagine the fuss there would be in Gilgad if my -subjects knew where I am this very minute!"</p> - -<p>"I would like to see that parchment," said the solemn-eyed Prince Inga, -"for if it indeed teaches one to be good it must be worth its weight in -pearls."</p> - -<p>"Oh, it's a fine essay," said Rinkitink, "and beautifully written with a -goosequill. Listen to this: You'll enjoy it—tee, hee, hee!—enjoy it."</p> - -<p>He took from his pocket a scroll of parchment tied with a black ribbon, -and having carefully unrolled it, he proceeded to read as follows:</p> - -<p>"'A Good Man is One who is Never Bad.' How's that, eh? Fine thought, -what? 'Therefore, in order to be Good, you must avoid those Things which -are Evil.' Oh, hoo-hoo-hoo!—how clever! When I get back I shall make -the man who wrote that a royal hippolorum, for, beyond question, he is -the wisest man in my kingdom—as he has often told me himself." With -this, Rinkitink lay back in his chair and chuckled his queer chuckle -until he coughed, and coughed until he choked and choked until he -sneezed. And he wrinkled his face in such a jolly, droll way that few -could keep from laughing with him, and even the good Queen was forced to -titter behind her fan.</p> - -<p>When Rinkitink had recovered from his fit of laughter and had wiped his -eyes upon a fine lace handkerchief, Prince Inga said to him:</p> - -<p>"The parchment speaks truly."</p> - -<p>"Yes, it is true beyond doubt," answered Rinkitink, "and if I could -persuade Bilbil to read it he would be a much better goat than he is -now. Here is another selection: 'To avoid saying Unpleasant Things, -always Speak Agreeably.' That would hit Bilbil, to a dot. And here is -one that applies to you, my Prince: 'Good Children are seldom punished, -for the reason that they deserve no punishment.' Now, I think that is -neatly put, and shows the author to be a deep thinker. But the advice -that has impressed me the most is in the following paragraph: 'You may -not find it as Pleasant to be Good as it is to be Bad, but Other People -will find it more Pleasant.' Haw-hoo-ho! keek-eek! 'Other people will -find it more pleasant!'—hee, hee, heek, keek!—'more pleasant.' Dear -me—dear me! Therein lies a noble incentive to be good, and whenever I -get time I'm surely going to try it."</p> - -<p>Then he wiped his eyes again with the lace handkerchief and, suddenly -remembering his dinner, seized his knife and fork and began eating.</p> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="The_Warriors_from_the_North" id="The_Warriors_from_the_North"></a>The Warriors from the North</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image18.jpg" width="500" height="316" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 3</h3> - - -<p>King Rinkitink was so much pleased with the Island of Pingaree that he -continued his stay day after day and week after week, eating good -dinners, talking with King Kitticut and sleeping. Once in a while he -would read from his scroll. "For," said he, "whenever I return home, my -subjects will be anxious to know if I have learned 'How to be Good,' and -I must not disappoint them."</p> - -<p>The twenty rowers lived on the small end of the island, with the pearl -fishers, and seemed not to care whether they ever returned to the -Kingdom of Rinkitink or not. Bilbil the goat wandered over the grassy -slopes, or among the trees, and passed his days exactly as he pleased. -His master seldom cared to ride him. Bilbil was a rare curiosity to the -islanders, but since there was little pleasure in talking with the goat -they kept away from him. This pleased the creature, who seemed well -satisfied to be left to his own devices.</p> - -<p>Once Prince Inga, wishing to be courteous, walked up to the goat and -said: "Good morning, Bilbil."</p> - -<p>"It isn't a good morning," answered Bilbil grumpily. "It is cloudy and -damp, and looks like rain."</p> - -<p>"I hope you are contented in our kingdom," continued the boy, politely -ignoring the other's harsh words.</p> - -<p>"I'm not," said Bilbil. "I'm never contented; so it doesn't matter to me -whether I'm in your kingdom or in some other kingdom. Go away—will -you?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly," answered the Prince, and after this rebuff he did not again -try to make friends with Bilbil.</p> - -<p>Now that the King, his father, was so much occupied with his royal -guest, Inga was often left to amuse himself, for a boy could not be -allowed to take part in the conversation of two great monarchs. He -devoted himself to his studies, therefore, and day after day he climbed -into the branches of his favorite tree and sat for hours in his -"tree-top rest," reading his father's precious manuscripts and thinking -upon what he read.</p> - -<p>You must not think that Inga was a mollycoddle or a prig, because he was -so solemn and studious. Being a King's son and heir to a throne, he -could not play with the other boys of Pingaree, and he lived so much in -the society of the King and Queen, and was so surrounded by the pomp and -dignity of a court, that he missed all the jolly times that boys usually -have. I have no doubt that had he been able to live as other boys do, he -would have been much like other boys; as it was, he was subdued by his -surroundings, and more grave and thoughtful than one of his years should -be.</p> - -<p>Inga was in his tree one morning when, without warning, a great fog -enveloped the Island of Pingaree. The boy could scarcely see the tree -next to that in which he sat, but the leaves above him prevented the -dampness from wetting him, so he curled himself up in his seat and fell -fast asleep.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image19.jpg" width="500" height="721" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>All that forenoon the fog continued. King Kitticut, who sat in his -palace talking with his merry visitor, ordered the candles lighted, that -they might be able to see one another. The good Queen, Inga's mother, -found it was too dark to work at her embroidery, so she called her -maidens together and told them wonderful stories of bygone days, in -order to pass away the dreary hours.</p> - -<p>But soon after noon the weather changed. The dense fog rolled away like -a heavy cloud and suddenly the sun shot his bright rays over the island.</p> - -<p>"Very good!" exclaimed King Kitticut. "We shall have a pleasant -afternoon, I am sure," and he blew out the candles.</p> - -<p>Then he stood a moment motionless, as if turned to stone, for a terrible -cry from without the palace reached his ears—a cry so full of fear and -horror that the King's heart almost stopped beating. Immediately there -was a scurrying of feet as every one in the palace, filled with dismay, -rushed outside to see what had happened. Even fat little Rinkitink -sprang from his chair and followed his host and the others through the -arched vestibule.</p> - -<p>After many years the worst fears of King Kitticut were realized.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image20.jpg" width="500" height="723" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Landing upon the beach, which was but a few steps from the palace -itself, were hundreds of boats, every one filled with a throng of fierce -warriors. They sprang upon the land with wild shouts of defiance and -rushed to the King's palace, waving aloft their swords and spears and -battle-axes.</p> - -<p>King Kitticut, so completely surprised that he was bewildered, gazed at -the approaching host with terror and grief.</p> - -<p>"They are the men of Regos and Coregos!" he groaned. "We are, indeed, -lost!"</p> - -<p>Then he bethought himself, for the first time, of his wonderful pearls. -Turning quickly, he ran back into the palace and hastened to the hall -where the treasures were hidden. But the leader of the warriors had seen -the King enter the palace and bounded after him, thinking he meant to -escape. Just as the King had stooped to press the secret spring in the -tiles, the warrior seized him from the rear and threw him backward upon -the floor, at the same time shouting to his men to fetch ropes and bind -the prisoner. This they did very quickly and King Kitticut soon found -himself helplessly bound and in the power of his enemies. In this sad -condition he was lifted by the warriors and carried outside, when the -good King looked upon a sorry sight.</p> - -<p>The Queen and her maidens, the officers and servants of the royal -household and all who had inhabited this end of the Island of Pingaree -had been seized by the invaders and bound with ropes. At once they began -carrying their victims to the boats, tossing them in as unceremoniously -as if they had been bales of merchandise.</p> - -<p>The King looked around for his son Inga, but failed to find the boy -among the prisoners. Nor was the fat King, Rinkitink, to be seen -anywhere about.</p> - -<p>The warriors were swarming over the palace like bees in a hive, seeking -anyone who might be in hiding, and after the search had been prolonged -for some time the leader asked impatiently: "Do you find anyone else?"</p> - -<p>"No," his men told him. "We have captured them all."</p> - -<p>"Then," commanded the leader, "remove everything of value from the -palace and tear down its walls and towers, so that not one stone remains -upon another!"</p> - -<p>While the warriors were busy with this task we will return to the boy -Prince, who, when the fog lifted and the sun came out, wakened from his -sleep and began to climb down from his perch in the tree. But the -terrifying cries of the people, mingled with the shouts of the rude -warriors, caused him to pause and listen eagerly.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image21.jpg" width="500" height="717" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Then he climbed rapidly up the tree, far above his platform, to the -topmost swaying branches. This tree, which Inga called his own, was -somewhat taller than the other trees that surrounded it, and when he had -reached the top he pressed aside the leaves and saw a great fleet of -boats upon the shore—strange boats, with banners that he had never seen -before. Turning to look upon his father's palace, he found it surrounded -by a horde of enemies. Then Inga knew the truth: that the island had -been invaded by the barbaric warriors from the north. He grew so faint -from the terror of it all that he might have fallen had he not wound his -arms around a limb and clung fast until the dizzy feeling passed away. -Then with his sash he bound himself to the limb and again ventured to -look out through the leaves.</p> - -<p>The warriors were now engaged in carrying King Kitticut and Queen Garee -and all their other captives down to the boats, where they were thrown -in and chained one to another. It was a dreadful sight for the Prince to -witness, but he sat very still, concealed from the sight of anyone below -by the bower of leafy branches around him. Inga knew very well that he -could do nothing to help his beloved parents, and that if he came down -he would only be forced to share their cruel fate.</p> - -<p>Now a procession of the Northmen passed between the boats and the -palace, bearing the rich furniture, splendid draperies and rare -ornaments of which the royal palace had been robbed, together with such -food and other plunder as they could lay their hands upon. After this, -the men of Regos and Coregos threw ropes around the marble domes and -towers and hundreds of warriors tugged at these ropes until the domes -and towers toppled and fell in ruins upon the ground. Then the walls -themselves were torn down, till little remained of the beautiful palace -but a vast heap of white marble blocks tumbled and scattered upon the -ground.</p> - -<p>Prince Inga wept bitter tears of grief as he watched the ruin of his -home; yet he was powerless to avert the destruction. When the palace had -been demolished, some of the warriors entered their boats and rowed -along the coast of the island, while the others marched in a great body -down the length of the island itself. They were so numerous that they -formed a line stretching from shore to shore and they destroyed every -house they came to and took every inhabitant prisoner.</p> - -<p>The pearl fishers who lived at the lower end of the island tried to -escape in their boats, but they were soon overtaken and made prisoners, -like the others. Nor was there any attempt to resist the foe, for the -sharp spears and pikes and swords of the invaders terrified the hearts -of the defenseless people of Pingaree, whose sole weapons were their -oyster rakes.</p> - -<p>When night fell the whole of the Island of Pingaree had been conquered -by the men of the North, and all its people were slaves of the -conquerors. Next morning the men of Regos and Coregos, being capable of -no further mischief, departed from the scene of their triumph, carrying -their prisoners with them and taking also every boat to be found upon -the island. Many of the boats they had filled with rich plunder, with -pearls and silks and velvets, with silver and gold ornaments and all the -treasure that had made Pingaree famed as one of the richest kingdoms in -the world. And the hundreds of slaves they had captured would be set to -work in the mines of Regos and the grain fields of Coregos.</p> - -<p>So complete was the victory of the Northmen that it is no wonder the -warriors sang songs of triumph as they hastened back to their homes. -Great rewards were awaiting them when they showed the haughty King of -Regos and the terrible Queen of Coregos the results of their ocean raid -and conquest.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image22.jpg" width="500" height="496" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="The_Deserted_Island" id="The_Deserted_Island"></a>The Deserted Island</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image23.jpg" width="500" height="312" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 4</h3> - - -<p>All through that terrible night Prince Inga remained hidden in his tree. -In the morning he watched the great fleet of boats depart for their own -country, carrying his parents and his countrymen with them, as well as -everything of value the Island of Pingaree had contained.</p> - -<p>Sad, indeed, were the boy's thoughts when the last of the boats had -become a mere speck in the distance, but Inga did not dare leave his -perch of safety until all of the craft of the invaders had disappeared -beyond the horizon. Then he came down, very slowly and carefully, for he -was weak from hunger and the long and weary watch, as he had been in the -tree for twenty-four hours without food.</p> - -<p>The sun shone upon the beautiful green isle as brilliantly as if no -ruthless invader had passed and laid it in ruins. The birds still -chirped among the trees and the butterflies darted from flower to flower -as happily as when the land was filled with a prosperous and contented -people.</p> - -<p>Inga feared that only he was left of all his nation. Perhaps he might be -obliged to pass his life there alone. He would not starve, for the sea -would give him oysters and fish, and the trees fruit; yet the life that -confronted him was far from enticing.</p> - -<p>The boy's first act was to walk over to where the palace had stood and -search the ruins until he found some scraps of food that had been -overlooked by the enemy. He sat upon a block of marble and ate of this, -and tears filled his eyes as he gazed upon the desolation around him. -But Inga tried to bear up bravely, and having satisfied his hunger he -walked over to the well, intending to draw a bucket of drinking water.</p> - -<p>Fortunately, this well had been overlooked by the invaders and the -bucket was still fastened to the chain that wound around a stout wooden -windlass. Inga took hold of the crank and began letting the bucket down -into the well, when suddenly he was startled by a muffled voice crying -out:</p> - -<p>"Be careful, up there!"</p> - -<p>The sound and the words seemed to indicate that the voice came from the -bottom of the well, so Inga looked down. Nothing could be seen, on -account of the darkness.</p> - -<p>"Who are you?" he shouted.</p> - -<p>"It's I—Rinkitink," came the answer, and the depths of the well echoed: -"Tink-i-tink-i-tink!" in a ghostly manner.</p> - -<p>"Are you in the well?" asked the boy, greatly surprised.</p> - -<p>"Yes, and nearly drowned. I fell in while running from those terrible -warriors, and I've been standing in this damp hole ever since, with my -head just above the water. It's lucky the well was no deeper, for had my -head been under water, instead of above it—hoo, hoo, hoo, keek, -eek!—under instead of over, you know—why, then I wouldn't be talking -to you now! Ha, hoo, hee!" And the well dismally echoed: "Ha, hoo, -hee!" which you must imagine was a laugh half merry and half sad.</p> - -<p>"I'm awfully sorry," cried the boy, in answer. "I wonder you have the -heart to laugh at all. But how am I to get you out?"</p> - -<p>"I've been considering that all night," said Rinkitink, "and I believe -the best plan will be for you to let down the bucket to me, and I'll -hold fast to it while you wind up the chain and so draw me to the top."</p> - -<p>"I will try to do that," replied Inga, and he let the bucket down very -carefully until he heard the King call out:</p> - -<p>"I've got it! Now pull me up—slowly, my boy, slowly—so I won't rub -against the rough sides."</p> - -<p>Inga began winding up the chain, but King Rinkitink was so fat that he -was very heavy and by the time the boy had managed to pull him halfway -up the well his strength was gone. He clung to the crank as long as -possible, but suddenly it slipped from his grasp and the next minute he -heard Rinkitink fall "plump!" into the water again.</p> - -<p>"That's too bad!" called Inga, in real distress; "but you were so heavy -I couldn't help it."</p> - -<p>"Dear me!" gasped the King, from the darkness below, as he spluttered -and coughed to get the water out of his mouth. "Why didn't you tell me -you were going to let go?"</p> - -<p>"I hadn't time," said Inga, sorrowfully.</p> - -<p>"Well, I'm not suffering from thirst," declared the King, "for there's -enough water inside me to float all the boats of Regos and Coregos—or -at least it feels that way. But never mind! So long as I'm not actually -drowned, what does it matter?"</p> - -<p>"What shall we do next?" asked the boy anxiously.</p> - -<p>"Call someone to help you," was the reply.</p> - -<p>"There is no one on the island but myself," said the boy; "—excepting -you," he added, as an afterthought.</p> - -<p>"I'm not on it—more's the pity!—but <i>in</i> it," responded Rinkitink. -"Are the warriors all gone?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Inga, "and they have taken my father and mother, and all our -people, to be their slaves," he added, trying in vain to repress a sob.</p> - -<p>"So—so!" said Rinkitink softly; and then he paused a moment, as if in -thought. Finally he said: "There are worse things than slavery, but I -never imagined a well could be one of them. Tell me, Inga, could you let -down some food to me? I'm nearly starved, and if you could manage to -send me down some food I'd be <i>well</i> fed—hoo, hoo, heek, keek, -eek!—well fed. Do you see the joke, Inga?"</p> - -<p>"Do not ask me to enjoy a joke just now, Your Majesty," begged Inga in a -sad voice; "but if you will be patient I will try to find something for -you to eat."</p> - -<p>He ran back to the ruins of the palace and began searching for bits of -food with which to satisfy the hunger of the King, when to his surprise -he observed the goat, Bilbil, wandering among the marble blocks.</p> - -<p>"What!" cried Inga. "Didn't the warriors get you, either?"</p> - -<p>"If they had," calmly replied Bilbil, "I shouldn't be here."</p> - -<p>"But how did you escape?" asked the boy.</p> - -<p>"Easily enough. I kept my mouth shut and stayed away from the rascals," -said the goat. "I knew that the soldiers would not care for a skinny old -beast like me, for to the eye of a stranger I seem good for nothing. Had -they known I could talk, and that my head contained more wisdom than a -hundred of their own noddles, I might not have escaped so easily."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you are right," said the boy.</p> - -<p>"I suppose they got the old man?" carelessly remarked Bilbil.</p> - -<p>"What old man?"</p> - -<p>"Rinkitink."</p> - -<p>"Oh, no! His Majesty is at the bottom of the well," said Inga, "and I -don't know how to get him out again."</p> - -<p>"Then let him stay there," suggested the goat.</p> - -<p>"That would be cruel. I am sure, Bilbil, that you are fond of the good -King, your master, and do not mean what you say. Together, let us find -some way to save poor King Rinkitink. He is a very jolly companion, and -has a heart exceedingly kind and gentle."</p> - -<p>"Oh, well; the old boy isn't so bad, taken altogether," admitted Bilbil, -speaking in a more friendly tone. "But his bad jokes and fat laughter -tire me dreadfully, at times."</p> - -<p>Prince Inga now ran back to the well, the goat following more leisurely.</p> - -<p>"Here's Bilbil!" shouted the boy to the King. "The enemy didn't get him, -it seems."</p> - -<p>"That's lucky for the enemy," said Rinkitink. "But it's lucky for me, -too, for perhaps the beast can assist me out of this hole. If you can -let a rope down the well, I am sure that you and Bilbil, pulling -together, will be able to drag me to the earth's surface."</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image24.jpg" width="500" height="719" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>"Be patient and we will make the attempt," replied Inga encouragingly, -and he ran to search the ruins for a rope. Presently he found one that -had been used by the warriors in toppling over the towers, which in -their haste they had neglected to remove, and with some difficulty he -untied the knots and carried the rope to the mouth of the well.</p> - -<p>Bilbil had lain down to sleep and the refrain of a merry song came in -muffled tones from the well, proving that Rinkitink was making a patient -endeavor to amuse himself.</p> - -<p>"I've found a rope!" Inga called down to him; and then the boy proceeded -to make a loop in one end of the rope, for the King to put his arms -through, and the other end he placed over the drum of the windlass. He -now aroused Bilbil and fastened the rope firmly around the goat's -shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Are you ready?" asked the boy, leaning over the well.</p> - -<p>"I am," replied the King.</p> - -<p>"And I am not," growled the goat, "for I have not yet had my nap out. -Old Rinki will be safe enough in the well until I've slept an hour or -two longer."</p> - -<p>"But it is damp in the well," protested the boy, "and King Rinkitink may -catch the rheumatism, so that he will have to ride upon your back -wherever he goes."</p> - -<p>Hearing this, Bilbil jumped up at once.</p> - -<p>"Let's get him out," he said earnestly.</p> - -<p>"Hold fast!" shouted Inga to the King. Then he seized the rope and -helped Bilbil to pull. They soon found the task more difficult than they -had supposed. Once or twice the King's weight threatened to drag both -the boy and the goat into the well, to keep Rinkitink company. But they -pulled sturdily, being aware of this danger, and at last the King popped -out of the hole and fell sprawling full length upon the ground.</p> - -<p>For a time he lay panting and breathing hard to get his breath back, -while Inga and Bilbil were likewise worn out from their long strain at -the rope; so the three rested quietly upon the grass and looked at one -another in silence.</p> - -<p>Finally Bilbil said to the King:</p> - -<p>"I'm surprised at you. Why were you so foolish as to fall down that -well? Don't you know it's a dangerous thing to do? You might have broken -your neck in the fall, or been drowned in the water."</p> - -<p>"Bilbil," replied the King solemnly, "you're a goat. Do you imagine I -fell down the well on purpose?"</p> - -<p>"I imagine nothing," retorted Bilbil. "I only know you were there."</p> - -<p>"There? Heh-heh-heek-keek-eek! To be sure I was there," laughed -Rinkitink. "There in a dark hole, where there was no light; there in a -watery well, where the wetness soaked me through and -through—keek-eek-eek-eek!—through and through!"</p> - -<p>"How did it happen?" inquired Inga.</p> - -<p>"I was running away from the enemy," explained the King, "and I was -carelessly looking over my shoulder at the same time, to see if they -were chasing me. So I did not see the well, but stepped into it and -found myself tumbling down to the bottom. I struck the water very neatly -and began struggling to keep myself from drowning, but presently I found -that when I stood upon my feet on the bottom of the well, that my chin -was just above the water. So I stood still and yelled for help; but no -one heard me."</p> - -<p>"If the warriors had heard you," said Bilbil, "they would have pulled -you out and carried you away to be a slave. Then you would have been -obliged to work for a living, and that would be a new experience."</p> - -<p>"Work!" exclaimed Rinkitink. "Me work? Hoo, hoo, heek-keek-eek! How -absurd! I'm so stout—not to say chubby—not to say fat—that I can -hardly walk, and I couldn't earn my salt at hard work. So I'm glad the -enemy did not find me, Bilbil. How many others escaped?"</p> - -<p>"That I do not know," replied the boy, "for I have not yet had time to -visit the other parts of the island. When you have rested and satisfied -your royal hunger, it might be well for us to look around and see what -the thieving warriors of Regos and Coregos have left us."</p> - -<p>"An excellent idea," declared Rinkitink. "I am somewhat feeble from my -long confinement in the well, but I can ride upon Bilbil's back and we -may as well start at once."</p> - -<p>Hearing this, Bilbil cast a surly glance at his master but said nothing, -since it was really the goat's business to carry King Rinkitink wherever -he desired to go.</p> - -<p>They first searched the ruins of the palace, and where the kitchen had -once been they found a small quantity of food that had been half hidden -by a block of marble. This they carefully placed in a sack to preserve -it for future use, the little fat King having first eaten as much as he -cared for. This consumed some time, for Rinkitink had been exceedingly -hungry and liked to eat in a leisurely manner. When he had finished the -meal he straddled Bilbil's back and set out to explore the island, -Prince Inga walking by his side.</p> - -<p>They found on every hand ruin and desolation. The houses of the people -had been pilfered of all valuables and then torn down or burned. Not a -boat had been left upon the shore, nor was there a single person, man or -woman or child, remaining upon the island, save themselves. The only -inhabitants of Pingaree now consisted of a fat little King, a boy and a -goat.</p> - -<p>Even Rinkitink, merry hearted as he was, found it hard to laugh in the -face of this mighty disaster. Even the goat, contrary to its usual -habit, refrained from saying anything disagreeable. As for the poor boy -whose home was now a wilderness, the tears came often to his eyes as he -marked the ruin of his dearly loved island.</p> - -<p>When, at nightfall, they reached the lower end of Pingaree and found it -swept as bare as the rest, Inga's grief was almost more than he could -bear. Everything had been swept from him—parents, home and country—in -so brief a time that his bewilderment was equal to his sorrow.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image25.jpg" width="500" height="719" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Since no house remained standing, in which they might sleep, the three -wanderers crept beneath the overhanging branches of a cassa tree and -curled themselves up as comfortably as possible. So tired and -exhausted were they by the day's anxieties and griefs that their -troubles soon faded into the mists of dreamland. Beast and King and boy -slumbered peacefully together until wakened by the singing of the birds -which greeted the dawn of a new day.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image26.jpg" width="500" height="489" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="The_Three_Pearls" id="The_Three_Pearls"></a>The Three Pearls</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image27.jpg" width="500" height="303" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 5</h3> - - -<p>When King Rinkitink and Prince Inga had bathed themselves in the sea and -eaten a simple breakfast, they began wondering what they could do to -improve their condition.</p> - -<p>"The poor people of Gilgad," said Rinkitink cheerfully, "are little -likely ever again to behold their King in the flesh, for my boat and my -rowers are gone with everything else. Let us face the fact that we are -imprisoned for life upon this island, and that our lives will be short -unless we can secure more to eat than is in this small sack."</p> - -<p>"I'll not starve, for I can eat grass," remarked the goat in a pleasant -tone—or a tone as pleasant as Bilbil could assume.</p> - -<p>"True, quite true," said the King. Then he seemed thoughtful for a -moment and turning to Inga he asked: "Do you think, Prince, that if the -worst comes, we could eat Bilbil?"</p> - -<p>The goat gave a groan and cast a reproachful look at his master as he -said:</p> - -<p>"Monster! Would you, indeed, eat your old friend and servant?"</p> - -<p>"Not if I can help it, Bilbil," answered the King pleasantly. "You would -make a remarkably tough morsel, and my teeth are not as good as they -once were."</p> - -<p>While this talk was in progress Inga suddenly remembered the three -pearls which his father had hidden under the tiled floor of the banquet -hall. Without doubt King Kitticut had been so suddenly surprised by the -invaders that he had found no opportunity to get the pearls, for -otherwise the fierce warriors would have been defeated and driven out of -Pingaree. So they must still be in their hiding place, and Inga -believed they would prove of great assistance to him and his comrades in -this hour of need. But the palace was a mass of ruins; perhaps he would -be unable now to find the place where the pearls were hidden.</p> - -<p>He said nothing of this to Rinkitink, remembering that his father had -charged him to preserve the secret of the pearls and of their magic -powers. Nevertheless, the thought of securing the wonderful treasures of -his ancestors gave the boy new hope.</p> - -<p>He stood up and said to the King:</p> - -<p>"Let us return to the other end of Pingaree. It is more pleasant than -here in spite of the desolation of my father's palace. And there, if -anywhere, we shall discover a way out of our difficulties."</p> - -<p>This suggestion met with Rinkitink's approval and the little party at -once started upon the return journey. As there was no occasion to delay -upon the way, they reached the big end of the island about the middle of -the day and at once began searching the ruins of the palace.</p> - -<p>They found, to their satisfaction, that one room at the bottom of a -tower was still habitable, although the roof was broken in and the place -was somewhat littered with stones. The King was, as he said, too fat to -do any hard work, so he sat down on a block of marble and watched Inga -clear the room of its rubbish. This done, the boy hunted through the -ruins until he discovered a stool and an armchair that had not been -broken beyond use. Some bedding and a mattress were also found, so that -by nightfall the little room had been made quite comfortable.</p> - -<p>The following morning, while Rinkitink was still sound asleep and Bilbil -was busily cropping the dewy grass that edged the shore, Prince Inga -began to search the tumbled heaps of marble for the place where the -royal banquet hall had been. After climbing over the ruins for a time he -reached a flat place which he recognized, by means of the tiled flooring -and the broken furniture scattered about, to be the great hall he was -seeking. But in the center of the floor, directly over the spot where -the pearls were hidden, lay several large and heavy blocks of marble, -which had been torn from the dismantled walls.</p> - -<p>This unfortunate discovery for a time discouraged the boy, who realized -how helpless he was to remove such vast obstacles; but it was so -important to secure the pearls that he dared not give way to despair -until every human effort had been made, so he sat him down to think over -the matter with great care.</p> - -<p>Meantime Rinkitink had risen from his bed and walked out upon the lawn, -where he found Bilbil reclining at ease upon the greensward.</p> - -<p>"Where is Inga?" asked Rinkitink, rubbing his eyes with his knuckles -because their vision was blurred with too much sleep.</p> - -<p>"Don't, ask me," said the goat, chewing with much satisfaction a cud of -sweet grasses.</p> - -<p>"Bilbil," said the King, squatting down beside the goat and resting his -fat chin upon his hands and his elbows on his knees, "allow me to -confide to you the fact that I am bored, and need amusement. My good -friend Kitticut has been kidnapped by the barbarians and taken from me, -so there is no one to converse with me intelligently. I am the King and -you are the goat. Suppose you tell me a story."</p> - -<p>"Suppose I don't," said Bilbil, with a scowl, for a goat's face is very -expressive.</p> - -<p>"If you refuse, I shall be more unhappy than ever, and I know your -disposition is too sweet to permit that. Tell me a story, Bilbil."</p> - -<p>The boat looked at him with an expression of scorn. Said he:</p> - -<p>"One would think you are but four years old, Rinkitink! But there—I -will do as you command. Listen carefully, and the story may do you some -good—although I doubt if you understand the moral."</p> - -<p>"I am sure the story will do me good," declared the King, whose eyes -were twinkling.</p> - -<p>"Once on a time," began the goat.</p> - -<p>"When was that, Bilbil?" asked the King gently.</p> - -<p>"Don't interrupt; it is impolite. Once on a time there was a King with a -hollow inside his head, where most people have their brains, and—"</p> - -<p>"Is this a true story, Bilbil?"</p> - -<p>"And the King with a hollow head could chatter words, which had no -sense, and laugh in a brainless manner at senseless things. That part of -the story is true enough, Rinkitink."</p> - -<p>"Then proceed with the tale, sweet Bilbil. Yet it is hard to believe -that any King could be brainless—unless, indeed, he proved it by owning -a talking goat."</p> - -<p>Bilbil glared at him a full minute in silence. Then he resumed his -story:</p> - -<p>"This empty-headed man was a King by accident, having been born to that -high station. Also the King was empty-headed by the same chance, being -born without brains."</p> - -<p>"Poor fellow!" quoth the King. "Did he own a talking goat?"</p> - -<p>"He did," answered Bilbil.</p> - -<p>"Then he was wrong to have been born at all. Cheek-eek-eek-eek, oo, -hoo!" chuckled Rinkitink, his fat body shaking with merriment. "But it's -hard to prevent oneself from being born; there's no chance for protest, -eh, Bilbil?"</p> - -<p>"Who is telling this story, I'd like to know," demanded the goat, with -anger.</p> - -<p>"Ask someone with brains, my boy; I'm sure I can't tell," replied the -King, bursting into one of his merry fits of laughter.</p> - -<p>Bilbil rose to his hoofs and walked away in a dignified manner, leaving -Rinkitink chuckling anew at the sour expression of the animal's face.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Bilbil, you'll be the death of me, some day—I'm sure you will!" -gasped the King, taking out his lace handkerchief to wipe his eyes; for, -as he often did, he had laughed till the tears came.</p> - -<p>Bilbil was deeply vexed and would not even turn his head to look at his -master. To escape from Rinkitink he wandered among the ruins of the -palace, where he came upon Prince Inga.</p> - -<p>"Good morning, Bilbil," said the boy. "I was just going to find you, -that I might consult you upon an important matter. If you will kindly -turn back with me I am sure your good judgment will be of great -assistance."</p> - -<p>The angry goat was quite mollified by the respectful tone in which he -was addressed, but he immediately asked:</p> - -<p>"Are you also going to consult that empty-headed King over yonder?"</p> - -<p>"I am sorry to hear you speak of your kind master in such a way," said -the boy gravely. "All men are deserving of respect, being the highest of -living creatures, and Kings deserve respect more than others, for they -are set to rule over many people."</p> - -<p>"Nevertheless," said Bilbil with conviction, "Rinkitink's head is -certainly empty of brains."</p> - -<p>"That I am unwilling to believe," insisted Inga. "But anyway his heart -is kind and gentle and that is better than being wise. He is merry in -spite of misfortunes that would cause others to weep and he never speaks -harsh words that wound the feelings of his friends."</p> - -<p>"Still," growled Bilbil, "he is—"</p> - -<p>"Let us forget everything but his good nature, which puts new heart into -us when we are sad," advised the boy.</p> - -<p>"But he is—"</p> - -<p>"Come with, me, please," interrupted Inga, "for the matter of which I -wish to speak is very important."</p> - -<p>Bilbil followed him, although the boy still heard the goat muttering -that the King had no brains. Rinkitink, seeing them turn into the ruins, -also followed, and upon joining them asked for his breakfast.</p> - -<p>Inga opened the sack of food and while he and the King ate of it the boy -said:</p> - -<p>"If I could find a way to remove some of the blocks of marble which have -fallen in the banquet hall, I think I could find means for us to escape -from this barren island."</p> - -<p>"Then," mumbled Rinkitink, with his mouth full, "let us move the blocks -of marble."</p> - -<p>"But how?" inquired Prince Inga. "They are very heavy."</p> - -<p>"Ah, how, indeed?" returned the King, smacking his lips contentedly. -"That is a serious question. But—I have it! Let us see what my famous -parchment says about it." He wiped his fingers upon a napkin and then, -taking the scroll from a pocket inside his embroidered blouse, he -unrolled it and read the following words: "'Never step on another man's -toes.'"</p> - -<p>The goat gave a snort of contempt; Inga was silent; the King looked from -one to the other inquiringly.</p> - -<p>"That's the idea, exactly!" declared Rinkitink.</p> - -<p>"To be sure," said Bilbil scornfully, "it tells us exactly how to move -the blocks of marble."</p> - -<p>"Oh, does it?" responded the King, and then for a moment he rubbed the -top of his bald head in a perplexed manner. The next moment he burst -into a peal of joyous laughter. The goat looked at Inga and sighed.</p> - -<p>"What did I tell you?" asked the creature. "Was I right, or was I -wrong?"</p> - -<p>"This scroll," said Rinkitink, "is indeed a masterpiece. Its advice is -of tremendous value. 'Never step on another man's toes.' Let us think -this over. The inference is that we should step upon our own toes, which -were given us for that purpose. Therefore, if I stepped upon another -man's toes, I would be the other man. Hoo, hoo, hoo!—the other -man—hee, hee, heek-keek-eek! Funny, isn't it?"</p> - -<p>"Didn't I say—" began Bilbil.</p> - -<p>"No matter what you said, my boy," roared the King. "No fool could have -figured that out as nicely as I did."</p> - -<p>"We have still to decide how to remove the blocks of marble," suggested -Inga anxiously.</p> - -<p>"Fasten a rope to them, and pull," said Bilbil.</p> - -<p>"Don't pay any more attention to Rinkitink, for he is no wiser than the -man who wrote that brainless scroll. Just get the rope, and we'll fasten -Rinkitink to one end of it for a weight and I'll help you pull."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Bilbil," replied the boy. "I'll get the rope at once."</p> - -<p>Bilbil found it difficult to climb over the ruins to the floor of the -banquet hall, but there are few places a goat cannot get to when it -makes the attempt, so Bilbil succeeded at last, and even fat little -Rinkitink finally joined them, though much out of breath.</p> - -<p>Inga fastened one end of the rope around a block of marble and then made -a loop at the other end to go over Bilbil's head. When all was ready the -boy seized the rope and helped the goat to pull; yet, strain as they -might, the huge block would not stir from its place. Seeing this, King -Rinkitink came forward and lent his assistance, the weight of his body -forcing the heavy marble to slide several feet from where it had lain.</p> - -<p>But it was hard work and all were obliged to take a long rest before -undertaking the removal of the next block.</p> - -<p>"Admit, Bilbil," said the King, "that I am of some use in the world."</p> - -<p>"Your weight was of considerable help," acknowledged the goat, "but if -your head were as well filled as your stomach the task would be still -easier."</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image28.jpg" width="500" height="369" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>When Inga went to fasten the rope a second time he was rejoiced to -discover that by moving one more block of marble he could uncover the -tile with the secret spring. So the three pulled with renewed energy and -to their joy the block moved and rolled upon its side, leaving Inga free -to remove the treasure when he pleased.</p> - -<p>But the boy had no intention of allowing Bilbil and the King to share -the secret of the royal treasures of Pingaree; so, although both the -goat and its master demanded to know why the marble blocks had been -moved, and how it would benefit them, Inga begged them to wait until the -next morning, when he hoped to be able to satisfy them that their hard -work had not been in vain.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image29.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Having little confidence in this promise of a mere boy, the goat -grumbled and the King laughed; but Inga paid no heed to their ridicule -and set himself to work rigging up a fishing rod, with line and hook. -During the afternoon he waded out to some rocks near the shore and -fished patiently until he had captured enough yellow perch for their -supper and breakfast.</p> - -<p>"Ah," said Rinkitink, looking at the fine catch when Inga returned to -the shore; "these will taste delicious when they are cooked; but do you -know how to cook them?"</p> - -<p>"No," was the reply. "I have often caught fish, but never cooked them. -Perhaps Your Majesty understands cooking."</p> - -<p>"Cooking and majesty are two different things," laughed the little King. -"I could not cook a fish to save me from starvation."</p> - -<p>"For my part," said Bilbil, "I never eat fish, but I can tell you how to -cook them, for I have often watched the palace cooks at their work." And -so, with the goat's assistance, the boy and the King managed to prepare -the fish and cook them, after which they were eaten with good appetite.</p> - -<p>That night, after Rinkitink and Bilbil were both fast asleep, Inga stole -quietly through the moonlight to the desolate banquet hall. There, -kneeling down, he touched the secret spring as his father had -instructed him to do and to his joy the tile sank downward and disclosed -the opening. You may imagine how the boy's heart throbbed with -excitement as he slowly thrust his hand into the cavity and felt around -to see if the precious pearls were still there. In a moment his fingers -touched the silken bag and, without pausing to close the recess, he -pressed the treasure against his breast and ran out into the moonlight -to examine it. When he reached a bright place he started to open the -bag, but he observed Bilbil lying asleep upon the grass near by. So, -trembling with the fear of discovery, he ran to another place, and when -he paused he heard Rinkitink snoring lustily. Again he fled and made his -way to the seashore, where he squatted under a bank and began to untie -the cords that fastened the mouth of the bag. But now another fear -assailed him.</p> - -<p>"If the pearls should slip from my hand," he thought, "and roll into the -water, they might be lost to me forever. I must find some safer place."</p> - -<p>Here and there he wandered, still clasping the silken bag in both hands, -and finally he went to the grove and climbed into the tall tree where he -had made his platform and seat. But here it was pitch dark, so he found -he must wait patiently until morning before he dared touch the pearls. -During those hours of waiting he had time for reflection and reproached -himself for being so frightened by the possession of his father's -treasures.</p> - -<p>"These pearls have belonged to our family for generations," he mused, -"yet no one has ever lost them. If I use ordinary care I am sure I need -have no fears for their safety."</p> - -<p>When the dawn came and he could see plainly, Inga opened the bag and -took out the Blue Pearl. There was no possibility of his being observed -by others, so he took time to examine it wonderingly, saying to himself: -"This will give me strength."</p> - -<p>Taking off his right shoe he placed the Blue Pearl within it, far up in -the pointed toe. Then he tore a piece from his handkerchief and stuffed -it into the shoe to hold the pearl in place. Inga's shoes were long and -pointed, as were all the shoes worn in Pingaree, and the points curled -upward, so that there was quite a vacant space beyond the place where -the boy's toes reached when the shoe was upon his foot.</p> - -<p>After he had put on the shoe and laced it up he opened the bag and took -out the Pink Pearl. "This will protect me from danger," said Inga, and -removing the shoe from his left foot he carefully placed the pearl in -the hollow toe. This, also, he secured in place by means of a strip torn -from his handkerchief.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image30.jpg" width="500" height="718" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Having put on the second shoe and laced it up, the boy drew from the -silken bag the third pearl—that which was pure white—and holding it to -his ear he asked:</p> - -<p>"Will you advise me what to do, in this my hour of misfortune?"</p> - -<p>Clearly the small voice of the pearl made answer:</p> - -<p>"I advise you to go to the Islands of Regos and Coregos, where you may -liberate your parents from slavery."</p> - -<p>"How could I do that?" exclaimed Prince Inga, amazed at receiving such -advice.</p> - -<p>"To-night," spoke the voice of the pearl, "there will be a storm, and in -the morning a boat will strand upon the shore. Take this boat and row to -Regos and Coregos."</p> - -<p>"How can I, a weak boy, pull the boat so far?" he inquired, doubting the -possibility.</p> - -<p>"The Blue Pearl will give you strength," was the reply.</p> - -<p>"But I may be shipwrecked and drowned, before ever I reach Regos and -Coregos," protested the boy.</p> - -<p>"The Pink Pearl will protect you from harm," murmured the voice, soft -and low but very distinct.</p> - -<p>"Then I shall act as you advise me," declared Inga, speaking firmly -because this promise gave him courage, and as he removed the pearl from -his ear it whispered:</p> - -<p>"The wise and fearless are sure to win success."</p> - -<p>Restoring the White Pearl to the depths of the silken bag, Inga fastened -it securely around his neck and buttoned his waist above it to hide the -treasure from all prying eyes. Then he slowly climbed down from the tree -and returned to the room where King Rinkitink still slept.</p> - -<p>The goat was browsing upon the grass but looked cross and surly. When -the boy said good morning as he passed, Bilbil made no response -whatever. As Inga entered the room the King awoke and asked:</p> - -<p>"What is that mysterious secret of yours? I've been dreaming about it, -and I haven't got my breath yet from tugging at those heavy blocks. Tell -me the secret."</p> - -<p>"A secret told is no longer a secret," replied Inga, with a laugh. -"Besides, this is a family secret, which it is proper I should keep to -myself. But I may tell you one thing, at least: We are going to leave -this island to-morrow morning."</p> - -<p>The King seemed puzzled by this statement.</p> - -<p>"I'm not much of a swimmer," said he, "and, though I'm fat enough to -float upon the surface of the water, I'd only bob around and get nowhere -at all."</p> - -<p>"We shall not swim, but ride comfortably in a boat," promised Inga.</p> - -<p>"There isn't a boat on this island!" declared Rinkitink, looking upon -the boy with wonder.</p> - -<p>"True," said Inga. "But one will come to us in the morning." He spoke -positively, for he had perfect faith in the promise of the White Pearl; -but Rinkitink, knowing nothing of the three marvelous jewels, began to -fear that the little Prince had lost his mind through grief and -misfortune.</p> - -<p>For this reason the King did not question the boy further but tried to -cheer him by telling him witty stories. He laughed at all the stories -himself, in his merry, rollicking way, and Inga joined freely in the -laughter because his heart had been lightened by the prospect of -rescuing his dear parents. Not since the fierce warriors had descended -upon Pingaree had the boy been so hopeful and happy.</p> - -<p>With Rinkitink riding upon Bilbil's back, the three made a tour of the -island and found in the central part some bushes and trees bearing ripe -fruit. They gathered this freely, for—aside from the fish which Inga -caught—it was the only food they now had, and the less they had, the -bigger Rinkitink's appetite seemed to grow.</p> - -<p>"I am never more happy," said he with a sigh, "than when I am eating."</p> - -<p>Toward evening the sky became overcast and soon a great storm began to -rage. Prince Inga and King Rinkitink took refuge within the shelter of -the room they had fitted up and there Bilbil joined them. The goat and -the King were somewhat disturbed by the violence of the storm, but Inga -did not mind it, being pleased at this evidence that the White Pearl -might be relied upon.</p> - -<p>All night the wind shrieked around the island; thunder rolled, lightning -flashed and rain came down in torrents. But with morning the storm -abated and when the sun arose no sign of the tempest remained save a few -fallen trees.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image31.jpg" width="500" height="134" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="The_Magic_Boat" id="The_Magic_Boat"></a>The Magic Boat</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image32.jpg" width="500" height="305" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 6</h3> - - -<p>Prince Inga was up with the sun and, accompanied by Bilbil, began -walking along the shore in search of the boat which the White Pearl had -promised him. Never for an instant did he doubt that he would find it -and before he had walked any great distance a dark object at the water's -edge caught his eye.</p> - -<p>"It is the boat, Bilbil!" he cried joyfully, and running down to it he -found it was, indeed, a large and roomy boat. Although stranded upon the -beach, it was in perfect order and had suffered in no way from the -storm.</p> - -<p>Inga stood for some moments gazing upon the handsome craft and wondering -where it could have come from. Certainly it was unlike any boat he had -ever seen. On the outside it was painted a lustrous black, without any -other color to relieve it; but all the inside of the boat was lined with -pure silver, polished so highly that the surface resembled a mirror and -glinted brilliantly in the rays of the sun. The seats had white velvet -cushions upon them and the cushions were splendidly embroidered with -threads of gold. At one end, beneath the broad seat, was a small barrel -with silver hoops, which the boy found was filled with fresh, sweet -water. A great chest of sandalwood, bound and ornamented with silver, -stood in the other end of the boat. Inga raised the lid and discovered -the chest filled with sea-biscuits, cakes, tinned meats and ripe, juicy -melons; enough good and wholesome food to last the party a long time.</p> - -<p>Lying upon the bottom of the boat were two shining oars, and overhead, -but rolled back now, was a canopy of silver cloth to ward off the heat -of the sun.</p> - -<p>It is no wonder the boy was delighted with the appearance of this -beautiful boat; but on reflection he feared it was too large for him to -row any great distance. Unless, indeed, the Blue Pearl gave him unusual -strength.</p> - -<p>While he was considering this matter, King Rinkitink came waddling up to -him and said:</p> - -<p>"Well, well, well, my Prince, your words have come true! Here is the -boat, for a certainty, yet how it came here—and how you knew it would -come to us—are puzzles that mystify me. I do not question our good -fortune, however, and my heart is bubbling with joy, for in this boat I -will return at once to my City of Gilgad, from which I have remained -absent altogether too long a time."</p> - -<p>"I do not wish to go to Gilgad," said Inga.</p> - -<p>"That is too bad, my friend, for you would be very welcome. But you may -remain upon this island, if you wish," continued Rinkitink, "and when I -get home I will send some of my people to rescue you."</p> - -<p>"It is my boat, Your Majesty," said Inga quietly.</p> - -<p>"May be, may be," was the careless answer, "but I am King of a great -country, while you are a boy Prince without any kingdom to speak of. -Therefore, being of greater importance than you, it is just and right -that I take your boat and return to my own country in it."</p> - -<p>"I am sorry to differ from Your Majesty's views," said Inga, "but -instead of going to Gilgad I consider it of greater importance that we -go to the islands of Regos and Coregos."</p> - -<p>"Hey? What!" cried the astounded King. "To Regos and Coregos! To become -slaves of the barbarians, like the King, your father? No, no, my boy! -Your Uncle Rinki may have an empty noddle, as Bilbil claims, but he is -far too wise to put his head in the lion's mouth. It's no fun to be a -slave."</p> - -<p>"The people of Regos and Coregos will not enslave us," declared Inga. -"On the contrary, it is my intention to set free my dear parents, as -well as all my people, and to bring them back again to Pingaree."</p> - -<p>"Cheek-eek-eek-eek-eek! How funny!" chuckled Rinkitink, winking at the -goat, which scowled in return. "Your audacity takes my breath away, -Inga, but the adventure has its charm, I must confess. Were I not so -fat, I'd agree to your plan at once, and could probably conquer that -horde of fierce warriors without any assistance at all—any at all—eh, -Bilbil? But I grieve to say that I am fat, and not in good fighting -trim. As for your determination to do what I admit I can't do, Inga, I -fear you forget that you are only a boy, and rather small at that."</p> - -<p>"No, I do not forget that," was Inga's reply.</p> - -<p>"Then please consider that you and I and Bilbil are not strong enough, -as an army, to conquer a powerful nation of skilled warriors. We could -attempt it, of course, but you are too young to die, while I am too old. -Come with me to my City of Gilgad, where you will be greatly honored. -I'll have my professors teach you how to be good. Eh? What do you say?"</p> - -<p>Inga was a little embarrassed how to reply to these arguments, which he -knew King Rinkitink considered were wise; so, after a period of thought, -he said:</p> - -<p>"I will make a bargain with Your Majesty, for I do not wish to fail in -respect to so worthy a man and so great a King as yourself. This boat is -mine, as I have said, and in my father's absence you have become my -guest; therefore I claim that I am entitled to some consideration, as -well as you."</p> - -<p>"No doubt of it," agreed Rinkitink. "What is the bargain you propose, -Inga?"</p> - -<p>"Let us both get into the boat, and you shall first try to row us to -Gilgad. If you succeed, I will accompany you right willingly; but should -you fail, I will then row the boat to Regos, and you must come with me -without further protest."</p> - -<p>"A fair and just bargain!" cried the King, highly pleased. "Yet, -although I am a man of mighty deeds, I do not relish the prospect of -rowing so big a boat all the way to Gilgad. But I will do my best and -abide by the result."</p> - -<p>The matter being thus peaceably settled, they prepared to embark. A -further supply of fruits was placed in the boat and Inga also raked up a -quantity of the delicious oysters that abounded on the coast of Pingaree -but which he had before been unable to reach for lack of a boat. This -was done at the suggestion of the ever-hungry Rinkitink, and when the -oysters had been stowed in their shells behind the water barrel and a -plentiful supply of grass brought aboard for Bilbil, they decided they -were ready to start on their voyage.</p> - -<p>It proved no easy task to get Bilbil into the boat, for he was a -remarkably clumsy goat and once, when Rinkitink gave him a push, he -tumbled into the water and nearly drowned before they could get him out -again. But there was no thought of leaving the quaint animal behind. His -power of speech made him seem almost human in the eyes of the boy, and -the fat King was so accustomed to his surly companion that nothing could -have induced him to part with him. Finally Bilbil fell sprawling into -the bottom of the boat, and Inga helped him to get to the front end, -where there was enough space for him to lie down.</p> - -<p>Rinkitink now took his seat in the silver-lined craft and the boy came -last, pushing off the boat as he sprang aboard, so that it floated -freely upon the water.</p> - -<p>"Well, here we go for Gilgad!" exclaimed the King, picking up the oars -and placing them in the row-locks. Then he began to row as hard as he -could, singing at the same time an odd sort of a song that ran like -this:</p> - -<p class="poem">"The way to Gilgad isn't bad<br /> -For a stout old King and a brave young lad,<br /> -For a cross old goat with a dripping coat,<br /> -And a silver boat in which to float.<br /> -So our hearts are merry, light and glad<br /> -As we speed away to fair Gilgad!"<br /> -</p> - -<p>"Don't, Rinkitink; please don't! It makes me seasick," growled Bilbil.</p> - -<p>Rinkitink stopped rowing, for by this time he was all out of breath and -his round face was covered with big drops of perspiration. And when he -looked over his shoulder he found to his dismay that the boat had -scarcely moved a foot from its former position.</p> - -<p>Inga said nothing and appeared not to notice the King's failure. So now -Rinkitink, with a serious look on his fat, red face, took off his purple -robe and rolled up the sleeves of his tunic and tried again.</p> - -<p>However, he succeeded no better than before and when he heard Bilbil -give a gruff laugh and saw a smile upon the boy Prince's face, Rinkitink -suddenly dropped the oars and began shouting with laughter at his own -defeat. As he wiped his brow with a yellow silk handkerchief he sang in -a merry voice:</p> - -<p class="poem"> -"A sailor bold am I, I hold,<br /> -But boldness will not row a boat.<br /> -So I confess I'm in distress<br /> -And just as useless as the goat."<br /> -</p> - -<p>"Please leave me out of your verses," said Bilbil with a snort of anger.</p> - -<p>"When I make a fool of myself, Bilbil, I'm a goat," replied Rinkitink.</p> - -<p>"Not so," insisted Bilbil. "Nothing could make you a member of my -superior race."</p> - -<p>"Superior? Why, Bilbil, a goat is but a beast, while I am a King!"</p> - -<p>"I claim that superiority lies in intelligence," said the goat.</p> - -<p>Rinkitink paid no attention to this remark, but turning to Inga he said:</p> - -<p>"We may as well get back to the shore, for the boat is too heavy to row -to Gilgad or anywhere else. Indeed, it will be hard for us to reach land -again."</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image33.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>"Let me take the oars," suggested Inga. "You must not forget our -bargain."</p> - -<p>"No, indeed," answered Rinkitink. "If you can row us to Regos, or to any -other place, I will go with you without protest."</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image34.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>So the King took Inga's place in the stern of the boat and the boy -grasped the oars and commenced to row. And now, to the great wonder of -Rinkitink—and even to Inga's surprise—the oars became light as -feathers as soon as the Prince took hold of them. In an instant the boat -began to glide rapidly through the water and, seeing this, the boy -turned its prow toward the north. He did not know exactly where Regos -and Coregos were located, but he did know that the islands lay to the -north of Pingaree, so he decided to trust to luck and the guidance of -the pearls to carry him to them.</p> - -<p>Gradually the Island of Pingaree became smaller to their view as the -boat sped onward, until at the end of an hour they had lost sight of it -altogether and were wholly surrounded by the purple waters of the -Nonestic Ocean.</p> - -<p>Prince Inga did not tire from the labor of rowing; indeed, it seemed to -him no labor at all. Once he stopped long enough to place the poles of -the canopy in the holes that had been made for them, in the edges of the -boat, and to spread the canopy of silver over the poles, for Rinkitink -had complained of the sun's heat. But the canopy shut out the hot rays -and rendered the interior of the boat cool and pleasant.</p> - -<p>"This is a glorious ride!" cried Rinkitink, as he lay back in the shade. -"I find it a decided relief to be away from that dismal island of -Pingaree."</p> - -<p>"It may be a relief for a short time," said Bilbil, "but you are going -to the land of your enemies, who will probably stick your fat body full -of spears and arrows."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I hope not!" exclaimed Inga, distressed at the thought.</p> - -<p>"Never mind," said the King calmly, "a man can die but once, you know, -and when the enemy kills me I shall beg him to kill Bilbil, also, that -we may remain together in death as in life."</p> - -<p>"They may be cannibals, in which case they will roast and eat us," -suggested Bilbil, who wished to terrify his master.</p> - -<p>"Who knows?" answered Rinkitink, with a shudder. "But cheer up, Bilbil; -they may not kill us after all, or even capture us; so let us not borrow -trouble. Do not look so cross, my sprightly quadruped, and I will sing -to amuse you."</p> - -<p>"Your song would make me more cross than ever," grumbled the goat.</p> - -<p>"Quite impossible, dear Bilbil. You couldn't be more surly if you tried. -So here is a famous song for you."</p> - -<p>While the boy rowed steadily on and the boat rushed fast over the water, -the jolly King, who never could be sad or serious for many minutes at a -time, lay back on his embroidered cushions and sang as follows:</p> - -<p class="poem"> -"A merry maiden went to sea—<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Sing too-ral-oo-ral-i-do!</span><br /> -She sat upon the Captain's knee<br /> -<br /> -And looked around the sea to see<br /> -What she could see, but she couldn't see me—<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Sing too-ral-oo-ral-i-do!"</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>"How do you like that, Bilbil?"</p> - -<p>"I don't like it," complained the goat. "It reminds me of the alligator -that tried to whistle."</p> - -<p>"Did he succeed, Bilbil?" asked the King.</p> - -<p>"He whistled as well as you sing."</p> - -<p>"Ha, ha, ha, ha, heek, keek, eek!" chuckled the King. "He must have -whistled most exquisitely, eh, my friend?"</p> - -<p>"I am not your friend," returned the goat, wagging his ears in a surly -manner.</p> - -<p>"I am yours, however," was the King's cheery reply; "and to prove it -I'll sing you another verse."</p> - -<p>"Don't, I beg of you!"</p> - -<p>But the King sang as follows:</p> - -<p class="poem"> -"The wind blew off the maiden's shoe—<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Sing too-ral-oo-ral-i-do!</span><br /> -And the shoe flew high to the sky so blue<br /> -And the maiden knew 'twas a new shoe, too;<br /> -But she couldn't pursue the shoe, 'tis true—<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Sing too-ral-oo-ral-i-do!"</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>"Isn't that sweet, my pretty goat?"</p> - -<p>"Sweet, do you ask?" retorted Bilbil. "I consider it as sweet as candy -made from mustard and vinegar."</p> - -<p>"But not as sweet as your disposition, I admit. Ah, Bilbil, your temper -would put honey itself to shame."</p> - -<p>"Do not quarrel, I beg of you," pleaded Inga. "Are we not sad enough -already?"</p> - -<p>"But this is a jolly quarrel," said the King, "and it is the way Bilbil -and I often amuse ourselves. Listen, now, to the last verse of all:</p> - -<p class="poem"> -The maid who shied her shoe now cried—<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Sing too-ral-oo-ral-i-do!</span><br /> -Her tears were fried for the Captain's bride<br /> -Who ate with pride her sobs, beside,<br /> -And gently sighed 'I'm satisfied'—<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Sing too-ral-oo-ral-i-do!"</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>"Worse and worse!" grumbled Bilbil, with much scorn. "I am glad that is -the last verse, for another of the same kind might cause me to faint."</p> - -<p>"I fear you have no ear for music," said the King.</p> - -<p>"I have heard no music, as yet," declared the goat. "You must have a -strong imagination, King Rinkitink, if you consider your songs music. Do -you remember the story of the bear that hired out for a nursemaid?"</p> - -<p>"I do not recall it just now," said Rinkitink, with a wink at Inga.</p> - -<p>"Well, the bear tried to sing a lullaby to put the baby to sleep."</p> - -<p>"And then?" said the King.</p> - -<p>"The bear was highly pleased with its own voice, but the baby was nearly -frightened to death."</p> - -<p>"Heh, heh, heh, heh, whoo, hoo, hoo! You are a merry rogue, Bilbil," -laughed the King; "a merry rogue in spite of your gloomy features. -However, if I have not amused you, I have at least pleased myself, for I -am exceedingly fond of a good song. So let us say no more about it."</p> - -<p>All this time the boy Prince was rowing the boat. He was not in the -least tired, for the oars he held seemed to move of their own accord. He -paid little heed to the conversation of Rinkitink and the goat, but -busied his thoughts with plans of what he should do when he reached the -islands of Regos and Coregos and confronted his enemies. When the others -finally became silent, Inga inquired:</p> - -<p>"Can you fight, King Rinkitink?"</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image35.jpg" width="500" height="724" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>"I have never tried," was the answer. "In time of danger I have found -it much easier to run away than to face the foe."</p> - -<p>"But <i>could</i> you fight?" asked the boy.</p> - -<p>"I might try, if there was no chance to escape by running. Have you a -proper weapon for me to fight with?"</p> - -<p>"I have no weapon at all," confessed Inga.</p> - -<p>"Then let us use argument and persuasion instead of fighting. For -instance, if we could persuade the warriors of Regos to lie down, and -let me step on them, they would be crushed with ease."</p> - -<p>Prince Inga had expected little support from the King, so he was not -discouraged by this answer. After all, he reflected, a conquest by -battle would be out of the question, yet the White Pearl would not have -advised him to go to Regos and Coregos had the mission been a hopeless -one. It seemed to him, on further reflection, that he must rely upon -circumstances to determine his actions when he reached the islands of -the barbarians.</p> - -<p>By this time Inga felt perfect confidence in the Magic Pearls. It was -the White Pearl that had given him the boat, and the Blue Pearl that had -given him strength to row it. He believed that the Pink Pearl would -protect him from any danger that might arise; so his anxiety was not -for himself, but for his companions. King Rinkitink and the goat had no -magic to protect them, so Inga resolved to do all in his power to keep -them from harm.</p> - -<p>For three days and three nights the boat with the silver lining sped -swiftly over the ocean. On the morning of the fourth day, so quickly had -they traveled, Inga saw before him the shores of the two great islands -of Regos and Coregos.</p> - -<p>"The pearls have guided me aright!" he whispered to himself. "Now, if I -am wise, and cautious, and brave, I believe I shall be able to rescue my -father and mother and my people."</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image36.jpg" width="500" height="284" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="The_Twin_Islands" id="The_Twin_Islands"></a>The Twin Islands</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image37.jpg" width="500" height="306" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 7</h3> - - -<p>The Island of Regos was ten miles wide and forty miles long and it was -ruled by a big and powerful King named Gos. Near to the shores were -green and fertile fields, but farther back from the sea were rugged -hills and mountains, so rocky that nothing would grow there. But in -these mountains were mines of gold and silver, which the slaves of the -King were forced to work, being confined in dark underground passages -for that purpose. In the course of time huge caverns had been hollowed -out by the slaves, in which they lived and slept, never seeing the light -of day. Cruel overseers with whips stood over these poor people, who had -been captured in many countries by the raiding parties of King Gos, and -the overseers were quite willing to lash the slaves with their whips if -they faltered a moment in their work.</p> - -<p>Between the green shores and the mountains were forests of thick, -tangled trees, between which narrow paths had been cut to lead up to the -caves of the mines. It was on the level green meadows, not far from the -ocean, that the great City of Regos had been built, wherein was located -the palace of the King. This city was inhabited by thousands of the -fierce warriors of Gos, who frequently took to their boats and spread -over the sea to the neighboring islands to conquer and pillage, as they -had done at Pingaree. When they were not absent on one of these -expeditions, the City of Regos swarmed with them and so became a -dangerous place for any peaceful person to live in, for the warriors -were as lawless as their King.</p> - -<p>The Island of Coregos lay close beside the Island of Regos; so close, -indeed, that one might have thrown a stone from one shore to another. -But Coregos was only half the size of Regos and instead of being -mountainous it was a rich and pleasant country, covered with fields of -grain. The fields of Coregos furnished food for the warriors and -citizens of both countries, while the mines of Regos made them all rich.</p> - -<p>Coregos was ruled by Queen Cor, who was wedded to King Gos; but so stern -and cruel was the nature of this Queen that the people could not decide -which of their sovereigns they dreaded most.</p> - -<p>Queen Cor lived in her own City of Coregos, which lay on that side of -her island facing Regos, and her slaves, who were mostly women, were -made to plow the land and to plant and harvest the grain.</p> - -<p>From Regos to Coregos stretched a bridge of boats, set close together, -with planks laid across their edges for people to walk upon. In this way -it was easy to pass from one island to the other and in times of danger -the bridge could be quickly removed.</p> - -<p>The native inhabitants of Regos and Coregos consisted of the warriors, -who did nothing but fight and ravage, and the trembling servants who -waited on them. King Gos and Queen Cor were at war with all the rest of -the world. Other islanders hated and feared them, for their slaves were -badly treated and absolutely no mercy was shown to the weak or ill.</p> - -<p>When the boats that had gone to Pingaree returned loaded with rich -plunder and a host of captives, there was much rejoicing in Regos and -Coregos and the King and Queen gave a fine feast to the warriors who had -accomplished so great a conquest. This feast was set for the warriors in -the grounds of King Gos's palace, while with them in the great throne -room all the captains and leaders of the fighting men were assembled -with King Gos and Queen Cor, who had come from her island to attend the -ceremony. Then all the goods that had been stolen from the King of -Pingaree were divided according to rank, the King and Queen taking half, -the captains a quarter, and the rest being divided amongst the warriors.</p> - -<p>The day following the feast King Gos sent King Kitticut and all the men -of Pingaree to work in his mines under the mountains, having first -chained them together so they could not escape. The gentle Queen of -Pingaree and all her women, together with the captured children, were -given to Queen Cor, who set them to work in her grain fields.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image38.jpg" width="500" height="724" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Then the rulers and warriors of these dreadful islands thought they had -done forever with Pingaree. Despoiled of all its wealth, its houses torn -down, its boats captured and all its people enslaved, what likelihood -was there that they might ever again hear of the desolated island? So -the people of Regos and Coregos were surprised and puzzled when one -morning they observed approaching their shores from the direction of the -south a black boat containing a boy, a fat man and a goat. The warriors -asked one another who these could be, and where they had come from? No -one ever came to those islands of their own accord, that was certain.</p> - -<p>Prince Inga guided his boat to the south end of the Island of Regos, -which was the landing place nearest to the city, and when the warriors -saw this action they went down to the shore to meet him, being led by a -big captain named Buzzub.</p> - -<p>"Those people surely mean us no good," said Rinkitink uneasily to the -boy. "Without doubt they intend to capture us and make us their slaves."</p> - -<p>"Do not fear, sir," answered Inga, in a calm voice. "Stay quietly in the -boat with Bilbil until I have spoken with these men."</p> - -<p>He stopped the boat a dozen feet from the shore, and standing up in his -place made a grave bow to the multitude confronting him. Said the big -Captain Buzzub in a gruff voice:</p> - -<p>"Well, little one, who may you be? And how dare you come, uninvited and -all alone, to the Island of Regos?"</p> - -<p>"I am Inga, Prince of Pingaree," returned the boy, "and I have come here -to free my parents and my people, whom you have wrongfully enslaved."</p> - -<p>When they heard this bold speech a mighty laugh arose from the band of -warriors, and when it had subsided the captain said:</p> - -<p>"You love to jest, my baby Prince, and the joke is fairly good. But why -did you willingly thrust your head into the lion's mouth? When you were -free, why did you not stay free? We did not know we had left a single -person in Pingaree! But since you managed to escape us then, it is -really kind of you to come here of your own free will, to be our slave. -Who is the funny fat person with you?"</p> - -<p>"It is His Majesty, King Rinkitink, of the great City of Gilgad. He has -accompanied me to see that you render full restitution for all you have -stolen from Pingaree."</p> - -<p>"Better yet!" laughed Buzzub. "He will make a fine slave for Queen Cor, -who loves to tickle fat men, and see them jump."</p> - -<p>King Rinkitink was filled with horror when he heard this, but the -Prince answered as boldly as before, saying:</p> - -<p>"We are not to be frightened by bluster, believe me; nor are we so weak -as you imagine. We have magic powers so great and terrible that no host -of warriors can possibly withstand us, and therefore I call upon you to -surrender your city and your island to us, before we crush you with our -mighty powers."</p> - -<p>The boy spoke very gravely and earnestly, but his words only aroused -another shout of laughter. So while the men of Regos were laughing Inga -drove the boat well up onto the sandy beach and leaped out. He also -helped Rinkitink out, and when the goat had unaided sprung to the sands, -the King got upon Bilbil's back, trembling a little internally, but -striving to look as brave as possible.</p> - -<p>There was a bunch of coarse hair between the goat's ears, and this Inga -clutched firmly in his left hand. The boy knew the Pink Pearl would -protect not only himself, but all whom he touched, from any harm, and as -Rinkitink was astride the goat and Inga had his hand upon the animal, -the three could not be injured by anything the warriors could do. But -Captain Buzzub did not know this, and the little group of three seemed -so weak and ridiculous that he believed their capture would be easy. So -he turned to his men and with a wave of his hand said:</p> - -<p>"Seize the intruders!"</p> - -<p>Instantly two or three of the warriors stepped forward to obey, but to -their amazement they could not reach any of the three; their hands were -arrested as if by an invisible wall of iron. Without paying any -attention to these attempts at capture, Inga advanced slowly and the -goat kept pace with him. And when Rinkitink saw that he was safe from -harm he gave one of his big, merry laughs, and it startled the warriors -and made them nervous. Captain Buzzub's eyes grew big with surprise as -the three steadily advanced and forced his men backward; nor was he free -from terror himself at the magic that protected these strange visitors. -As for the warriors, they presently became terror-stricken and fled in a -panic up the slope toward the city, and Buzzub was obliged to chase -after them and shout threats of punishment before he could halt them and -form them into a line of battle.</p> - -<p>All the men of Regos bore spears and bows-and-arrows, and some of the -officers had swords and battle-axes; so Buzzub ordered them to stand -their ground and shoot and slay the strangers as they approached. This -they tried to do. Inga being in advance, the warriors sent a flight of -sharp arrows straight at the boy's breast, while others cast their long -spears at him.</p> - -<p>It seemed to Rinkitink that the little Prince must surely perish as he -stood facing this hail of murderous missiles; but the power of the Pink -Pearl did not desert him, and when the arrows and spears had reached to -within an inch of his body they bounded back again and fell harmlessly -at his feet. Nor were Rinkitink or Bilbil injured in the least, although -they stood close beside Inga.</p> - -<p>Buzzub stood for a moment looking upon the boy in silent wonder. Then, -recovering himself, he shouted in a loud voice:</p> - -<p>"Once again! All together, my men. No one shall ever defy our might and -live!"</p> - -<p>Again a flight of arrows and spears sped toward the the three, and since -many more of the warriors of Regos had by this time joined their -fellows, the air was for a moment darkened by the deadly shafts. But -again all fell harmless before the power of the Pink Pearl, and Bilbil, -who had been growing very angry at the attempts to injure him and his -party, suddenly made a bolt forward, casting off Inga's hold, and -butted into the line of warriors, who were standing amazed at their -failure to conquer.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image39.jpg" width="500" height="710" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Taken by surprise at the goat's attack, a dozen big warriors tumbled in -a heap, yelling with fear, and their comrades, not knowing what had -happened but imagining that their foes were attacking them, turned about -and ran to the city as hard as they could go. Bilbil, still angry, had -just time to catch the big captain as he turned to follow his men, and -Buzzub first sprawled headlong upon the ground, then rolled over two or -three times, and finally jumped up and ran yelling after his defeated -warriors. This butting on the part of the goat was very hard upon King -Rinkitink, who nearly fell off Bilbil's back at the shock of encounter; -but the little fat King wound his arms around the goat's neck and shut -his eyes and clung on with all his might. It was not until he heard Inga -say triumphantly, "We have won the fight without striking a blow!" that -Rinkitink dared open his eyes again. Then he saw the warriors rushing -into the City of Regos and barring the heavy gates, and he was very much -relieved at the sight.</p> - -<p>"Without striking a blow!" said Bilbil indignantly. "That is not quite -true, Prince Inga. You did not fight, I admit, but I struck a couple of -times to good purpose, and I claim to have conquered the cowardly -warriors unaided."</p> - -<p>"You and I together, Bilbil," said Rinkitink mildly. "But the next time -you make a charge, please warn me in time, so that I may dismount and -give you all the credit for the attack."</p> - -<p>There being no one now to oppose their advance, the three walked to the -gates of the city, which had been closed against them. The gates were of -iron and heavily barred, and upon the top of the high walls of the city -a host of the warriors now appeared armed with arrows and spears and -other weapons. For Buzzub had gone straight to the palace of King Gos -and reported his defeat, relating the powerful magic of the boy, the fat -King and the goat, and had asked what to do next.</p> - -<p>The big captain still trembled with fear, but King Gos did not believe -in magic, and called Buzzub a coward and a weakling. At once the King -took command of his men personally, and he ordered the walls manned with -warriors and instructed them to shoot to kill if any of the three -strangers approached the gates.</p> - -<p>Of course, neither Rinkitink nor Bilbil knew how they had been protected -from harm and so at first they were inclined to resent the boy's -command that the three must always keep together and touch one another -at all times. But when Inga explained that his magic would not otherwise -save them from injury, they agreed to obey, for they had now seen enough -to convince them that the Prince was really protected by some invisible -power.</p> - -<p>As they came before the gates another shower of arrows and spears -descended upon them, and as before not a single missile touched their -bodies. King Gos, who was upon the wall, was greatly amazed and somewhat -worried, but he depended upon the strength of his gates and commanded -his men to continue shooting until all their weapons were gone.</p> - -<p>Inga let them shoot as much as they wished, while he stood before the -great gates and examined them carefully.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps Bilbil can batter down the gates," suggested Rinkitink.</p> - -<p>"No," replied the goat; "my head is hard, but not harder than iron."</p> - -<p>"Then," returned the King, "let us stay outside; especially as we can't -get in."</p> - -<p>But Inga was not at all sure they could not get in. The gates opened -inward, and three heavy bars were held in place by means of stout -staples riveted to the sheets of steel. The boy had been told that the -power of the Blue Pearl would enable him to accomplish any feat of -strength, and he believed that this was true.</p> - -<p>The warriors, under the direction of King Gos, continued to hurl arrows -and darts and spears and axes and huge stones upon the invaders, all -without avail. The ground below was thickly covered with weapons, yet -not one of the three before the gates had been injured in the slightest -manner. When everything had been cast that was available and not a -single weapon of any sort remained at hand, the amazed warriors saw the -boy put his shoulder against the gates and burst asunder the huge -staples that held the bars in place. A thousand of their men could not -have accomplished this feat, yet the small, slight boy did it with -seeming ease. The gates burst open, and Inga advanced into the city -street and called upon King Gos to surrender.</p> - -<p>But Gos was now as badly frightened as were his warriors. He and his men -were accustomed to war and pillage and they had carried terror into many -countries, but here was a small boy, a fat man and a goat who could not -be injured by all his skill in warfare, his numerous army and thousands -of death-dealing weapons. Moreover, they not only defied King Gos's -entire army but they had broken in the huge gates of the city—as easily -as if they had been made of paper—and such an exhibition of enormous -strength made the wicked King fear for his life. Like all bullies and -marauders, Gos was a coward at heart, and now a panic seized him and he -turned and fled before the calm advance of Prince Inga of Pingaree. The -warriors were like their master, and having thrown all their weapons -over the wall and being helpless to oppose the strangers, they all -swarmed after Gos, who abandoned his city and crossed the bridge of -boats to the Island of Coregos. There was a desperate struggle among -these cowardly warriors to get over the bridge, and many were pushed -into the water and obliged to swim; but finally every fighting man of -Regos had gained the shore of Coregos and then they tore away the bridge -of boats and drew them up on their own side, hoping the stretch of open -water would prevent the magic invaders from following them.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image40.jpg" width="500" height="715" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>The humble citizens and serving people of Regos, who had been terrified -and abused by the rough warriors all their lives, were not only greatly -astonished by this sudden conquest of their masters but greatly -delighted. As the King and his army fled to Coregos, the people embraced -one another and danced for very joy, and then they turned to see what -the conquerors of Regos were like.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image41.jpg" width="500" height="488" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="Rinkitink_Makes_a_Great_Mistake" id="Rinkitink_Makes_a_Great_Mistake"></a>Rinkitink Makes a Great Mistake</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image42.jpg" width="500" height="304" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 8</h3> - - -<p>The fat King rode his goat through the streets of the conquered city and -the boy Prince walked proudly beside him, while all the people bent -their heads humbly to their new masters, whom they were prepared to -serve in the same manner they had King Gos.</p> - -<p>Not a warrior remained in all Regos to oppose the triumphant three; the -bridge of boats had been destroyed; Inga and his companions were free -from danger—for a time, at least.</p> - -<p>The jolly little King appreciated this fact and rejoiced that he had -escaped all injury during the battle. How it had all happened he could -not tell, nor even guess, but he was content in being safe and free to -take possession of the enemy's city. So, as they passed through the -lines of respectful civilians on their way to the palace, the King -tipped his crown back on his bald head and folded his arms and sang in -his best voice the following lines:</p> - -<p class="poem"> -"Oh, here comes the army of King Rinkitink!<br /> -It isn't a big one, perhaps you may think,<br /> -But it scattered the warriors quicker than wink—<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Rink-i-tink, tink-i-tink, tink!</span><br /> -Our Bilbil's a hero and so is his King;<br /> -Our foemen have vanished like birds on the wing;<br /> -I guess that as fighters we're quite the real thing—<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Rink-i-tink, tink-i-tink, tink!"</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>"Why don't you give a little credit to Inga?" inquired the goat. "If I -remember aright, he did a little of the conquering himself."</p> - -<p>"So he did," responded the King, "and that's the reason I'm sounding our -own praise, Bilbil. Those who do the least, often shout the loudest and -so get the most glory. Inga did so much that there is danger of his -becoming more important than we are, and so we'd best say nothing about -him."</p> - -<p>When they reached the palace, which was an immense building, furnished -throughout in regal splendor, Inga took formal possession and ordered -the majordomo to show them the finest rooms the building contained. -There were many pleasant apartments, but Rinkitink proposed to Inga that -they share one of the largest bedrooms together.</p> - -<p>"For," said he, "we are not sure that old Gos will not return and try to -recapture his city, and you must remember that I have no magic to -protect me. In any danger, were I alone, I might be easily killed or -captured, while if you are by my side you can save me from injury."</p> - -<p>The boy realized the wisdom of this plan, and selected a fine big -bedroom on the second floor of the palace, in which he ordered two -golden beds placed and prepared for King Rinkitink and himself. Bilbil -was given a suite of rooms on the other side of the palace, where -servants brought the goat fresh-cut grass to eat and made him a soft bed -to lie upon.</p> - -<p>That evening the boy Prince and the fat King dined in great state in the -lofty-domed dining-hall of the palace, where forty servants waited upon -them. The royal chef, anxious to win the favor of the conquerors of -Regos, prepared his finest and most savory dishes for them, which -Rinkitink ate with much appetite and found so delicious that he ordered -the royal chef brought into the banquet hall and presented him with a -gilt button which the King cut from his own jacket.</p> - -<p>"You are welcome to it," said he to the chef, "because I have eaten so -much that I cannot use that lower button at all."</p> - -<p>Rinkitink was mightily pleased to live in a comfortable palace again and -to dine at a well-spread table. His joy grew every moment, so that he -came in time to be as merry and cheery as before Pingaree was despoiled. -And, although he had been much frightened during Inga's defiance of the -army of King Gos, he now began to turn the matter into a joke.</p> - -<p>"Why, my boy," said he, "you whipped the big black-bearded King exactly -as if he were a schoolboy, even though you used no warlike weapon at all -upon him. He was cowed through fear of your magic, and that reminds me -to demand from you an explanation. How did you do it, Inga? And where -did the wonderful magic come from?"</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image43.jpg" width="500" height="716" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Perhaps it would have been wise for the Prince to have explained about -the magic pearls, but at that moment he was not inclined to do so. -Instead, he replied:</p> - -<p>"Be patient, Your Majesty. The secret is not my own, so please do not -ask me to divulge it. Is it not enough, for the present, that the magic -saved you from death to-day?"</p> - -<p>"Do not think me ungrateful," answered the King earnestly. "A million -spears fell on me from the wall, and several stones as big as mountains, -yet none of them hurt me!"</p> - -<p>"The stones were not as big as mountains, sire," said the Prince with a -smile. "They were, indeed, no larger than your head."</p> - -<p>"Are you sure about that?" asked Rinkitink.</p> - -<p>"Quite sure, Your Majesty."</p> - -<p>"How deceptive those things are!" sighed the King. "This argument -reminds me of the story of Tom Tick, which my father used to tell."</p> - -<p>"I have never heard that story," Inga answered.</p> - -<p>"Well, as he told it, it ran like this:</p> - -<p class="poem"> -"When Tom walked out, the sky to spy,<br /> -A naughty gnat flew in his eye;<br /> -But Tom knew not it was a gnat—<br /> -He thought, at first, it was a cat.<br /> -<br /> -"And then, it felt so very big,<br /> -He thought it surely was a pig<br /> -Till, standing still to hear it grunt,<br /> -He cried: 'Why, it's an <i>elephunt</i>!'<br /> -<br /> -"But—when the gnat flew out again<br /> -And Tom was free from all his pain,<br /> -He said: 'There flew into my eye<br /> -A leetle, teenty-tiny fly.'"<br /> -</p> - -<p>"Indeed," said Inga, laughing, "the gnat was much like your stones that -seemed as big as mountains."</p> - -<p>After their dinner they inspected the palace, which was filled with -valuable goods stolen by King Gos from many nations. But the day's -events had tired them and they retired early to their big sleeping -apartment.</p> - -<p>"In the morning," said the boy to Rinkitink, as he was undressing for -bed, "I shall begin the search for my father and mother and the people -of Pingaree. And, when they are found and rescued, we will all go home -again, and be as happy as we were before."</p> - -<p>They carefully bolted the door of their room, that no one might enter, -and then got into their beds, where Rinkitink fell asleep in an instant. -The boy lay awake for a while thinking over the day's adventures, but -presently he fell sound asleep also, and so weary was he that nothing -disturbed his slumber until he awakened next morning with a ray of -sunshine in his eyes, which had crept into the room through the open -window by King Rinkitink's bed.</p> - -<p>Resolving to begin the search for his parents without any unnecessary -delay, Inga at once got out of bed and began to dress himself, while -Rinkitink, in the other bed, was still sleeping peacefully. But when the -boy had put on both his stockings and began looking for his shoes, he -could find but one of them. The left shoe, that containing the Pink -Pearl, was missing.</p> - -<p>Filled with anxiety at this discovery, Inga searched through the entire -room, looking underneath the beds and divans and chairs and behind the -draperies and in the corners and every other possible place a shoe might -be. He tried the door, and found it still bolted; so, with growing -uneasiness, the boy was forced to admit that the precious shoe was not -in the room.</p> - -<p>With a throbbing heart he aroused his companion.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image44.jpg" width="500" height="708" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>"King Rinkitink," said he, "do you know what has become of my left -shoe?"</p> - -<p>"Your shoe!" exclaimed the King, giving a wide yawn and rubbing his eyes -to get the sleep out of them. "Have you lost a shoe?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Inga. "I have searched everywhere in the room, and cannot -find it."</p> - -<p>"But why bother me about such a small thing?" inquired Rinkitink. "A -shoe is only a shoe, and you can easily get another one. But, stay! -Perhaps it was your shoe which I threw at the cat last night."</p> - -<p>"The cat!" cried Inga. "What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Why, in the night," explained Rinkitink, sitting up and beginning to -dress himself, "I was wakened by the mewing of a cat that sat upon a -wall of the palace, just outside my window. As the noise disturbed me, I -reached out in the dark and caught up something and threw it at the cat, -to frighten the creature away. I did not know what it was that I threw, -and I was too sleepy to care; but probably it was your shoe, since it is -now missing."</p> - -<p>"Then," said the boy, in a despairing tone of voice, "your carelessness -has ruined me, as well as yourself, King Rinkitink, for in that shoe was -concealed the magic power which protected us from danger."</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image45.jpg" width="500" height="712" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>The King's face became very serious when he heard this and he uttered a -low whistle of surprise and regret.</p> - -<p>"Why on earth did you not warn me of this?" he demanded. "And why did -you keep such a precious power in an old shoe? And why didn't you put -the shoe under a pillow? You were very wrong, my lad, in not confiding -to me, your faithful friend, the secret, for in that case the shoe would -not now be lost."</p> - -<p>To all this Inga had no answer. He sat on the side of his bed, with -hanging head, utterly disconsolate, and seeing this, Rinkitink had pity -for his sorrow.</p> - -<p>"Come!" cried the King; "let us go out at once and look for the shoe -which I threw at the cat. It must even now be lying in the yard of the -palace."</p> - -<p>This suggestion roused the boy to action. He at once threw open the door -and in his stocking feet rushed down the staircase, closely followed by -Rinkitink. But although they looked on both sides of the palace wall and -in every possible crack and corner where a shoe might lodge, they failed -to find it.</p> - -<p>After a half hour's careful search the boy said sorrowfully:</p> - -<p>"Someone must have passed by, as we slept, and taken the precious shoe, -not knowing its value. To us, King Rinkitink, this will be a dreadful -misfortune, for we are surrounded by dangers from which we have now no -protection. Luckily I have the other shoe left, within which is the -magic power that gives me strength; so all is not lost."</p> - -<p>Then he told Rinkitink, in a few words, the secret of the wonderful -pearls, and how he had recovered them from the ruins and hidden them in -his shoes, and how they had enabled him to drive King Gos and his men -from Regos and to capture the city. The King was much astonished, and -when the story was concluded he said to Inga:</p> - -<p>"What did you do with the other shoe?"</p> - -<p>"Why, I left it in our bedroom," replied the boy.</p> - -<p>"Then I advise you to get it at once," continued Rinkitink, "for we can -ill afford to lose the second shoe, as well as the one I threw at the -cat."</p> - -<p>"You are right!" cried Inga, and they hastened back to their bedchamber.</p> - -<p>On entering the room they found an old woman sweeping and raising a -great deal of dust.</p> - -<p>"Where is my shoe?" asked the Prince, anxiously.</p> - -<p>The old woman stopped sweeping and looked at him in a stupid way, for -she was not very intelligent.</p> - -<p>"Do you mean the one odd shoe that was lying on the floor when I came -in?" she finally asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes—yes!" answered the boy. "Where is it? Tell me where it is!"</p> - -<p>"Why, I threw it on the dust-heap, outside the back gate," said she, -"for, it being but a single shoe, with no mate, it can be of no use to -anyone."</p> - -<p>"Show us the way to the dust-heap—at once!" commanded the boy, sternly, -for he was greatly frightened by this new misfortune which threatened -him.</p> - -<p>The old woman hobbled away and they followed her, constantly urging her -to hasten; but when they reached the dust-heap no shoe was to be seen.</p> - -<p>"This is terrible!" wailed the young Prince, ready to weep at his loss. -"We are now absolutely ruined, and at the mercy of our enemies. Nor -shall I be able to liberate my dear father and mother."</p> - -<p>"Well," replied Rinkitink, leaning against an old barrel and looking -quite solemn, "the thing is certainly unlucky, any way we look at it. I -suppose someone has passed along here and, seeing the shoe upon the -dust-heap, has carried it away. But no one could know the magic power -the shoe contains and so will not use it against us. I believe, Inga, we -must now depend upon our wits to get us out of the scrape we are in."</p> - -<p>With saddened hearts they returned to the palace, and entering a small -room where no one could observe them or overhear them, the boy took the -White Pearl from its silken bag and held it to his ear, asking:</p> - -<p>"What shall I do now?"</p> - -<p>"Tell no one of your loss," answered the Voice of the Pearl. "If your -enemies do not know that you are powerless, they will fear you as much -as ever. Keep your secret, be patient, and fear not!"</p> - -<p>Inga heeded this advice and also warned Rinkitink to say nothing to -anyone of the loss of the shoes and the powers they contained. He sent -for the shoemaker of King Gos, who soon brought him a new pair of red -leather shoes that fitted him quite well. When these had been put upon -his feet, the Prince, accompanied by the King, started to walk through -the city.</p> - -<p>Wherever they went the people bowed low to the conqueror, although a -few, remembering Inga's terrible strength, ran away in fear and -trembling. They had been used to severe masters and did not yet know how -they would be treated by King Gos's successor. There being no occasion -for the boy to exercise the powers he had displayed the previous day, -his present helplessness was not suspected by any of the citizens of -Regos, who still considered him a wonderful magician.</p> - -<p>Inga did not dare to fight his way to the mines, at present, nor could -he try to conquer the Island of Coregos, where his mother was enslaved; -so he set about the regulation of the City of Regos, and having -established himself with great state in the royal palace he began to -govern the people by kindness, having consideration for the most humble.</p> - -<p>The King of Regos and his followers sent spies across to the island they -had abandoned in their flight, and these spies returned with the news -that the terrible boy conqueror was still occupying the city. Therefore -none of them ventured to go back to Regos but continued to live upon the -neighboring island of Coregos, where they passed the days in fear and -trembling and sought to plot and plan ways how they might overcome the -Prince of Pingaree and the fat King of Gilgad.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image46.jpg" width="500" height="95" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="A_Present_for_Zella" id="A_Present_for_Zella"></a>A Present for Zella</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image47.jpg" width="500" height="319" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 9</h3> - - -<p>Now it so happened that on the morning of that same day when the Prince -of Pingaree suffered the loss of his priceless shoes, there chanced to -pass along the road that wound beside the royal palace a poor -charcoal-burner named Nikobob, who was about to return to his home in -the forest.</p> - -<p>Nikobob carried an ax and a bundle of torches over his shoulder and he -walked with his eyes to the ground, being deep in thought as to the -strange manner in which the powerful King Gos and his city had been -conquered by a boy Prince who had come from Pingaree.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the charcoal-burner espied a shoe lying upon the ground, just -beyond the high wall of the palace and directly in his path. He picked -it up and, seeing it was a pretty shoe, although much too small for his -own foot, he put it in his pocket.</p> - -<p>Soon after, on turning a corner of the wall, Nikobob came to a dust-heap -where, lying amidst a mass of rubbish, was another shoe—the mate to the -one he had before found. This also he placed in his pocket, saying to -himself:</p> - -<p>"I have now a fine pair of shoes for my daughter Zella, who will be much -pleased to find I have brought her a present from the city."</p> - -<p>And while the charcoal-burner turned into the forest and trudged along -the path toward his home, Inga and Rinkitink were still searching for -the missing shoes. Of course, they could not know that Nikobob had found -them, nor did the honest man think he had taken anything more than a -pair of cast-off shoes which nobody wanted.</p> - -<p>Nikobob had several miles to travel through the forest before he could -reach the little log cabin where his wife, as well as his little -daughter Zella, awaited his return, but he was used to long walks and -tramped along the path whistling cheerfully to beguile the time.</p> - -<p>Few people, as I said before, ever passed through the dark and tangled -forests of Regos, except to go to the mines in the mountain beyond, for -many dangerous creatures lurked in the wild jungles, and King Gos never -knew, when he sent a messenger to the mines, whether he would reach -there safely or not.</p> - -<p>The charcoal-burner, however, knew the wild forest well, and especially -this part of it lying between the city and his home. It was the favorite -haunt of the ferocious beast Choggenmugger, dreaded by every dweller in -the Island of Regos. Choggenmugger was so old that everyone thought it -must have been there since the world was made, and each year of its life -the huge scales that covered its body grew thicker and harder and its -jaws grew wider and its teeth grew sharper and its appetite grew more -keen than ever.</p> - -<p>In former ages there had been many dragons in Regos, but Choggenmugger -was so fond of dragons that he had eaten all of them long ago. There had -also been great serpents and crocodiles in the forest marshes, but all -had gone to feed the hunger of Choggenmugger. The people of Regos knew -well there was no use opposing the Great Beast, so when one -unfortunately met with it he gave himself up for lost.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image48.jpg" width="500" height="707" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>All this Nikobob knew well, but fortune had always favored him in his -journeys through the forest, and although he had at times met many -savage beasts and fought them with his sharp ax, he had never to this -day encountered the terrible Choggenmugger. Indeed, he was not thinking -of the Great Beast at all as he walked along, but suddenly he heard a -crashing of broken trees and felt a trembling of the earth and saw the -immense jaws of Choggenmugger opening before him. Then Nikobob gave -himself up for lost and his heart almost ceased to beat.</p> - -<p>He believed there was no way of escape. No one ever dared oppose -Choggenmugger. But Nikobob hated to die without showing the monster, in -some way, that he was eaten only under protest. So he raised his ax and -brought it down upon the red, protruding tongue of the monster—and cut -it clean off!</p> - -<p>For a moment the charcoal-burner scarcely believed what his eyes saw, -for he knew nothing of the pearls he carried in his pocket or the magic -power they lent his arm. His success, however, encouraged him to strike -again, and this time the huge scaly jaw of Choggenmugger was severed in -twain and the beast howled in terrified rage.</p> - -<p>Nikobob took off his coat, to give himself more freedom of action, and -then he earnestly renewed the attack. But now the ax seemed blunted by -the hard scales and made no impression upon them whatever. The creature -advanced with glaring, wicked eyes, and Nikobob seized his coat under -his arm and turned to flee.</p> - -<p>That was foolish, for Choggenmugger could run like the wind. In a moment -it overtook the charcoal-burner and snapped its four rows of sharp teeth -together. But they did not touch Nikobob, because he still held the coat -in his grasp, close to his body, and in the coat pocket were Inga's -shoes, and in the points of the shoes were the magic pearls. Finding -himself uninjured, Nikobob put on his coat, again seized his ax, and in -a short time had chopped Choggenmugger into many small pieces—a task -that proved not only easy but very agreeable.</p> - -<p>"I must be the strongest man in all the world!" thought the -charcoal-burner, as he proudly resumed his way, "for Choggenmugger has -been the terror of Regos since the world began, and I alone have been -able to destroy the beast. Yet it is singular that never before did I -discover how powerful a man I am."</p> - -<p>He met no further adventure and at midday reached a little clearing in -the forest where stood his humble cabin.</p> - -<p>"Great news! I have great news for you," he shouted, as his wife and -little daughter came to greet him. "King Gos has been conquered by a boy -Prince from the far island of Pingaree, and I have this -day—unaided—destroyed Choggenmugger by the might of my strong arm."</p> - -<p>This was, indeed, great news. They brought Nikobob into the house and -set him in an easy chair and made him tell everything he knew about the -Prince of Pingaree and the fat King of Gilgad, as well as the details of -his wonderful fight with mighty Choggenmugger.</p> - -<p>"And now, my daughter," said the charcoal-burner, when all his news had -been related for at least the third time, "here is a pretty present I -have brought you from the city."</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image49.jpg" width="500" height="707" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>With this he drew the shoes from the pocket of his coat and handed them -to Zella, who gave him a dozen kisses in payment and was much pleased -with her gift. The little girl had never worn shoes before, for her -parents were too poor to buy her such luxuries, so now the possession of -these, which were not much worn, filled the child's heart with joy. She -admired the red leather and the graceful curl of the pointed toes. When -she tried them on her feet, they fitted as well as if made for her.</p> - -<p>All the afternoon, as she helped her mother with the housework, Zella -thought of her pretty shoes. They seemed more important to her than the -coming to Regos of the conquering Prince of Pingaree, or even the death -of Choggenmugger.</p> - -<p>When Zella and her mother were not working in the cabin, cooking or -sewing, they often searched the neighboring forest for honey which the -wild bees cleverly hid in hollow trees. The day after Nikobob's return, -as they were starting out after honey, Zella decided to put on her new -shoes, as they would keep the twigs that covered the ground from hurting -her feet. She was used to the twigs, of course, but what is the use of -having nice, comfortable shoes, if you do not wear them?</p> - -<p>So she danced along, very happily, followed by her mother, and presently -they came to a tree in which was a deep hollow. Zella thrust her hand -and arm into the space and found that the tree was full of honey, so -she began to dig it out with a wooden paddle. Her mother, who held the -pail, suddenly cried in warning:</p> - -<p>"Look out, Zella; the bees are coming!" and then the good woman ran fast -toward the house to escape.</p> - -<p>Zella, however, had no more than time to turn her head when a thick -swarm of bees surrounded her, angry because they had caught her stealing -their honey and intent on stinging the girl as a punishment. She knew -her danger and expected to be badly injured by the multitude of stinging -bees, but to her surprise the little creatures were unable to fly close -enough to her to stick their dart-like stingers into her flesh. They -swarmed about her in a dark cloud, and their angry buzzing was terrible -to hear, yet the little girl remained unharmed.</p> - -<p>When she realized this, Zella was no longer afraid but continued to -ladle out the honey until she had secured all that was in the tree. Then -she returned to the cabin, where her mother was weeping and bemoaning -the fate of her darling child, and the good woman was greatly astonished -to find Zella had escaped injury.</p> - -<p>Again they went to the woods to search for honey, and although the -mother always ran away whenever the bees came near them, Zella paid no -attention to the creatures but kept at her work, so that before supper -time came the pails were again filled to overflowing with delicious -honey.</p> - -<p>"With such good fortune as we have had this day," said her mother, "we -shall soon gather enough honey for you to carry to Queen Cor." For it -seems the wicked Queen was very fond of honey and it had been Zella's -custom to go, once every year, to the City of Coregos, to carry the -Queen a supply of sweet honey for her table. Usually she had but one -pail.</p> - -<p>"But now," said Zella, "I shall be able to carry two pailsful to the -Queen, who will, I am sure, give me a good price for it."</p> - -<p>"True," answered her mother, "and, as the boy Prince may take it into -his head to conquer Coregos, as well as Regos, I think it best for you -to start on your journey to Queen Cor to-morrow morning. Do you not -agree with me, Nikobob?" she added, turning to her husband, the -charcoal-burner, who was eating his supper.</p> - -<p>"I agree with you," he replied. "If Zella must go to the City of -Coregos, she may as well start to-morrow morning."</p> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="The_Cunning_of_Queen_Cor" id="The_Cunning_of_Queen_Cor"></a>The Cunning of Queen Cor</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image50.jpg" width="500" height="304" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 10</h3> - - -<p>You may be sure the Queen of Coregos was not well pleased to have King -Gos and all his warriors living in her city after they had fled from -their own. They were savage natured and quarrelsome men at all times, -and their tempers had not improved since their conquest by the Prince of -Pingaree. Moreover, they were eating up Queen Cor's provisions and -crowding the houses of her own people, who grumbled and complained until -their Queen was heartily tired.</p> - -<p>"Shame on you!" she said to her husband, King Gos, "to be driven out of -your city by a boy, a roly-poly King and a billy goat! Why do you not go -back and fight them?"</p> - -<p>"No human can fight against the powers of magic," returned the King in a -surly voice. "That boy is either a fairy or under the protection of -fairies. We escaped with our lives only because we were quick to run -away; but, should we return to Regos, the same terrible power that burst -open the city gates would crush us all to atoms."</p> - -<p>"Bah! you are a coward," cried the Queen, tauntingly.</p> - -<p>"I am not a coward," said the big King. "I have killed in battle scores -of my enemies; by the might of my sword and my good right arm I have -conquered many nations; all my life people have feared me. But no one -would dare face the tremendous power of the Prince of Pingaree, boy -though he is. It would not be courage, it would be folly, to attempt -it."</p> - -<p>"Then meet his power with cunning," suggested the Queen. "Take my -advice, and steal over to Regos at night, when it is dark, and capture -or destroy the boy while he sleeps."</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image51.jpg" width="500" height="708" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>"No weapon can touch his body," was the answer. "He bears a charmed life -and cannot be injured."</p> - -<p>"Does the fat King possess magic powers, or the goat?" inquired Cor.</p> - -<p>"I think not," said Gos. "We could not injure them, indeed, any more -than we could the boy, but they did not seem to have any unusual -strength, although the goat's head is harder than a battering-ram."</p> - -<p>"Well," mused the Queen, "there is surely some way to conquer that -slight boy. If you are afraid to undertake the job, I shall go myself. -By some strategem I shall manage to make him my prisoner. He will not -dare to defy a Queen and no magic can stand against a woman's cunning."</p> - -<p>"Go ahead, if you like," replied the King, with an evil grin, "and if -you are hung up by the thumbs or cast into a dungeon, it will serve you -right for thinking you can succeed where a skilled warrior dares not -make the attempt."</p> - -<p>"I'm not afraid," answered the Queen. "It is only soldiers and bullies -who are cowards."</p> - -<p>In spite of this assertion, Queen Cor was not so brave as she was -cunning. For several days she thought over this plan and that, and tried -to decide which was most likely to succeed. She had never seen the boy -Prince but had heard so many tales of him from the defeated warriors, -and especially from Captain Buzzub, that she had learned to respect his -power.</p> - -<p>Spurred on by the knowledge that she would never get rid of her -unwelcome guests until Prince Inga was overcome and Regos regained for -King Gos, the Queen of Coregos finally decided to trust to luck and her -native wit to defeat a simple-minded boy, however powerful he might be. -Inga could not suspect what she was going to do, because she did not -know herself. She intended to act boldly and trust to chance to win.</p> - -<p>It is evident that had the cunning Queen known that Inga had lost all -his magic, she would not have devoted so much time to the simple matter -of capturing him, but like all others she was impressed by the marvelous -exhibition of power he had shown in capturing Regos, and had no reason -to believe the boy was less powerful now.</p> - -<p>One morning Queen Cor boldly entered a boat, and, taking four men with -her as an escort and bodyguard, was rowed across the narrow channel to -Regos. Prince Inga was sitting in the palace playing checkers with King -Rinkitink when a servant came to him, saying that Queen Cor had arrived -and desired an audience with him.</p> - -<p>With many misgivings lest the wicked Queen discover that he had now lost -his magic powers, the boy ordered her to be admitted, and she soon -entered the room and bowed low before him, in mock respect.</p> - -<p>Cor was a big woman, almost as tall as King Gos. She had flashing black -eyes and the dark complexion you see on gypsies. Her temper, when -irritated, was something dreadful, and her face wore an evil expression -which she tried to cover by smiling sweetly—often when she meant the -most mischief.</p> - -<p>"I have come," said she in a low voice, "to render homage to the noble -Prince of Pingaree. I am told that Your Highness is the strongest person -in the world, and invincible in battle, and therefore I wish you to -become my friend, rather than my enemy."</p> - -<p>Now Inga did not know how to reply to this speech. He disliked the -appearance of the woman and was afraid of her and he was unused to -deception and did not know how to mask his real feelings. So he took -time to think over his answer, Which he finally made in these words:</p> - -<p>"I have no quarrel with Your Majesty, and my only reason for coming -here is to liberate my father and mother, and my people, whom you and -your husband have made your slaves, and to recover the goods King Gos -has plundered from the Island of Pingaree. This I hope soon to -accomplish, and if you really wish to be my friend, you can assist me -greatly."</p> - -<p>While he was speaking Queen Cor had been studying the boy's face -stealthily, from the corners of her eyes, and she said to herself: "He -is so small and innocent that I believe I can capture him alone, and -with ease. He does not seem very terrible and I suspect that King Gos -and his warriors were frightened at nothing." Then, aloud, she said to -Inga:</p> - -<p>"I wish to invite you, mighty Prince, and your friend, the great King of -Gilgad, to visit my poor palace at Coregos, where all my people shall do -you honor. Will you come?"</p> - -<p>"At present," replied Inga, uneasily, "I must refuse your kind -invitation."</p> - -<p>"There will be feasting, and dancing girls, and games and fireworks," -said the Queen, speaking as if eager to entice him and at each word -coming a step nearer to where he stood.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image52.jpg" width="500" height="720" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>"I could not enjoy them while my poor parents are slaves," said the boy, -sadly.</p> - -<p>"Are you sure of that?" asked Queen Cor, and by that time she was close -beside Inga. Suddenly she leaned forward and threw both of her long arms -around Inga's body, holding him in a grasp that was like a vise.</p> - -<p>Now Rinkitink sprang forward to rescue his friend, but Cor kicked out -viciously with her foot and struck the King squarely on his stomach—a -very tender place to be kicked, especially if one is fat. Then, still -hugging Inga tightly, the Queen called aloud:</p> - -<p>"I've got him! Bring in the ropes."</p> - -<p>Instantly the four men she had brought with her sprang into the room and -bound the boy hand and foot. Next they seized Rinkitink, who was still -rubbing his stomach, and bound him likewise.</p> - -<p>With a laugh of wicked triumph, Queen Cor now led her captives down to -the boat and returned with them to Coregos.</p> - -<p>Great was the astonishment of King Gos and his warriors when they saw -that the mighty Prince of Pingaree, who had put them all to flight, had -been captured by a woman. Cowards as they were, they now crowded around -the boy and jeered at him, and some of them would have struck him had -not the Queen cried out:</p> - -<p>"Hands off! He is my prisoner, remember—not yours."</p> - -<p>"Well, Cor, what are you going to do with him?" inquired King Gos.</p> - -<p>"I shall make him my slave, that he may amuse my idle hours. For he is a -pretty boy, and gentle, although he did frighten all of you big warriors -so terribly."</p> - -<p>The King scowled at this speech, not liking to be ridiculed, but he said -nothing more. He and his men returned that same day to Regos, after -restoring the bridge of boats. And they held a wild carnival of -rejoicing, both in the King's palace and in the city, although the poor -people of Regos who were not warriors were all sorry that the kind young -Prince had been captured by his enemies and could rule them no longer.</p> - -<p>When her unwelcome guests had all gone back to Regos and the Queen was -alone in her palace, she ordered Inga and Rinkitink brought before her -and their bonds removed. They came sadly enough, knowing they were in -serious straits and at the mercy of a cruel mistress. Inga had taken -counsel of the White Pearl, which had advised him to bear up bravely -under his misfortune, promising a change for the better very soon. With -this promise to comfort him, Inga faced the Queen with a dignified -bearing that indicated both pride and courage.</p> - -<p>"Well, youngster," said she, in a cheerful tone because she was pleased -with her success, "you played a clever trick on my poor husband and -frightened him badly, but for that prank I am inclined to forgive you. -Hereafter I intend you to be my page, which means that you must fetch -and carry for me at my will. And let me advise you to obey my every whim -without question or delay, for when I am angry I become ugly, and when I -am ugly someone is sure to feel the lash. Do you understand me?"</p> - -<p>Inga bowed, but made no answer. Then she turned to Rinkitink and said:</p> - -<p>"As for you, I cannot decide how to make you useful to me, as you are -altogether too fat and awkward to work in the fields. It may be, -however, that I can use you as a pincushion."</p> - -<p>"What!" cried Rinkitink in horror, "would you stick pins into the King -of Gilgad?"</p> - -<p>"Why not?" returned Queen Cor. "You are as fat as a pincushion, as you -must yourself admit, and whenever I needed a pin I could call you to -me." Then she laughed at his frightened look and asked: "By the way, are -you ticklish?"</p> - -<p>This was the question Rinkitink had been dreading. He gave a moan of -despair and shook his head.</p> - -<p>"I should love to tickle the bottom of your feet with a feather," -continued the cruel woman. "Please take off your shoes."</p> - -<p>"Oh, your Majesty!" pleaded poor Rinkitink, "I beg you to allow me to -amuse you in some other way. I can dance, or I can sing you a song."</p> - -<p>"Well," she answered, shaking with laughter, "you may sing a song—if it -be a merry one. But you do not seem in a merry mood."</p> - -<p>"I <i>feel</i> merry—indeed, Your Majesty, I do!" protested Rinkitink, -anxious to escape the tickling. But even as he professed to "feel merry" -his round, red face wore an expression of horror and anxiety that was -really comical.</p> - -<p>"Sing, then!" commanded Queen Cor, who was greatly amused.</p> - -<p>Rinkitink gave a sigh of relief and after clearing his throat and trying -to repress his sobs he began to sing this song—gently, at first, but -finally roaring it out at the top of his voice:</p> - -<p class="poem"> -"Oh!<br /> -There was a Baby Tiger lived in a men-ag-er-ie—<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Fizzy-fezzy-fuzzy—they wouldn't set him free;</span><br /> -And ev'rybody thought that he was gentle as could be—<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Fizzy-fezzy-fuzzy—Ba-by Ti-ger!</span><br /> -<br /> -"Oh!<br /> -They patted him upon his head and shook him by the paw—<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Fizzy-fezzy-fuzzy—he had a bone to gnaw;</span><br /> -But soon he grew the biggest Tiger that you ever saw—<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Fizzy-fezzy-fuzzy—what a Ti-ger!</span><br /> -<br /> -"Oh!<br /> -One day they came to pet the brute and he began to fight—<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Fizzy-fezzy-fuzzy—how he did scratch and bite!</span><br /> -He broke the cage and in a rage he darted out of sight—<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Fizzy-fezzy-fuzzy was a Ti-ger!"</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>"And is there a moral to the song?" asked Queen Cor, when King -Rinkitink had finished his song with great spirit.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image53.jpg" width="500" height="720" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>"If there is," replied Rinkitink, "it is a warning not to fool with -tigers."</p> - -<p>The little Prince could not help smiling at this shrewd answer, but -Queen Cor frowned and gave the King a sharp look.</p> - -<p>"Oh," said she; "I think I know the difference between a tiger and a -lapdog. But I'll bear the warning in mind, just the same."</p> - -<p>For, after all her success in capturing them, she was a little afraid of -these people who had once displayed such extraordinary powers.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image54.jpg" width="500" height="189" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="Zella_Goes_to_Coregos" id="Zella_Goes_to_Coregos"></a>Zella Goes to Coregos</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image55.jpg" width="500" height="305" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 11</h3> - - -<p>The forest in which Nikobob lived with his wife and daughter stood -between the mountains and the City of Regos, and a well-beaten path -wound among the trees, leading from the city to the mines. This path was -used by the King's messengers, and captured prisoners were also sent by -this way from Regos to work in the underground caverns.</p> - -<p>Nikobob had built his cabin more than a mile away from this path, that -he might not be molested by the wild and lawless soldiers of King Gos, -but the family of the charcoal-burner was surrounded by many creatures -scarcely less dangerous to encounter, and often in the night they could -hear savage animals growling and prowling about the cabin. Because -Nikobob minded his own business and never hunted the wild creatures to -injure them, the beasts had come to regard him as one of the natural -dwellers in the forest and did not molest him or his family. Still, -Zella and her mother seldom wandered far from home, except on such -errands as carrying honey to Coregos, and at these times Nikobob -cautioned them to be very careful.</p> - -<p>So when Zella set out on her journey to Queen Cor, with the two pails of -honey in her hands, she was undertaking a dangerous adventure and there -was no certainty that she would return safely to her loving parents. But -they were poor, and Queen Cor's money, which they expected to receive -for the honey, would enable them to purchase many things that were -needed; so it was deemed best that Zella should go. She was a brave -little girl and poor people are often obliged to take chances that rich -ones are spared.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image56.jpg" width="500" height="744" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>A passing woodchopper had brought news to Nikobob's cabin that Queen Cor -had made a prisoner of the conquering Prince of Pingaree and that Gos -and his warriors were again back in their city of Regos; but these -struggles and conquests were matters which, however interesting, did not -concern the poor charcoal-burner or his family. They were more anxious -over the report that the warriors had become more reckless than ever -before, and delighted in annoying all the common people; so Zella was -told to keep away from the beaten path as much as possible, that she -might not encounter any of the King's soldiers.</p> - -<p>"When it is necessary to choose between the warriors and the wild -beasts," said Nikobob, "the beasts will be found the more merciful."</p> - -<p>The little girl had put on her best attire for the journey and her -mother threw a blue silk shawl over her head and shoulders. Upon her -feet were the pretty red shoes her father had brought her from Regos. -Thus prepared, she kissed her parents good-bye and started out with a -light heart, carrying the pails of honey in either hand.</p> - -<p>It was necessary for Zella to cross the path that led from the mines to -the city, but once on the other side she was not likely to meet with -anyone, for she had resolved to cut through the forest and so reach the -bridge of boats without entering the City of Regos, where she might be -interrupted. For an hour or two she found the walking easy enough, but -then the forest, which in this part was unknown to her, became badly -tangled. The trees were thicker and creeping vines intertwined between -them. She had to turn this way and that to get through at all, and -finally she came to a place where a network of vines and branches -effectually barred her farther progress.</p> - -<p>Zella was dismayed, at first, when she encountered this obstacle, but -setting down her pails she made an endeavor to push the branches aside. -At her touch they parted as if by magic, breaking asunder like dried -twigs, and she found she could pass freely. At another place a great log -had fallen across her way, but the little girl lifted it easily and cast -it aside, although six ordinary men could scarcely have moved it.</p> - -<p>The child was somewhat worried at this evidence of a strength she had -heretofore been ignorant that she possessed. In order to satisfy herself -that it was no delusion, she tested her new-found power in many ways, -finding that nothing was too big nor too heavy for her to lift. And, -naturally enough, the girl gained courage from these experiments and -became confident that she could protect herself in any emergency. When, -presently, a wild boar ran toward her, grunting horribly and -threatening her with its great tusks, she did not climb a tree to -escape, as she had always done before on meeting such creatures, but -stood still and faced the boar. When it had come quite close and Zella -saw that it could not injure her—a fact that astonished both the beast -and the girl—she suddenly reached down and seizing it by one ear threw -the great beast far off amongst the trees, where it fell headlong to the -earth, grunting louder than ever with surprise and fear.</p> - -<p>The girl laughed merrily at this incident and, picking up her pails, -resumed her journey through the forest. It is not recorded whether the -wild boar told his adventure to the other beasts or they had happened to -witness his defeat, but certain it is that Zella was not again molested. -A brown bear watched her pass without making any movement in her -direction and a great puma—a beast much dreaded by all men—crept out -of her path as she approached, and disappeared among the trees.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image57.jpg" width="500" height="729" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Thus everything favored the girl's journey and she made such good speed -that by noon she emerged from the forest's edge and found she was quite -near to the bridge of boats that led to Coregos. This she crossed safely -and without meeting any of the rude warriors she so greatly feared, -and five minutes later the daughter of the charcoal-burner was seeking -admittance at the back door of Queen Cor's palace.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image58.jpg" width="500" height="527" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="The_Excitement_of_Bilbil_the_Goat" id="The_Excitement_of_Bilbil_the_Goat"></a>The Excitement of Bilbil the Goat</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image59.jpg" width="500" height="308" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 12</h3> - - -<p>Our story must now return to one of our characters whom we have been -forced to neglect. The temper of Bilbil the goat was not sweet under any -circumstances, and whenever he had a grievance he was inclined to be -quite grumpy. So, when his master settled down in the palace of King Gos -for a quiet life with the boy Prince, and passed his time in playing -checkers and eating and otherwise enjoying himself, he had no use -whatever for Bilbil, and shut the goat in an upstairs room to prevent -his wandering through the city and quarreling with the citizens. But -this Bilbil did not like at all. He became very cross and disagreeable -at being left alone and he did not speak nicely to the servants who came -to bring him food; therefore those people decided not to wait upon him -any more, resenting his conversation and not liking to be scolded by a -lean, scraggly goat, even though it belonged to a conqueror. The -servants kept away from the room and Bilbil grew more hungry and more -angry every hour. He tried to eat the rugs and ornaments, but found them -not at all nourishing. There was no grass to be had unless he escaped -from the palace.</p> - -<p>When Queen Cor came to capture Inga and Rinkitink, both the prisoners -were so filled with despair at their own misfortune that they gave no -thought whatever to the goat, who was left in his room. Nor did Bilbil -know anything of the changed fortunes of his comrades until he heard -shouts and boisterous laughter in the courtyard below. Looking out of a -window, with the intention of rebuking those who dared thus to disturb -him, Bilbil saw the courtyard quite filled with warriors and knew from -this that the palace had in some way again fallen into the hands of the -enemy.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image60.jpg" width="500" height="717" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Now, although Bilbil was often exceedingly disagreeable to King -Rinkitink, as well as to the Prince, and sometimes used harsh words in -addressing them, he was intelligent enough to know them to be his -friends, and to know that King Gos and his people were his foes. In -sudden anger, provoked by the sight of the warriors and the knowledge -that he was in the power of the dangerous men of Regos, Bilbil butted -his head against the door of his room and burst it open. Then he ran to -the head of the staircase and saw King Gos coming up the stairs followed -by a long line of his chief captains and warriors.</p> - -<p>The goat lowered his head, trembling with rage and excitement, and just -as the King reached the top stair the animal dashed forward and butted -His Majesty so fiercely that the big and powerful King, who did not -expect an attack, doubled up and tumbled backward. His great weight -knocked over the man just behind him and he in turn struck the next -warrior and upset him, so that in an instant the whole line of Bilbil's -foes was tumbling heels over head to the bottom of the stairs, where -they piled up in a heap, struggling and shouting and in the mix-up -hitting one another with their fists, until every man of them was -bruised and sore.</p> - -<p>Finally King Gos scrambled out of the heap and rushed up the stairs -again, very angry indeed. Bilbil was ready for him and a second time -butted the King down the stairs; but now the goat also lost his balance -and followed the King, landing full upon the confused heap of soldiers. -Then he kicked out so viciously with his heels that he soon freed -himself and dashed out of the doorway of the palace.</p> - -<p>"Stop him!" cried King Gos, running after.</p> - -<p>But the goat was now so wild and excited that it was not safe for anyone -to stand in his way. None of the men were armed and when one or two -tried to head off the goat, Bilbil sent them sprawling upon the ground. -Most of the warriors, however, were wise enough not to attempt to -interfere with his flight.</p> - -<p>Coursing down the street, Bilbil found himself approaching the bridge of -boats and without pausing to think where it might lead him he crossed -over and proceeded on his way. A few moments later a great stone -building blocked his path. It was the palace of Queen Cor, and seeing -the gates of the courtyard standing wide open, Bilbil rushed through -them without slackening his speed.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image61.jpg" width="500" height="721" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="Zella_Saves_the_Prince" id="Zella_Saves_the_Prince"></a>Zella Saves the Prince</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image62.jpg" width="500" height="316" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 13</h3> - - -<p>The wicked Queen of Coregos was in a very bad humor this morning, for -one of her slave drivers had come from the fields to say that a number -of slaves had rebelled and would not work.</p> - -<p>"Bring them here to me!" she cried savagely. "A good whipping may make -them change their minds."</p> - -<p>So the slave driver went to fetch the rebellious ones and Queen Cor sat -down to eat her breakfast, an ugly look on her face.</p> - -<p>Prince Inga had been ordered to stand behind his new mistress with a big -fan of peacock's feathers, but he was so unused to such service that he -awkwardly brushed her ear with the fan. At once she flew into a terrible -rage and slapped the Prince twice with her hand—blows that tingled, -too, for her hand was big and hard and she was not inclined to be -gentle. Inga took the blows without shrinking or uttering a cry, -although they stung his pride far more than his body. But King -Rinkitink, who was acting as the queen's butler and had just brought in -her coffee, was so startled at seeing the young Prince punished that he -tipped over the urn and the hot coffee streamed across the lap of the -Queen's best morning gown.</p> - -<p>Cor sprang from her seat with a scream of anger and poor Rinkitink would -doubtless have been given a terrible beating had not the slave driver -returned at this moment and attracted the woman's attention. The -overseer had brought with him all of the women slaves from Pingaree, who -had been loaded down with chains and were so weak and ill they could -scarcely walk, much less work in the fields.</p> - -<p>Prince Inga's eyes were dimmed with sorrowful tears when he discovered -how his poor people had been abused, but his own plight was so helpless -that he was unable to aid them. Fortunately the boy's mother, Queen -Garee, was not among these slaves, for Queen Cor had placed her in the -royal dairy to make butter.</p> - -<p>"Why do you refuse to work?" demanded Cor in a harsh voice, as the -slaves from Pingaree stood before her, trembling and with downcast eyes.</p> - -<p>"Because we lack strength to perform the tasks your overseers demand," -answered one of the women.</p> - -<p>"Then you shall be whipped until your strength returns!" exclaimed the -Queen, and turning to Inga, she commanded: "Get me the whip with the -seven lashes."</p> - -<p>As the boy left the room, wondering how he might manage to save the -unhappy women from their undeserved punishment, he met a girl entering -by the back way, who asked:</p> - -<p>"Can you tell me where to find Her Majesty, Queen Cor?"</p> - -<p>"She is in the chamber with the red dome, where green dragons are -painted upon the walls," replied Inga; "but she is in an angry and -ungracious mood to-day. Why do you wish to see her?"</p> - -<p>"I have honey to sell," answered the girl, who was Zella, just come from -the forest. "The Queen is very fond of my honey."</p> - -<p>"You may go to her, if you so desire," said the boy, "but take care not -to anger the cruel Queen, or she may do you a mischief."</p> - -<p>"Why should she harm me, who brings her the honey she so dearly loves?" -inquired the child innocently. "But I thank you for your warning; and I -will try not to anger the Queen."</p> - -<p>As Zella started to go, Inga's eyes suddenly fell upon her shoes and -instantly he recognized them as his own. For only in Pingaree were shoes -shaped in this manner: high at the heel and pointed at the toes.</p> - -<p>"Stop!" he cried in an excited voice, and the girl obeyed, wonderingly. -"Tell me," he continued, more gently, "where did you get those shoes?"</p> - -<p>"My father brought them to me from Regos," she answered.</p> - -<p>"From Regos!"</p> - -<p>"Yes. Are they not pretty?" asked Zella, looking down at her feet to -admire them. "One of them my father found by the palace wall, and the -other on an ash-heap. So he brought them to me and they fit me -perfectly."</p> - -<p>By this time Inga was trembling with eager joy, which of course the girl -could not understand.</p> - -<p>"What is your name, little maid?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"I am called Zella, and my father is Nikobob, the charcoal-burner."</p> - -<p>"Zella is a pretty name. I am Inga, Prince of Pingaree," said he, "and -the shoes you are now wearing, Zella, belong to me. They were not cast -away, as your father supposed, but were lost. Will you let me have them -again?"</p> - -<p>Zella's eyes filled with tears.</p> - -<p>"Must I give up my pretty shoes, then?" she asked. "They are the only -ones I have ever owned."</p> - -<p>Inga was sorry for the poor child, but he knew how important it was that -he regain possession of the Magic Pearls. So he said, pleadingly:</p> - -<p>"Please let me have them, Zella. See! I will exchange for them the shoes -I now have on, which are newer and prettier than the others."</p> - -<p>The girl hesitated. She wanted to please the boy Prince, yet she hated -to exchange the shoes which her father had brought her as a present.</p> - -<p>"If you will give me the shoes," continued the boy, anxiously, "I will -promise to make you and your father and mother rich and prosperous. -Indeed, I will promise to grant any favors you may ask of me," and he -sat down upon the floor and drew off the shoes he was wearing and held -them toward the girl.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image63.jpg" width="500" height="718" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>"I'll see if they will fit me," said Zella, taking off her left -shoe—the one that contained the Pink Pearl—and beginning to put on one -of Inga's.</p> - -<p>Just then Queen Cor, angry at being made to wait for her whip with the -seven lashes, rushed into the room to find Inga. Seeing the boy sitting -upon the floor beside Zella, the woman sprang toward him to beat him -with her clenched fists; but Inga had now slipped on the shoe and the -Queen's blows could not reach his body.</p> - -<p>Then Cor espied the whip lying beside Inga and snatching it up she tried -to lash him with it—all to no avail.</p> - -<p>While Zella sat horrified by this scene, the Prince, who realized he had -no time to waste, reached out and pulled the right shoe from the girl's -foot, quickly placing it upon his own. Then he stood up and, facing the -furious but astonished Queen, said to her in a quiet voice:</p> - -<p>"Madam, please give me that whip."</p> - -<p>"I won't!" answered Cor. "I'm going to lash those Pingaree women with -it."</p> - -<p>The boy seized hold of the whip and with irresistible strength drew it -from the Queen's hand. But she drew from her bosom a sharp dagger and -with the swiftness of lightning aimed a blow at Inga's heart. He merely -stood still and smiled, for the blade rebounded and fell clattering to -the floor.</p> - -<p>Then, at last, Queen Cor understood the magic power that had terrified -her husband but which she had ridiculed in her ignorance, not believing -in it. She did not know that Inga's power had been lost, and found -again, but she realized the boy was no common foe and that unless she -could still manage to outwit him her reign in the Island of Coregos was -ended. To gain time, she went back to the red-domed chamber and seated -herself in her throne, before which were grouped the weeping slaves from -Pingaree.</p> - -<p>Inga had taken Zella's hand and assisted her to put on the shoes he had -given her in exchange for his own. She found them quite comfortable and -did not know she had lost anything by the transfer.</p> - -<p>"Come with me," then said the boy Prince, and led her into the presence -of Queen Cor, who was giving Rinkitink a scolding. To the overseer Inga -said:</p> - -<p>"Give me the keys which unlock these chains, that I may set these poor -women at liberty."</p> - -<p>"Don't you do it!" screamed Queen Cor.</p> - -<p>"If you interfere, madam," said the boy, "I will put you into a -dungeon."</p> - -<p>By this Rinkitink knew that Inga had recovered his Magic Pearls and the -little fat King was so overjoyed that he danced and capered all around -the room. But the Queen was alarmed at the threat and the slave driver, -fearing the conqueror of Regos, tremblingly gave up the keys.</p> - -<p>Inga quickly removed all the shackles from the women of his country and -comforted them, telling them they should work no more but would soon be -restored to their homes in Pingaree. Then he commanded the slave driver -to go and get all the children who had been made slaves, and to bring -them to their mothers. The man obeyed and left at once to perform his -errand, while Queen Cor, growing more and more uneasy, suddenly sprang -from her throne and before Inga could stop her had rushed through the -room and out into the courtyard of the palace, meaning to make her -escape. Rinkitink followed her, running as fast as he could go.</p> - -<p>It was at this moment that Bilbil, in his mad dash from Regos, turned in -at the gates of the courtyard, and as he was coming one way and Queen -Cor was going the other they bumped into each other with great force. -The woman sailed through the air, over Bilbil's head, and landed on the -ground outside the gates, where her crown rolled into a ditch and she -picked herself up, half dazed, and continued her flight. Bilbil was also -somewhat dazed by the unexpected encounter, but he continued his rush -rather blindly and so struck poor Rinkitink, who was chasing after Queen -Cor. They rolled over one another a few times and then Rinkitink sat up -and Bilbil sat up and they looked at each other in amazement.</p> - -<p>"Bilbil," said the King, "I'm astonished at you!"</p> - -<p>"Your Majesty," said Bilbil, "I expected kinder treatment at your -hands."</p> - -<p>"You interrupted me," said Rinkitink.</p> - -<p>"There was plenty of room without your taking my path," declared the -goat.</p> - -<p>And then Inga came running out and said: "Where is the Queen?"</p> - -<p>"Gone," replied Rinkitink, "but she cannot go far, as this is an island. -However, I have found Bilbil, and our party is again reunited. You have -recovered your magic powers, and again we are masters of the situation. -So let us be thankful."</p> - -<p>Saying this, the good little King got upon his feet and limped back into -the throne room to help comfort the women.</p> - -<p>Presently the children of Pingaree, who had been gathered together by -the overseer, were brought in and restored to their mothers, and there -was great rejoicing among them, you may be sure.</p> - -<p>"But where is Queen Garee, my dear mother?" questioned Inga; but the -women did not know and it was some time before the overseer remembered -that one of the slaves from Pingaree had been placed in the royal dairy. -Perhaps this was the woman the boy was seeking.</p> - -<p>Inga at once commanded him to lead the way to the butter house, but when -they arrived there Queen Garee was nowhere in the place, although the -boy found a silk scarf which he recognized as one that his mother used -to wear. Then they began a search throughout the island of Coregos, but -could not find Inga's mother anywhere.</p> - -<p>When they returned to the palace of Queen Cor, Rinkitink discovered that -the bridge of boats had again been removed, separating them from Regos, -and from this they suspected that Queen Cor had fled to her husband's -island and had taken Queen Garee with her. Inga was much perplexed what -to do and returned with his friends to the palace to talk the matter -over.</p> - -<p>Zella was now crying because she had not sold her honey and was unable -to return to her parents on the island of Regos, but the boy Prince -comforted her and promised she should be protected until she could be -restored to her home. Rinkitink found Queen Cor's purse, which she had -had no time to take with her, and gave Zella several gold pieces for the -honey. Then Inga ordered the palace servants to prepare a feast for all -the women and children of Pingaree and to prepare for them beds in the -great palace, which was large enough to accommodate them all.</p> - -<p>Then the boy and the goat and Rinkitink and Zella went into a private -room to consider what should be done next.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image64.jpg" width="500" height="300" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="The_Escape" id="The_Escape"></a>The Escape</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image65.jpg" width="500" height="300" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 14</h3> - - -<p>"Our fault," said Rinkitink, "is that we conquer only one of these twin -islands at a time. When we conquered Regos, our foes all came to -Coregos, and now that we have conquered Coregos, the Queen has fled to -Regos. And each time they removed the bridge of boats, so that we could -not follow them."</p> - -<p>"What has become of our own boat, in which we came from Pingaree?" asked -Bilbil.</p> - -<p>"We left it on the shore of Regos," replied the Prince, "but I wonder -if we could not get it again."</p> - -<p>"Why don't you ask the White Pearl?" suggested Rinkitink.</p> - -<p>"That is a good idea," returned the boy, and at once he drew the White -Pearl from its silken bag and held it to his ear. Then he asked: "How -may I regain our boat?"</p> - -<p>The Voice of the Pearl replied: "Go to the south end of the Island of -Coregos, and clap your hands three times and the boat will come to you."</p> - -<p>"Very good!" cried Inga, and then he turned to his companions and said: -"We shall be able to get our boat whenever we please; but what then -shall we do?"</p> - -<p>"Take me home in it!" pleaded Zella.</p> - -<p>"Come with me to my City of Gilgad," said the King, "where you will be -very welcome to remain forever."</p> - -<p>"No," answered Inga, "I must rescue my father and mother, as well as my -people. Already I have the women and children of Pingaree, but the men -are with my father in the mines of Regos, and my dear mother has been -taken away by Queen Cor. Not until all are rescued will I consent to -leave these islands."</p> - -<p>"Quite right!" exclaimed Bilbil.</p> - -<p>"On second thought," said Rinkitink, "I agree with you. If you are -careful to sleep in your shoes, and never take them off again, I believe -you will be able to perform the task you have undertaken."</p> - -<p>They counseled together for a long time as to their mode of action and -it was finally considered best to make the attempt to liberate King -Kitticut first of all, and with him the men from Pingaree. This would -give them an army to assist them and afterward they could march to Regos -and compel Queen Cor to give up the Queen of Pingaree. Zella told them -that they could go in their boat along the shore of Regos to a point -opposite the mines, thus avoiding any conflict with the warriors of King -Gos.</p> - -<p>This being considered the best course to pursue, they resolved to start -on the following morning, as night was even now approaching. The -servants being all busy in caring for the women and children, Zella -undertook to get a dinner for Inga and Rinkitink and herself and soon -prepared a fine meal in the palace kitchen, for she was a good little -cook and had often helped her mother. The dinner was served in a small -room overlooking the gardens and Rinkitink thought the best part of it -was the sweet honey, which he spread upon the biscuits that Zella had -made. As for Bilbil, he wandered through the palace grounds and found -some grass that made him a good dinner.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image66.jpg" width="500" height="717" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>During the evening Inga talked with the women and cheered them, -promising soon to reunite them with their husbands who were working in -the mines and to send them back to their own island of Pingaree.</p> - -<p>Next morning the boy rose bright and early and found that Zella had -already prepared a nice breakfast. And after the meal they went to the -most southern point of the island, which was not very far away, -Rinkitink riding upon Bilbil's back and Inga and Zella following behind -them, hand in hand.</p> - -<p>When they reached the water's edge the boy advanced and clapped his -hands together three times, as the White Pearl had told him to do. And -in a few moments they saw in the distance the black boat with the silver -lining, coming swiftly toward them from the sea. Presently it grounded -on the beach and they all got into it.</p> - -<p>Zella was delighted with the boat, which was the most beautiful she had -ever seen, and the marvel of its coming to them through the water -without anyone to row it, made her a little afraid of the fairy craft. -But Inga picked up the oars and began to row and at once the boat shot -swiftly in the direction of Regos. They rounded the point of that island -where the city was built and noticed that the shore was lined with -warriors who had discovered their boat but seemed undecided whether to -pursue it or not. This was probably because they had received no -commands what to do, or perhaps they had learned to fear the magic -powers of these adventurers from Pingaree and were unwilling to attack -them unless their King ordered them to.</p> - -<p>The coast on the western side of the Island of Regos was very uneven and -Zella, who knew fairly well the location of the mines from the inland -forest path, was puzzled to decide which mountain they now viewed from -the sea was the one where the entrance to the underground caverns was -located. First she thought it was this peak, and then she guessed it was -that; so considerable time was lost through her uncertainty.</p> - -<p>They finally decided to land and explore the country, to see where they -were, so Inga ran the boat into a little rocky cove where they all -disembarked. For an hour they searched for the path without finding any -trace of it and now Zella believed they had gone too far to the north -and must return to another mountain that was nearer to the city.</p> - -<p>Once again they entered the boat and followed the winding coast south -until they thought they had reached the right place. By this time, -however, it was growing dark, for the entire day had been spent in the -search for the entrance to the mines, and Zella warned them that it -would be safer to spend the night in the boat than on the land, where -wild beasts were sure to disturb them. None of them realized at this -time how fatal this day of search had been to their plans and perhaps if -Inga had realized what was going on he would have landed and fought all -the wild beasts in the forest rather than quietly remain in the boat -until morning.</p> - -<p>However, knowing nothing of the cunning plans of Queen Cor and King Gos, -they anchored their boat in a little bay and cheerfully ate their -dinner, finding plenty of food and drink in the boat's lockers. In the -evening the stars came out in the sky and tipped the waves around their -boat with silver. All around them was delightfully still save for the -occasional snarl of a beast on the neighboring shore.</p> - -<p>They talked together quietly of their adventures and their future plans -and Zella told them her simple history and how hard her poor father was -obliged to work, burning charcoal to sell for enough money to support -his wife and child. Nikobob might be the humblest man in all Regos, but -Zella declared he was a good man, and honest, and it was not his fault -that his country was ruled by so wicked a King.</p> - -<p>Then Rinkitink, to amuse them, offered to sing a song, and although -Bilbil protested in his gruff way, claiming that his master's voice was -cracked and disagreeable, the little King was encouraged by the others -to sing his song, which he did.</p> - -<p class="poem"> -"A red-headed man named Ned was dead;<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Sing fiddle-cum-faddle-cum-fi-do!</span><br /> -In battle he had lost his head;<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Sing fiddle-cum-faddle-cum-fi-do!</span><br /> -'Alas, poor Ned,' to him I said,<br /> -'How did you lose your head so red?'<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Sing fiddle-cum-faddle-cum-fi-do!</span><br /> -<br /> -"Said Ned: 'I for my country bled,'<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Sing fiddle-cum-faddle-cum-fi-do!</span><br /> -'Instead of dying safe in bed;'<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Sing fiddle-cum-faddle-cum-fi-do!</span><br /> -'If I had only fled, instead,<br /> -I then had been a head ahead.'<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Sing fiddle-cum-faddle-cum-fi-do!</span><br /> -<br /> -"I said to Ned——"<br /> -</p> - -<p>"Do stop, Your Majesty!" pleaded Bilbil. "You're making my head ache."</p> - -<p>"But the song isn't finished," replied Rinkitink, "and as for your head -aching, think of poor Ned, who hadn't any head at all!"</p> - -<p>"I can think of nothing but your dismal singing," retorted Bilbil. "Why -didn't you choose a cheerful subject, instead of telling how a man who -was dead lost his red head? Really, Rinkitink, I'm surprised at you."</p> - -<p>"I know a splendid song about a live man," said the King.</p> - -<p>"Then don't sing it," begged Bilbil.</p> - -<p>Zella was both astonished and grieved by the disrespectful words of the -goat, for she had quite enjoyed Rinkitink's singing and had been taught -a proper respect for Kings and those high in authority. But as it was -now getting late they decided to go to sleep, that they might rise early -the following morning, so they all reclined upon the bottom of the big -boat and covered themselves with blankets which they found stored -underneath the seats for just such occasions. They were not long in -falling asleep and did not waken until daybreak.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image67.jpg" width="500" height="717" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>After a hurried breakfast, for Inga was eager to liberate his father, -the boy rowed the boat ashore and they all landed and began searching -for the path. Zella found it within the next half hour and declared they -must be very close to the entrance to the mines; so they followed the -path toward the north, Inga going first, and then Zella following him, -while Rinkitink brought up the rear riding upon Bilbil's back.</p> - -<p>Before long they saw a great wall of rock towering before them, in which -was a low arched entrance, and on either side of this entrance stood a -guard, armed with a sword and a spear. The guards of the mines were not -so fierce as the warriors of King Gos, their duty being to make the -slaves work at their tasks and guard them from escaping; but they were -as cruel as their cruel master wished them to be, and as cowardly as -they were cruel.</p> - -<p>Inga walked up to the two men at the entrance and said:</p> - -<p>"Does this opening lead to the mines of King Gos?"</p> - -<p>"It does," replied one of the guards, "but no one is allowed to pass out -who once goes in."</p> - -<p>"Nevertheless," said the boy, "we intend to go in and we shall come out -whenever it pleases us to do so. I am the Prince of Pingaree, and I -have come to liberate my people, whom King Gos has enslaved."</p> - -<p>Now when the two guards heard this speech they looked at one another and -laughed, and one of them said: "The King was right, for he said the boy -was likely to come here and that he would try to set his people free. -Also the King commanded that we must keep the little Prince in the -mines, and set him to work, together with his companions."</p> - -<p>"Then let us obey the King," replied the other man.</p> - -<p>Inga was surprised at hearing this, and asked:</p> - -<p>"When did King Gos give you this order?"</p> - -<p>"His Majesty was here in person last night," replied the man, "and went -away again but an hour ago. He suspected you were coming here and told -us to capture you if we could."</p> - -<p>This report made the boy very anxious, not for himself but for his -father, for he feared the King was up to some mischief. So he hastened -to enter the mines and the guards did nothing to oppose him or his -companions, their orders being to allow him to go in but not to come -out.</p> - -<p>The little group of adventurers passed through a long rocky corridor and -reached a low, wide cavern where they found a dozen guards and a -hundred slaves, the latter being hard at work with picks and shovels -digging for gold, while the guards stood over them with long whips.</p> - -<p>Inga found many of the men from Pingaree among these slaves, but King -Kitticut was not in this cavern; so they passed through it and entered -another corridor that led to a second cavern. Here also hundreds of men -were working, but the boy did not find his father amongst them, and so -went on to a third cavern.</p> - -<p>The corridors all slanted downward, so that the farther they went the -lower into the earth they descended, and now they found the air hot and -close and difficult to breathe. Flaming torches were stuck into the -walls to give light to the workers, and these added to the oppressive -heat.</p> - -<p>The third and lowest cavern was the last in the mines, and here were -many scores of slaves and many guards to keep them at work. So far, none -of the guards had paid any attention to Inga's party, but allowed them -to proceed as they would, and while the slaves cast curious glances at -the boy and girl and man and goat, they dared say nothing. But now the -boy walked up to some of the men of Pingaree and asked news of his -father, telling them not to fear the guards as he would protect them -from the whips.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image68.jpg" width="500" height="717" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Then he learned that King Kitticut had indeed been working in this very -cavern until the evening before, when King Gos had come and taken him -away—still loaded with chains.</p> - -<p>"Seems to me," said King Rinkitink, when he heard this report, "that Gos -has carried your father away to Regos, to prevent us from rescuing him. -He may hide poor Kitticut in a dungeon, where we cannot find him."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you are right," answered the boy, "but I am determined to find -him, wherever he may be."</p> - -<p>Ingo spoke firmly and with courage, but he was greatly disappointed to -find that King Gos had been before him at the mines and had taken his -father away. However, he tried not to feel disheartened, believing he -would succeed in the end, in spite of all opposition. Turning to the -guards, he said:</p> - -<p>"Remove the chains from these slaves and set them free."</p> - -<p>The guards laughed at this order, and one of them brought forward a -handful of chains, saying: "His Majesty has commanded us to make you, -also, a slave, for you are never to leave these caverns again."</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image69.jpg" width="500" height="725" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Then he attempted to place the chains on Inga, but the boy indignantly -seized them and broke them apart as easily as if they had been cotton -cords. When a dozen or more of the guards made a dash to capture him, -the Prince swung the end of the chain like a whip and drove them into a -corner, where they cowered and begged for mercy.</p> - -<p>Stories of the marvelous strength of the boy Prince had already spread -to the mines of Regos, and although King Gos had told them that Inga had -been deprived of all his magic power, the guards now saw this was not -true, so they deemed it wise not to attempt to oppose him.</p> - -<p>The chains of the slaves had all been riveted fast to their ankles and -wrists, but Inga broke the bonds of steel with his hands and set the -poor men free—not only those from Pingaree but all who had been -captured in the many wars and raids of King Gos. They were very -grateful, as you may suppose, and agreed to support Prince Inga in -whatever action he commanded.</p> - -<p>He led them to the middle cavern, where all the guards and overseers -fled in terror at his approach, and soon he had broken apart the chains -of the slaves who had been working in that part of the mines. Then they -approached the first cavern and liberated all there.</p> - -<p>The slaves had been treated so cruelly by the servants of King Gos that -they were eager to pursue and slay them, in revenge; but Inga held them -back and formed them into companies, each company having its own leader. -Then he called the leaders together and instructed them to march in good -order along the path to the City of Regos, where he would meet them and -tell them what to do next.</p> - -<p>They readily agreed to obey him, and, arming themselves with iron bars -and pick-axes which they brought from the mines, the slaves began their -march to the city.</p> - -<p>Zella at first wished to be left behind, that she might make her way to -her own home, but neither Rinkitink nor Inga thought it was safe for her -to wander alone through the forest, so they induced her to return with -them to the city.</p> - -<p>The boy beached his boat this time at the same place as when he first -landed at Regos, and while many of the warriors stood on the shore and -before the walls of the city, not one of them attempted to interfere -with the boy in any way. Indeed, they seemed uneasy and anxious, and -when Inga met Captain Buzzub the boy asked if anything had happened in -his absence.</p> - -<p>"A great deal has happened," replied Buzzub. "Our King and Queen have -run away and left us, and we don't know what to do."</p> - -<p>"Run away!" exclaimed Inga. "Where did they go to?"</p> - -<p>"Who knows?" said the man, shaking his head despondently. "They departed -together a few hours ago, in a boat with forty rowers, and they took -with them the King and Queen of Pingaree!"</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image70.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="The_Flight_of_the_Rulers" id="The_Flight_of_the_Rulers"></a>The Flight of the Rulers</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image71.jpg" width="500" height="313" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 15</h3> - - -<p>Now it seems that when Queen Cor fled from her island to Regos, she had -wit enough, although greatly frightened, to make a stop at the royal -dairy, which was near to the bridge, and to drag poor Queen Garee from -the butter-house and across to Regos with her. The warriors of King Gos -had never before seen the terrible Queen Cor frightened, and therefore -when she came running across the bridge of boats, dragging the Queen of -Pingaree after her by one arm, the woman's great fright had the effect -of terrifying the waiting warriors.</p> - -<p>"Quick!" cried Cor. "Destroy the bridge, or we are lost."</p> - -<p>While the men were tearing away the bridge of boats the Queen ran up to -the palace of Gos, where she met her husband.</p> - -<p>"That boy is a wizard!" she gasped. "There is no standing against him."</p> - -<p>"Oh, have you discovered his magic at last?" replied Gos, laughing in -her face. "Who, now, is the coward?"</p> - -<p>"Don't laugh!" cried Queen Cor. "It is no laughing matter. Both our -islands are as good as conquered, this very minute. What shall we do, -Gos?"</p> - -<p>"Come in," he said, growing serious, "and let us talk it over."</p> - -<p>So they went into a room of the palace and talked long and earnestly.</p> - -<p>"The boy intends to liberate his father and mother, and all the people -of Pingaree, and to take them back to their island," said Cor. "He may -also destroy our palaces and make us his slaves. I can see but one way, -Gos, to prevent him from doing all this, and whatever else he pleases to -do."</p> - -<p>"What way is that?" asked King Gos.</p> - -<p>"We must take the boy's parents away from here as quickly as possible. I -have with me the Queen of Pingaree, and you can run up to the mines and -get the King. Then we will carry them away in a boat and hide them where -the boy cannot find them, with all his magic. We will use the King and -Queen of Pingaree as hostages, and send word to the boy wizard that if -he does not go away from our islands and allow us to rule them -undisturbed, in our own way, we will put his father and mother to death. -Also we will say that as long as we are let alone his parents will be -safe, although still safely hidden. I believe, Gos, that in this way we -can compel Prince Inga to obey us, for he seems very fond of his -parents."</p> - -<p>"It isn't a bad idea," said Gos, reflectively; "but where can we hide -the King and Queen, so that the boy cannot find them?"</p> - -<p>"In the country of the Nome King, on the mainland away at the south," -she replied. "The nomes are our friends, and they possess magic powers -that will enable them to protect the prisoners from discovery. If we can -manage to get the King and Queen of Pingaree to the Nome Kingdom before -the boy knows what we are doing, I am sure our plot will succeed."</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image72.jpg" width="500" height="727" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Gos gave the plan considerable thought in the next five minutes, and the -more he thought about it the more clever and reasonable it seemed. So he -agreed to do as Queen Cor suggested and at once hurried away to the -mines, where he arrived before Prince Inga did. The next morning he -carried King Kitticut back to Regos.</p> - -<p>While Gos was gone, Queen Cor busied herself in preparing a large and -swift boat for the journey. She placed in it several bags of gold and -jewels with which to bribe the nomes, and selected forty of the -strongest oarsmen in Regos to row the boat. The instant King Gos -returned with his royal prisoner all was ready for departure. They -quickly entered the boat with their two important captives and without a -word of explanation to any of their people they commanded the oarsmen to -start, and were soon out of sight upon the broad expanse of the Nonestic -Ocean.</p> - -<p>Inga arrived at the city some hours later and was much distressed when -he learned that his father and mother had been spirited away from the -islands.</p> - -<p>"I shall follow them, of course," said the boy to Rinkitink, "and if I -cannot overtake them on the ocean I will search the world over until I -find them. But before I leave here I must arrange to send our people -back to Pingaree."</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image73.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="Nikobob_Refuses_a_Crown" id="Nikobob_Refuses_a_Crown"></a>Nikobob Refuses a Crown</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image74.jpg" width="500" height="321" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 16</h3> - - -<p>Almost the first persons that Zella saw when she landed from the -silver-lined boat at Regos were her father and mother. Nikobob and his -wife had been greatly worried when their little daughter failed to -return from Coregos, so they had set out to discover what had become of -her. When they reached the City of Regos, that very morning, they were -astonished to hear news of all the strange events that had taken place; -still, they found comfort when told that Zella had been seen in the -boat of Prince Inga, which had gone to the north. Then, while they -wondered what this could mean, the silver-lined boat appeared again, -with their daughter in it, and they ran down to the shore to give her a -welcome and many joyful kisses.</p> - -<p>Inga invited the good people to the palace of King Gos, where he -conferred with them, as well as with Rinkitink and Bilbil.</p> - -<p>"Now that the King and Queen of Regos and Coregos have run away," he -said, "there is no one to rule these islands. So it is my duty to -appoint a new ruler, and as Nikobob, Zella's father, is an honest and -worthy man, I shall make him the King of the Twin Islands."</p> - -<p>"Me?" cried Nikobob, astounded by this speech. "I beg Your Highness, on -my bended knees, not to do so cruel a thing as to make me King!"</p> - -<p>"Why not?" inquired Rinkitink. "I'm a King, and I know how it feels. I -assure you, good Nikobob, that I quite enjoy my high rank, although a -jeweled crown is rather heavy to wear in hot weather."</p> - -<p>"With you, noble sir, it is different," said Nikobob, "for you are far -from your kingdom and its trials and worries and may do as you please. -But to remain in Regos, as King over these fierce and unruly warriors, -would be to live in constant anxiety and peril, and the chances are that -they would murder me within a month. As I have done no harm to anyone -and have tried to be a good and upright man, I do not think that I -should be condemned to such a dreadful fate."</p> - -<p>"Very well," replied Inga, "we will say no more about your being King. I -merely wanted to make you rich and prosperous, as I had promised Zella."</p> - -<p>"Please forget that promise," pleaded the charcoal-burner, earnestly; "I -have been safe from molestation for many years, because I was poor and -possessed nothing that anyone else could envy. But if you make me rich -and prosperous I shall at once become the prey of thieves and marauders -and probably will lose my life in the attempt to protect my fortune."</p> - -<p>Inga looked at the man in surprise.</p> - -<p>"What, then, can I do to please you?" he inquired.</p> - -<p>"Nothing more than to allow me to go home to my poor cabin," said -Nikobob.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps," remarked King Rinkitink, "the charcoal-burner has more wisdom -concealed in that hard head of his than we gave him credit for. But let -us use that wisdom, for the present, to counsel us what to do in this -emergency."</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image75.jpg" width="500" height="726" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>"What you call my wisdom," said Nikobob, "is merely common sense. I have -noticed that some men become rich, and are scorned by some and robbed by -others. Other men become famous, and are mocked at and derided by their -fellows. But the poor and humble man who lives unnoticed and unknown -escapes all these troubles and is the only one who can appreciate the -joy of living."</p> - -<p>"If I had a hand, instead of a cloven hoof, I'd like to shake hands with -you, Nikobob," said Bilbil the goat. "But the poor man must not have a -cruel master, or he is undone."</p> - -<p>During the council they found, indeed, that the advice of the -charcoal-burner was both shrewd and sensible, and they profited much by -his words.</p> - -<p>Inga gave Captain Buzzub the command of the warriors and made him -promise to keep his men quiet and orderly—if he could. Then the boy -allowed all of King Gos's former slaves, except those who came from -Pingaree, to choose what boats they required and to stock them with -provisions and row away to their own countries. When these had departed, -with grateful thanks and many blessings showered upon the boy Prince who -had set them free, Inga made preparations to send his own people home, -where they were told to rebuild their houses and then erect a new royal -palace. They were then to await patiently the coming of King Kitticut or -Prince Inga.</p> - -<p>"My greatest worry," said the boy to his friends, "is to know whom to -appoint to take charge of this work of restoring Pingaree to its former -condition. My men are all pearl fishers, and although willing and -honest, have no talent for directing others how to work."</p> - -<p>While the preparations for departure were being made, Nikobob offered to -direct the men of Pingaree, and did so in a very capable manner. As the -island had been despoiled of all its valuable furniture and draperies -and rich cloths and paintings and statuary and the like, as well as gold -and silver and ornaments, Inga thought it no more than just that they be -replaced by the spoilers. So he directed his people to search through -the storehouses of King Gos and to regain all their goods and chattels -that could be found. Also he instructed them to take as much else as -they required to make their new homes comfortable, so that many boats -were loaded full of goods that would enable the people to restore -Pingaree to its former state of comfort.</p> - -<p>For his father's new palace the boy plundered the palaces of both Queen -Cor and King Gos, sending enough wares away with his people to make King -Kitticut's new residence as handsomely fitted and furnished as had been -the one which the ruthless invaders from Regos had destroyed.</p> - -<p>It was a great fleet of boats that set out one bright, sunny morning on -the voyage to Pingaree, carrying all the men, women and children and all -the goods for refitting their homes. As he saw the fleet depart, Prince -Inga felt that he had already successfully accomplished a part of his -mission, but he vowed he would never return to Pingaree in person until -he could take his father and mother there with him; unless, indeed, King -Gos wickedly destroyed his beloved parents, in which case Inga would -become the King of Pingaree and it would be his duty to go to his people -and rule over them.</p> - -<p>It was while the last of the boats were preparing to sail for Pingaree -that Nikobob, who had been of great service in getting them ready, came -to Inga in a thoughtful mood and said:</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image76.jpg" width="500" height="713" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>"Your Highness, my wife and my daughter Zella have been urging me to -leave Regos and settle down in your island, in a new home. From what -your people have told me, Pingaree is a better place to live than -Regos, and there are no cruel warriors or savage beasts there to keep -one in constant fear for the safety of those he loves. Therefore, I have -come to ask to go with my family in one of the boats."</p> - -<p>Inga was much pleased with this proposal and not only granted Nikobob -permission to go to Pingaree to live, but instructed him to take with -him sufficient goods to furnish his new home in a comfortable manner. In -addition to this, he appointed Nikobob general manager of the buildings -and of the pearl fisheries, until his father or he himself arrived, and -the people approved this order because they liked Nikobob and knew him -to be just and honest.</p> - -<p>As soon as the last boat of the great flotilla had disappeared from the -view of those left at Regos, Inga and Rinkitink prepared to leave the -island themselves. The boy was anxious to overtake the boat of King Gos, -if possible, and Rinkitink had no desire to remain in Regos.</p> - -<p>Buzzub and the warriors stood silently on the shore and watched the -black boat with its silver lining depart, and I am sure they were as -glad to be rid of their unwelcome visitors as Inga and Rinkitink and -Bilbil were to leave.</p> - -<p>The boy asked the White Pearl what direction the boat of King Gos had -taken and then he followed after it, rowing hard and steadily for eight -days without becoming at all weary. But, although the black boat moved -very swiftly, it failed to overtake the barge which was rowed by Queen -Cor's forty picked oarsmen.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image77.jpg" width="500" height="465" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="The_Nome_King" id="The_Nome_King"></a>The Nome King</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image78.jpg" width="500" height="308" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 17</h3> - - -<p>The Kingdom of the Nomes does not border on the Nonestic Ocean, from -which it is separated by the Kingdom of Rinkitink and the Country of the -Wheelers, which is a part of the Land of Ev. Rinkitink's country is -separated from the country of the Nomes by a row of high and steep -mountains, from which it extends to the sea. The Country of the Wheelers -is a sandy waste that is open on one side to the Nonestic Ocean and on -the other side has no barrier to separate it from the Nome Country, -therefore it was on the coast of the Wheelers that King Gos landed—in a -spot quite deserted by any of the curious inhabitants of that country.</p> - -<p>The Nome Country is very large in extent, and is only separated from the -Land of Oz, on its eastern borders, by a Deadly Desert that cannot be -crossed by mortals, unless they are aided by the fairies or by magic.</p> - -<p>The nomes are a numerous and mischievous people, living in underground -caverns of wide extent, connected one with another by arches and -passages. The word "nome" means "one who knows," and these people are so -called because they know where all the gold and silver and precious -stones are hidden in the earth—a knowledge that no other living -creatures share with them. The nomes are busy people, constantly digging -up gold in one place and taking it to another place, where they secretly -bury it, and perhaps this is the reason they alone know where to find -it. The nomes were ruled, at the time of which I write, by a King named -Kaliko.</p> - -<p>King Gos had expected to be pursued by Inga in his magic boat, so he -made all the haste possible, urging his forty rowers to their best -efforts night and day. To his joy he was not overtaken but landed on -the sandy beach of the Wheelers on the morning of the eighth day.</p> - -<p>The forty rowers were left with the boat, while Queen Cor and King Gos, -with their royal prisoners, who were still chained, began the journey to -the Nome King.</p> - -<p>It was not long before they passed the sands and reached the rocky -country belonging to the nomes, but they were still a long way from the -entrance to the underground caverns in which lived the Nome King. There -was a dim path, winding between stones and boulders, over which the -walking was quite difficult, especially as the path led up hills that -were small mountains, and then down steep and abrupt slopes where any -misstep might mean a broken leg. Therefore it was the second day of -their journey before they climbed halfway up a rugged mountain and found -themselves at the entrance of the Nome King's caverns.</p> - -<p>On their arrival, the entrance seemed free and unguarded, but Gos and -Cor had been there before, and they were too wise to attempt to enter -without announcing themselves, for the passage to the caves was full of -traps and pitfalls. So King Gos stood still and shouted, and in an -instant they were surrounded by a group of crooked nomes, who seemed to -have sprung from the ground.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image79.jpg" width="500" height="719" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>One of these had very long ears and was called The Long-Eared Hearer. He -said: "I heard you coming early this morning."</p> - -<p>Another had eyes that looked in different directions at the same time -and were curiously bright and penetrating. He could look over a hill or -around a corner and was called The Lookout. Said he: "I saw you coming -yesterday."</p> - -<p>"Then," said King Gos, "perhaps King Kaliko is expecting us."</p> - -<p>"It is true," replied another nome, who wore a gold collar around his -neck and carried a bunch of golden keys. "The mighty Nome King expects -you, and bids you follow me to his presence."</p> - -<p>With this he led the way into the caverns and Gos and Cor followed, -dragging their weary prisoners with them, for poor King Kitticut and his -gentle Queen had been obliged to carry, all through the tedious journey, -the bags of gold and jewels which were to bribe the Nome King to accept -them as slaves.</p> - -<p>Through several long passages the guide led them and at last they -entered a small cavern which was beautifully decorated and set with rare -jewels that flashed from every part of the wall, floor and ceiling. This -was a waiting-room for visitors, and there their guide left them while -he went to inform King Kaliko of their arrival.</p> - -<p>Before long they were ushered into a great domed chamber, cut from the -solid rock and so magnificent that all of them—the King and Queen of -Pingaree and the King and Queen of Regos and Coregos—drew long breaths -of astonishment and opened their eyes as wide as they could.</p> - -<p>In an ivory throne sat a little round man who had a pointed beard and -hair that rose to a tall curl on top of his head. He was dressed in -silken robes, richly embroidered, which had large buttons of cut rubies. -On his head was a diamond crown and in his hand he held a golden sceptre -with a big jeweled ball at one end of it. This was Kaliko, the King and -ruler of all the nomes. He nodded pleasantly enough to his visitors and -said in a cheery voice:</p> - -<p>"Well, Your Majesties, what can I do for you?"</p> - -<p>"It is my desire," answered King Gos, respectfully, "to place in your -care two prisoners, whom you now see before you. They must be carefully -guarded, to prevent them from escaping, for they have the cunning of -foxes and are not to be trusted. In return for the favor I am asking you -to grant, I have brought Your Majesty valuable presents of gold and -precious gems."</p> - -<p>He then commanded Kitticut and Garee to lay before the Nome King the -bags of gold and jewels, and they obeyed, being helpless.</p> - -<p>"Very good," said King Kaliko, nodding approval, for like all the nomes -he loved treasures of gold and jewels. "But who are the prisoners you -have brought here, and why do you place them in my charge instead of -guarding them yourself? They seem gentle enough, I'm sure."</p> - -<p>"The prisoners," returned King Gos, "are the King and Queen of Pingaree, -a small island north of here. They are very evil people and came to our -islands of Regos and Coregos to conquer them and slay our poor people. -Also they intended to plunder us of all our riches, but by good fortune -we were able to defeat and capture them. However, they have a son who is -a terrible wizard and who by magic art is trying to find this awful King -and Queen of Pingaree, and to set them free, that they may continue -their wicked deeds. Therefore, as we have no magic to defend ourselves -with, we have brought the prisoners to you for safe keeping."</p> - -<p>"Your Majesty," spoke up King Kitticut, addressing the Nome King with -great indignation, "do not believe this tale, I implore you. It is all a -lie!"</p> - -<p>"I know it," said Kaliko. "I consider it a clever lie, though, because -it is woven without a thread of truth. However, that is none of my -business. The fact remains that my good friend King Gos wishes to put -you in my underground caverns, so that you will be unable to escape. And -why should I not please him in this little matter? Gos is a mighty King -and a great warrior, while your island of Pingaree is desolated and your -people scattered. In my heart, King Kitticut, I sympathize with you, but -as a matter of business policy we powerful Kings must stand together and -trample the weaker ones under our feet."</p> - -<p>King Kitticut was surprised to find the King of the nomes so candid and -so well informed, and he tried to argue that he and his gentle wife did -not deserve their cruel fate and that it would be wiser for Kaliko to -side with them than with the evil King of Regos. But Kaliko only shook -his head and smiled, saying:</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image80.jpg" width="500" height="721" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>"The fact that you are a prisoner, my poor Kitticut, is evidence that -you are weaker than King Gos, and I prefer to deal with the strong. By -the way," he added, turning to the King of Regos, "have these prisoners -any connection with the Land of Oz?"</p> - -<p>"Why do you ask?" said Gos.</p> - -<p>"Because I dare not offend the Oz people," was the reply. "I am very -powerful, as you know, but Ozma of Oz is far more powerful than I; -therefore, if this King and Queen of Pingaree happened to be under -Ozma's protection, I would have nothing to do with them."</p> - -<p>"I assure Your Majesty that the prisoners have nothing to do with the Oz -people," Gos hastened to say. And Kitticut, being questioned, admitted -that this was true.</p> - -<p>"But how about that wizard you mentioned?" asked the Nome King.</p> - -<p>"Oh, he is merely a boy; but he is very ferocious and obstinate and he -is assisted by a little fat sorcerer called Rinkitink and a talking -goat."</p> - -<p>"Oho! A talking goat, do you say? That certainly sounds like magic; and -it also sounds like the Land of Oz, where all the animals talk," said -Kaliko, with a doubtful expression.</p> - -<p>But King Gos assured him the talking goat had never been to Oz.</p> - -<p>"As for Rinkitink, whom you call a sorcerer," continued the Nome King, -"he is a neighbor of mine, you must know, but as we are cut off from -each other by high mountains beneath which a powerful river runs, I have -never yet met King Rinkitink. But I have heard of him, and from all -reports he is a jolly rogue, and perfectly harmless. However, in spite -of your false statements and misrepresentations, I will earn the -treasure you have brought me, by keeping your prisoners safe in my -caverns."</p> - -<p>"Make them work," advised Queen Cor. "They are rather delicate, and to -make them work will make them suffer delightfully."</p> - -<p>"I'll do as I please about that," said the Nome King sternly. "Be -content that I agree to keep them safe."</p> - -<p>The bargain being thus made and concluded, Kaliko first examined the -gold and jewels and then sent it away to his royal storehouse, which was -well filled with like treasure. Next the captives were sent away in -charge of the nome with the golden collar and keys, whose name was Klik, -and he escorted them to a small cavern and gave them a good supper.</p> - -<p>"I shall lock your door," said Klik, "so there is no need of your -wearing those heavy chains any longer." He therefore removed the chains -and left King Kitticut and his Queen alone. This was the first time -since the Northmen had carried them away from Pingaree that the good -King and Queen had been alone together and free of all bonds, and as -they embraced lovingly and mingled their tears over their sad fate they -were also grateful that they had passed from the control of the -heartless King Gos into the more considerate care of King Kaliko. They -were still captives but they believed they would be happier in the -underground caverns of the nomes than in Regos and Coregos.</p> - -<p>Meantime, in the King's royal cavern a great feast had been spread. King -Gos and Queen Cor, having triumphed in their plot, were so well pleased -that they held high revelry with the jolly Nome King until a late hour -that night. And the next morning, having cautioned Kaliko not to release -the prisoners under any consideration without their orders, the King and -Queen of Regos and Coregos left the caverns of the nomes to return to -the shore of the ocean where they had left their boat.</p> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="Inga_Parts_With_His_Pink_Pearl" id="Inga_Parts_With_His_Pink_Pearl"></a>Inga Parts With His Pink Pearl</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image81.jpg" width="500" height="310" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 18</h3> - - -<p>The White Pearl guided Inga truly in his pursuit of the boat of King -Gos, but the boy had been so delayed in sending his people home to -Pingaree that it was a full day after Gos and Cor landed on the shore of -the Wheeler Country that Inga's boat arrived at the same place.</p> - -<p>There he found the forty rowers guarding the barge of Queen Cor, and -although they would not or could not tell the boy where the King and -Queen had taken his father and mother, the White Pearl advised him to -follow the path to the country and the caverns of the nomes.</p> - -<p>Rinkitink didn't like to undertake the rocky and mountainous journey, -even with Bilbil to carry him, but he would not desert Inga, even though -his own kingdom lay just beyond a range of mountains which could be seen -towering southwest of them. So the King bravely mounted the goat, who -always grumbled but always obeyed his master, and the three set off at -once for the caverns of the nomes.</p> - -<p>They traveled just as slowly as Queen Cor and King Gos had done, so when -they were about halfway they discovered the King and Queen coming back -to their boat. The fact that Gos and Cor were now alone proved that they -had left Inga's father and mother behind them; so, at the suggestion of -Rinkitink, the three hid behind a high rock until the King of Regos and -the Queen of Coregos, who had not observed them, had passed them by. -Then they continued their journey, glad that they had not again been -forced to fight or quarrel with their wicked enemies.</p> - -<p>"We might have asked them, however, what they had done with your poor -parents," said Rinkitink.</p> - -<p>"Never mind," answered Inga. "I am sure the White Pearl will guide us -aright."</p> - -<p>For a time they proceeded in silence and then Rinkitink began to chuckle -with laughter in the pleasant way he was wont to do before his -misfortunes came upon him.</p> - -<p>"What amuses Your Majesty?" inquired the boy.</p> - -<p>"The thought of how surprised my dear subjects would be if they realized -how near to them I am, and yet how far away. I have always wanted to -visit the Nome Country, which is full of mystery and magic and all sorts -of adventures, but my devoted subjects forbade me to think of such a -thing, fearing I would get hurt or enchanted."</p> - -<p>"Are you afraid, now that you are here?" asked Inga.</p> - -<p>"A little, but not much, for they say the new Nome King is not as wicked -as the old King used to be. Still, we are undertaking a dangerous -journey and I think you ought to protect me by lending me one of your -pearls."</p> - -<p>Inga thought this over and it seemed a reasonable request.</p> - -<p>"Which pearl would you like to have?" asked the boy.</p> - -<p>"Well, let us see," returned Rinkitink; "you may need strength to -liberate your captive parents, so you must keep the Blue Pearl. And you -will need the advice of the White Pearl, so you had best keep that also. -But in case we should be separated I would have nothing to protect me -from harm, so you ought to lend me the Pink Pearl."</p> - -<p>"Very well," agreed Inga, and sitting down upon a rock he removed his -right shoe and after withdrawing the cloth from the pointed toe took out -the Pink Pearl—the one which protected from any harm the person who -carried it.</p> - -<p>"Where can you put it, to keep it safely?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"In my vest pocket," replied the King. "The pocket has a flap to it and -I can pin it down in such a way that the pearl cannot get out and become -lost. As for robbery, no one with evil intent can touch my person while -I have the pearl."</p> - -<p>So Inga gave Rinkitink the Pink Pearl and the little King placed it in -the pocket of his red-and-green brocaded velvet vest, pinning the flap -of the pocket down tightly.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image82.jpg" width="500" height="727" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>They now resumed their journey and finally reached the entrance to the -Nome King's caverns. Placing the White Pearl to his ear, Inga asked: -"What shall I do now?" and the Voice of the Pearl replied: "Clap your -hands together four times and call aloud the word 'Klik.' Then allow -yourselves to be conducted to the Nome King, who is now holding your -father and mother captive."</p> - -<p>Inga followed these instructions and when Klik appeared in answer to his -summons the boy requested an audience of the Nome King. So Klik led them -into the presence of King Kaliko, who was suffering from a severe -headache, due to his revelry the night before, and therefore was -unusually cross and grumpy.</p> - -<p>"I know what you've come for," said he, before Inga could speak. "You -want to get the captives from Regos away from me; but you can't do it, -so you'd best go away again."</p> - -<p>"The captives are my father and mother, and I intend to liberate them," -said the boy firmly.</p> - -<p>The King stared hard at Inga, wondering at his audacity. Then he turned -to look at King Rinkitink and said:</p> - -<p>"I suppose you are the King of Gilgad, which is in the Kingdom of -Rinkitink."</p> - -<p>"You've guessed it the first time," replied Rinkitink.</p> - -<p>"How round and fat you are!" exclaimed Kaliko.</p> - -<p>"I was just thinking how fat and round <i>you</i> are," said Rinkitink. -"Really, King Kaliko, we ought to be friends, we're so much alike in -everything but disposition and intelligence."</p> - -<p>Then he began to chuckle, while Kaliko stared hard at him, not knowing -whether to accept his speech as a compliment or not. And now the nome's -eyes wandered to Bilbil, and he asked:</p> - -<p>"Is that your talking goat?"</p> - -<p>Bilbil met the Nome King's glowering look with a gaze equally surly and -defiant, while Rinkitink answered: "It is, Your Majesty."</p> - -<p>"Can he really talk?" asked Kaliko, curiously.</p> - -<p>"He can. But the best thing he does is to scold. Talk to His Majesty, -Bilbil."</p> - -<p>But Bilbil remained silent and would not speak.</p> - -<p>"Do you always ride upon his back?" continued Kaliko, questioning -Rinkitink.</p> - -<p>"Yes," was the answer, "because it is difficult for a fat man to walk -far, as perhaps you know from experience."</p> - -<p>"That is true," said Kaliko. "Get off the goat's back and let me ride -him a while, to see how I like it. Perhaps I'll take him away from you, -to ride through my caverns."</p> - -<p>Rinkitink chuckled softly as he heard this, but at once got off Bilbil's -back and let Kaliko get on. The Nome King was a little awkward, but when -he was firmly astride the saddle he called in a loud voice: "Giddap!"</p> - -<p>When Bilbil paid no attention to the command and refused to stir, Kaliko -kicked his heels viciously against the goat's body, and then Bilbil made -a sudden start. He ran swiftly across the great cavern, until he had -almost reached the opposite wall, when he stopped so abruptly that King -Kaliko sailed over his head and bumped against the jeweled wall. He -bumped so hard that the points of his crown were all mashed out of shape -and his head was driven far into the diamond-studded band of the crown, -so that it covered one eye and a part of his nose. Perhaps this saved -Kaliko's head from being cracked against the rock wall, but it was hard -on the crown.</p> - -<p>Bilbil was highly pleased at the success of his feat and Rinkitink -laughed merrily at the Nome King's comical appearance; but Kaliko was -muttering and growling as he picked himself up and struggled to pull the -battered crown from his head, and it was evident that he was not in the -least amused. Indeed, Inga could see that the King was very angry, and -the boy knew that the incident was likely to turn Kaliko against the -entire party.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image83.jpg" width="500" height="727" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>The Nome King sent Klik for another crown and ordered his workmen to -repair the one that was damaged. While he waited for the new crown he -sat regarding his visitors with a scowling face, and this made Inga more -uneasy than ever. Finally, when the new crown was placed upon his head, -King Kaliko said: "Follow me, strangers!" and led the way to a small -door at one end of the cavern.</p> - -<p>Inga and Rinkitink followed him through the doorway and found themselves -standing on a balcony that overlooked an enormous domed cave—so -extensive that it seemed miles to the other side of it. All around this -circular cave, which was brilliantly lighted from an unknown source, -were arches connected with other caverns.</p> - -<p>Kaliko took a gold whistle from his pocket and blew a shrill note that -echoed through every part of the cave. Instantly nomes began to pour in -through the side arches in great numbers, until the immense space was -packed with them as far as the eye could reach. All were armed with -glittering weapons of polished silver and gold, and Inga was amazed that -any King could command so great an army.</p> - -<p>They began marching and countermarching in very orderly array until -another blast of the gold whistle sent them scurrying away as quickly as -they had appeared. And as soon as the great cave was again empty Kaliko -returned with his visitors to his own royal chamber, where he once more -seated himself upon his ivory throne.</p> - -<p>"I have shown you," said he to Inga, "a part of my bodyguard. The royal -armies, of which this is only a part, are as numerous as the sands of -the ocean, and live in many thousands of my underground caverns. You -have come here thinking to force me to give up the captives of King Gos -and Queen Cor, and I wanted to convince you that my power is too mighty -for anyone to oppose. I am told that you are a wizard, and depend upon -magic to aid you; but you must know that the nomes are not mortals, and -understand magic pretty well themselves, so if we are obliged to fight -magic with magic the chances are that we are a hundred times more -powerful than you can be. Think this over carefully, my boy, and try to -realize that you are in my power. I do not believe you can force me to -liberate King Kitticut and Queen Garee, and I know that you cannot coax -me to do so, for I have given my promise to King Gos. Therefore, as I -do not wish to hurt you, I ask you to go away peaceably and let me -alone."</p> - -<p>"Forgive me if I do not agree with you, King Kaliko," answered the boy. -"However difficult and dangerous my task may be, I cannot leave your -dominions until every effort to release my parents has failed and left -me completely discouraged."</p> - -<p>"Very well," said the King, evidently displeased. "I have warned you, -and now if evil overtakes you it is your own fault. I've a headache -to-day, so I cannot entertain you properly, according to your rank; but -Klik will attend you to my guest chambers and to-morrow I will talk with -you again."</p> - -<p>This seemed a fair and courteous way to treat one's declared enemies, so -they politely expressed the wish that Kaliko's headache would be better, -and followed their guide, Klik, down a well-lighted passage and through -several archways until they finally reached three nicely furnished -bedchambers which were cut from solid gray rock and well lighted and -aired by some mysterious method known to the nomes.</p> - -<p>The first of these rooms was given King Rinkitink, the second was Inga's -and the third was assigned to Bilbil the goat. There was a swinging rock -door between the third and second rooms and another between the second -and first, which also had a door that opened upon the passage. -Rinkitink's room was the largest, so it was here that an excellent -dinner was spread by some of the nome servants, who, in spite of their -crooked shapes, proved to be well trained and competent.</p> - -<p>"You are not prisoners, you know," said Klik; "neither are you welcome -guests, having declared your purpose to oppose our mighty King and all -his hosts. But we bear you no ill will, and you are to be well fed and -cared for as long as you remain in our caverns. Eat hearty, sleep tight, -and pleasant dreams to you."</p> - -<p>Saying this, he left them alone and at once Rinkitink and Inga began to -counsel together as to the best means to liberate King Kitticut and -Queen Garee. The White Pearl's advice was rather unsatisfactory to the -boy, just now, for all that the Voice said in answer to his questions -was: "Be patient, brave and determined."</p> - -<p>Rinkitink suggested that they try to discover in what part of the series -of underground caverns Inga's parents had been confined, as that -knowledge was necessary before they could take any action; so together -they started out, leaving Bilbil asleep in his room, and made their way -unopposed through many corridors and caverns.</p> - -<p>In some places were great furnaces, where gold dust was being melted -into bricks. In other rooms workmen were fashioning the gold into -various articles and ornaments. In one cavern immense wheels revolved -which polished precious gems, and they found many caverns used as -storerooms, where treasure of every sort was piled high. Also they came -to the barracks of the army and the great kitchens.</p> - -<p>There were nomes everywhere—countless thousands of them—but none paid -the slightest heed to the visitors from the earth's surface. Yet, -although Inga and Rinkitink walked until they were weary, they were -unable to locate the place where the boy's father and mother had been -confined, and when they tried to return to their own rooms they found -that they had hopelessly lost themselves amid the labyrinth of passages. -However, Klik presently came to them, laughing at their discomfiture, -and led them back to their bedchambers.</p> - -<p>Before they went to sleep they carefully barred the door from -Rinkitink's room to the corridor, but the doors that connected the three -rooms one with another were left wide open.</p> - -<p>In the night Inga was awakened by a soft grating sound that filled him -with anxiety because he could not account for it. It was dark in his -room, the light having disappeared as soon as he got into bed, but he -managed to feel his way to the door that led to Rinkitink's room and -found it tightly closed and immovable. Then he made his way to the -opposite door, leading to Bilbil's room, to discover that also had been -closed and fastened.</p> - -<p>The boy had a curious sensation that all of his room—the walls, floor -and ceiling—was slowly whirling as if on a pivot, and it was such an -uncomfortable feeling that he got into bed again, not knowing what else -to do. And as the grating noise had ceased and the room now seemed -stationary, he soon fell asleep again.</p> - -<p>When the boy wakened, after many hours, he found the room again light. -So he dressed himself and discovered that a small table, containing a -breakfast that was smoking hot, had suddenly appeared in the center of -his room. He tried the two doors, but finding that he could not open -them he ate some breakfast, thoughtfully wondering who had locked him in -and why he had been made a prisoner. Then he again went to the door -which he thought led to Rinkitink's chamber and to his surprise the -latch lifted easily and the door swung open.</p> - -<p>Before him was a rude corridor hewn in the rock and dimly lighted. It -did not look inviting, so Inga closed the door, puzzled to know what had -become of Rinkitink's room and the King, and went to the opposite door. -Opening this, he found a solid wall of rock confronting him, which -effectually prevented his escape in that direction.</p> - -<p>The boy now realized that King Kaliko had tricked him, and while -professing to receive him as a guest had plotted to separate him from -his comrades. One way had been left, however, by which he might escape -and he decided to see where it led to.</p> - -<p>So, going to the first door, he opened it and ventured slowly into the -dimly lighted corridor. When he had advanced a few steps he heard the -door of his room slam shut behind him. He ran back at once, but the door -of rock fitted so closely into the wall that he found it impossible to -open it again. That did not matter so much, however, for the room was a -prison and the only way of escape seemed ahead of him.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image84.jpg" width="500" height="727" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Along the corridor he crept until, turning a corner, he found himself in -a large domed cavern that was empty and deserted. Here also was a dim -light that permitted him to see another corridor at the opposite side; -so he crossed the rocky floor of the cavern and entered a second -corridor. This one twisted and turned in every direction but was not -very long, so soon the boy reached a second cavern, not so large as the -first. This he found vacant also, but it had another corridor leading -out of it, so Inga entered that. It was straight and short and beyond -was a third cavern, which differed little from the others except that it -had a strong iron grating at one side of it.</p> - -<p>All three of these caverns had been roughly hewn from the rock and it -seemed they had never been put to use, as had all the other caverns of -the nomes he had visited. Standing in the third cavern, Inga saw what he -thought was still another corridor at its farther side, so he walked -toward it. This opening was dark, and that fact, and the solemn silence -all around him, made him hesitate for a while to enter it. Upon -reflection, however, he realized that unless he explored the place to -the very end he could not hope to escape from it, so he boldly entered -the dark corridor and felt his way cautiously as he moved forward.</p> - -<p>Scarcely had he taken two paces when a crash resounded back of him and a -heavy sheet of steel closed the opening into the cavern from which he -had just come. He paused a moment, but it still seemed best to proceed, -and as Inga advanced in the dark, holding his hands outstretched before -him to feel his way, handcuffs fell upon his wrists and locked -themselves with a sharp click, and an instant later he found he was -chained to a stout iron post set firmly in the rock floor.</p> - -<p>The chains were long enough to permit him to move a yard or so in any -direction and by feeling the walls he found he was in a small circular -room that had no outlet except the passage by which he had entered, and -that was now closed by the door of steel. This was the end of the series -of caverns and corridors.</p> - -<p>It was now that the horror of his situation occurred to the boy with -full force. But he resolved not to submit to his fate without a -struggle, and realizing that he possessed the Blue Pearl, which gave him -marvelous strength, he quickly broke the chains and set himself free of -the handcuffs. Next he twisted the steel door from its hinges, and -creeping along the short passage, found himself in the third cave.</p> - -<p>But now the dim light, which had before guided him, had vanished; yet on -peering into the gloom of the cave he saw what appeared to be two round -disks of flame, which cast a subdued glow over the floor and walls. By -this dull glow he made out the form of an enormous man, seated in the -center of the cave, and he saw that the iron grating had been removed, -permitting the man to enter.</p> - -<p>The giant was unclothed and its limbs were thickly covered with coarse -red hair. The round disks of flame were its two eyes and when it opened -its mouth to yawn Inga saw that its jaws were wide enough to crush a -dozen men between the great rows of teeth.</p> - -<p>Presently the giant looked up and perceived the boy crouching at the -other side of the cavern, so he called out in a hoarse, rude voice:</p> - -<p>"Come hither, my pretty one. We will wrestle together, you and I, and if -you succeed in throwing me I will let you pass through my cave."</p> - -<p>The boy made no reply to the challenge. He realized he was in dire peril -and regretted that he had lent the Pink Pearl to King Rinkitink. But it -was now too late for vain regrets, although he feared that even his -great strength would avail him little against this hairy monster. For -his arms were not long enough to span a fourth of the giant's huge -body, while the monster's powerful limbs would be likely to crush out -Inga's life before he could gain the mastery.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image85.jpg" width="500" height="727" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Therefore the Prince resolved to employ other means to combat this foe, -who had doubtless been placed there to bar his return. Retreating -through the passage he reached the room where he had been chained and -wrenched the iron post from its socket. It was a foot thick and four -feet long, and being of solid iron was so heavy that three ordinary men -would have found it hard to lift.</p> - -<p>Returning to the cavern, the boy swung the great bar above his head and -dashed it with mighty force full at the giant. The end of the bar struck -the monster upon its forehead, and with a single groan it fell full -length upon the floor and lay still.</p> - -<p>When the giant fell, the glow from its eyes faded away, and all was -dark. Cautiously, for Inga was not sure the giant was dead, the boy felt -his way toward the opening that led to the middle cavern. The entrance -was narrow and the darkness was intense, but, feeling braver now, the -boy stepped boldly forward. Instantly the floor began to sink beneath -him and in great alarm he turned and made a leap that enabled him to -grasp the rocky sides of the wall and regain a footing in the passage -through which he had just come.</p> - -<p>Scarcely had he obtained this place of refuge when a mighty crash -resounded throughout the cavern and the sound of a rushing torrent came -from far below. Inga felt in his pocket and found several matches, one -of which he lighted and held before him. While it flickered he saw that -the entire floor of the cavern had fallen away, and knew that had he not -instantly regained his footing in the passage he would have plunged into -the abyss that lay beneath him.</p> - -<p>By the light of another match he saw the opening at the other side of -the cave and the thought came to him that possibly he might leap across -the gulf. Of course, this could never be accomplished without the -marvelous strength lent him by the Blue Pearl, but Inga had the feeling -that one powerful spring might carry him over the chasm into safety. He -could not stay where he was, that was certain, so he resolved to make -the attempt.</p> - -<p>He took a long run through the first cave and the short corridor; then, -exerting all his strength, he launched himself over the black gulf of -the second cave. Swiftly he flew and, although his heart stood still -with fear, only a few seconds elapsed before his feet touched the ledge -of the opposite passageway and he knew he had safely accomplished the -wonderful feat.</p> - -<p>Only pausing to draw one long breath of relief, Inga quickly traversed -the crooked corridor that led to the last cavern of the three. But when -he came in sight of it he paused abruptly, his eyes nearly blinded by a -glare of strong light which burst upon them. Covering his face with his -hands, Inga retreated behind a projecting corner of rock and by -gradually getting his eyes used to the light he was finally able to gaze -without blinking upon the strange glare that had so quickly changed the -condition of the cavern. When he had passed through this vault it had -been entirely empty. Now the flat floor of rock was covered everywhere -with a bed of glowing coals, which shot up little tongues of red and -white flames. Indeed, the entire cave was one monster furnace and the -heat that came from it was fearful.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image86.jpg" width="500" height="727" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Inga's heart sank within him as he realized the terrible obstacle placed -by the cunning Nome King between him and the safety of the other -caverns. There was no turning back, for it would be impossible for him -again to leap over the gulf of the second cave, the corridor at this -side being so crooked that he could get no run before he jumped. Neither -could he leap over the glowing coals of the cavern that faced him, for -it was much larger than the middle cavern. In this dilemma he feared his -great strength would avail him nothing and he bitterly reproached -himself for parting with the Pink Pearl, which would have preserved him -from injury.</p> - -<p>However, it was not in the nature of Prince Inga to despair for long, -his past adventures having taught him confidence and courage, sharpened -his wits and given him the genius of invention. He sat down and thought -earnestly on the means of escape from his danger and at last a clever -idea came to his mind. This is the way to get ideas: never to let -adverse circumstances discourage you, but to believe there is a way out -of every difficulty, which may be found by earnest thought.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image87.jpg" width="500" height="721" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>There were many points and projections of rock in the walls of the -crooked corridor in which Inga stood and some of these rocks had become -cracked and loosened, although still clinging to their places. The boy -picked out one large piece, and, exerting all his strength, tore it away -from the wall. He then carried it to the cavern and tossed it upon -the burning coals, about ten feet away from the end of the passage. Then -he returned for another fragment of rock, and wrenching it free from its -place, he threw it ten feet beyond the first one, toward the opposite -side of the cave. The boy continued this work until he had made a series -of stepping-stones reaching straight across the cavern to the dark -passageway beyond, which he hoped would lead him back to safety if not -to liberty.</p> - -<p>When his work had been completed, Inga did not long hesitate to take -advantage of his stepping-stones, for he knew his best chance of escape -lay in his crossing the bed of coals before the rocks became so heated -that they would burn his feet. So he leaped to the first rock and from -there began jumping from one to the other in quick succession. A -withering wave of heat at once enveloped him, and for a time he feared -he would suffocate before he could cross the cavern; but he held his -breath, to keep the hot air from his lungs, and maintained his leaps -with desperate resolve.</p> - -<p>Then, before he realized it, his feet were pressing the cooler rocks of -the passage beyond and he rolled helpless upon the floor, gasping for -breath. His skin was so red that it resembled the shell of a boiled -lobster, but his swift motion had prevented his being burned, and his -shoes had thick soles, which saved his feet.</p> - -<p>After resting a few minutes, the boy felt strong enough to go on. He -went to the end of the passage and found that the rock door by which he -had left his room was still closed, so he returned to about the middle -of the corridor and was thinking what he should do next, when suddenly -the solid rock before him began to move and an opening appeared through -which shone a brilliant light. Shielding his eyes, which were somewhat -dazzled, Inga sprang through the opening and found himself in one of the -Nome King's inhabited caverns, where before him stood King Kaliko, with -a broad grin upon his features, and Klik, the King's chamberlain, who -looked surprised, and King Rinkitink seated astride Bilbil the goat, -both of whom seemed pleased that Inga had rejoined them.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image88.jpg" width="500" height="124" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="Rinkitink_Chuckles" id="Rinkitink_Chuckles"></a>Rinkitink Chuckles</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image89.jpg" width="500" height="316" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 19</h3> - - -<p>We will now relate what happened to Rinkitink and Bilbil that morning, -while Inga was undergoing his trying experiences in escaping the fearful -dangers of the three caverns.</p> - -<p>The King of Gilgad wakened to find the door of Inga's room fast shut and -locked, but he had no trouble in opening his own door into the corridor, -for it seems that the boy's room, which was the middle one, whirled -around on a pivot, while the adjoining rooms occupied by Bilbil and -Rinkitink remained stationary. The little King also found a breakfast -magically served in his room, and while he was eating it, Klik came to -him and stated that His Majesty, King Kaliko, desired his presence in -the royal cavern.</p> - -<p>So Rinkitink, having first made sure that the Pink Pearl was still in -his vest pocket, willingly followed Klik, who ran on some distance -ahead. But no sooner had Rinkitink set foot in the passage than a great -rock, weighing at least a ton, became dislodged and dropped from the -roof directly over his head. Of course, it could not harm him, protected -as he was by the Pink Pearl, and it bounded aside and crashed upon the -floor, where it was shattered by its own weight.</p> - -<p>"How careless!" exclaimed the little King, and waddled after Klik, who -seemed amazed at his escape.</p> - -<p>Presently another rock above Rinkitink plunged downward, and then -another, but none touched his body. Klik seemed much perplexed at these -continued escapes and certainly Kaliko was surprised when Rinkitink, -safe and sound, entered the royal cavern.</p> - -<p>"Good morning," said the King of Gilgad. "Your rocks are getting loose, -Kaliko, and you'd better have them glued in place before they hurt -someone." Then he began to chuckle: "Hoo, hoo, hoo-hee, hee-heek, keek, -eek!" and Kaliko sat and frowned because he realized that the little fat -King was poking fun at him.</p> - -<p>"I asked Your Majesty to come here," said the Nome King, "to show you a -curious skein of golden thread which my workmen have made. If it pleases -you, I will make you a present of it."</p> - -<p>With this he held out a small skein of glittering gold twine, which was -really pretty and curious. Rinkitink took it in his hand and at once the -golden thread began to unwind—so swiftly that the eye could not follow -its motion. And, as it unwound, it coiled itself around Rinkitink's -body, at the same time weaving itself into a net, until it had enveloped -the little King from head to foot and placed him in a prison of gold.</p> - -<p>"Aha!" cried Kaliko; "<i>this</i> magic worked all right, it seems."</p> - -<p>"Oh, did it?" replied Rinkitink, and stepping forward he walked right -through the golden net, which fell to the floor in a tangled mass.</p> - -<p>Kaliko rubbed his chin thoughtfully and stared hard at Rinkitink.</p> - -<p>"I understand a good bit of magic," said he, "but Your Majesty has a -sort of magic that greatly puzzles me, because it is unlike anything of -the sort that I ever met with before."</p> - -<p>"Now, see here, Kaliko," said Rinkitink; "if you are trying to harm me -or my companions, give it up, for you will never succeed. We're -harm-proof, so to speak, and you are merely wasting your time trying to -injure us."</p> - -<p>"You may be right, and I hope I am not so impolite as to argue with a -guest," returned the Nome King. "But you will pardon me if I am not yet -satisfied that you are stronger than my famous magic. However, I beg you -to believe that I bear you no ill will, King Rinkitink; but it is my -duty to destroy you, if possible, because you and that insignificant boy -Prince have openly threatened to take away my captives and have -positively refused to go back to the earth's surface and let me alone. -I'm very tender-hearted, as a matter of fact, and I like you immensely -and would enjoy having you as a friend, but—" Here he pressed a button -on the arm of his throne chair and the section of the floor where -Rinkitink stood suddenly opened and disclosed a black pit beneath, which -was a part of the terrible Bottomless Gulf.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image90.jpg" width="500" height="717" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>But Rinkitink did not fall into the pit; his body remained suspended -in the air until he put out his foot and stepped to the solid floor, -when the opening suddenly closed again.</p> - -<p>"I appreciate Your Majesty's friendship," remarked Rinkitink, as calmly -as if nothing had happened, "but I am getting tired with standing. Will -you kindly send for my goat, Bilbil, that I may sit upon his back to -rest?"</p> - -<p>"Indeed I will!" promised Kaliko. "I have not yet completed my test of -your magic, and as I owe that goat a slight grudge for bumping my head -and smashing my second-best crown, I will be glad to discover if the -beast can also escape my delightful little sorceries."</p> - -<p>So Klik was sent to fetch Bilbil and presently returned with the goat, -which was very cross this morning because it had not slept well in the -underground caverns.</p> - -<p>Rinkitink lost no time in getting upon the red velvet saddle which the -goat constantly wore, for he feared the Nome King would try to destroy -Bilbil and knew that as long as his body touched that of the goat the -Pink Pearl would protect them both; whereas, if Bilbil stood alone, -there was no magic to save him.</p> - -<p>Bilbil glared wickedly at King Kaliko, who moved uneasily in his ivory -throne. Then the Nome King whispered a moment in the ear of Klik, who -nodded and left the room.</p> - -<p>"Please make yourselves at home here for a few minutes, while I attend -to an errand," said the Nome King, getting up from the throne. "I shall -return pretty soon, when I hope to find you pieceful—ha, ha, -ha!—that's a joke you can't appreciate now but will later. Be -pieceful—that's the idea. Ho, ho, ho! How funny." Then he waddled from -the cavern, closing the door behind him.</p> - -<p>"Well, why didn't you laugh when Kaliko laughed?" demanded the goat, -when they were left alone in the cavern.</p> - -<p>"Because he means mischief of some sort," replied Rinkitink, "and we'll -laugh after the danger is over, Bilbil. There's an old adage that says: -'He laughs best who laughs last,' and the only way to laugh last is to -give the other fellow a chance. Where did that knife come from, I -wonder."</p> - -<p>For a long, sharp knife suddenly appeared in the air near them, twisting -and turning from side to side and darting here and there in a dangerous -manner, without any support whatever. Then another knife became -visible—and another and another—until all the space in the royal -cavern seemed filled with them. Their sharp points and edges darted -toward Rinkitink and Bilbil perpetually and nothing could have saved -them from being cut to pieces except the protecting power of the Pink -Pearl. As it was, not a knife touched them and even Bilbil gave a gruff -laugh at the failure of Kaliko's clever magic.</p> - -<p>The goat wandered here and there in the cavern, carrying Rinkitink upon -his back, and neither of them paid the slightest heed to the whirring -knives, although the glitter of the hundreds of polished blades was -rather trying to their eyes. Perhaps for ten minutes the knives darted -about them in bewildering fury; then they disappeared as suddenly as -they had appeared.</p> - -<p>Kaliko cautiously stuck his head through the doorway and found the goat -chewing the embroidery of his royal cloak, which he had left lying over -the throne, while Rinkitink was reading his manuscript on "How to be -Good" and chuckling over its advice. The Nome King seemed greatly -disappointed as he came in and resumed his seat on the throne. Said -Rinkitink with a chuckle:</p> - -<p>"We've really had a peaceful time, Kaliko, although not the pieceful -time you expected. Forgive me if I indulge in a laugh—hoo, hoo, -hoo-hee, heek-keek-eek! And now, tell me; aren't you getting tired of -trying to injure us?"</p> - -<p>"Eh-heh," said the Nome King. "I see now that your magic can protect you -from all my arts. But is the boy Inga as well protected as Your Majesty -and the goat?"</p> - -<p>"Why do you ask?" inquired Rinkitink, uneasy at the question because he -remembered he had not seen the little Prince of Pingaree that morning.</p> - -<p>"Because," said Kaliko, "the boy has been undergoing trials far greater -and more dangerous than any you have encountered, and it has been -hundreds of years since anyone has been able to escape alive from the -perils of my Three Trick Caverns."</p> - -<p>King Rinkitink was much alarmed at hearing this, for although he knew -that Inga possessed the Blue Pearl, that would only give to him -marvelous strength, and perhaps strength alone would not enable him to -escape from danger. But he would not let Kaliko see the fear he felt for -Inga's safety, so he said in a careless way:</p> - -<p>"You're a mighty poor magician, Kaliko, and I'll give you my crown if -Inga hasn't escaped any danger you have threatened him with."</p> - -<p>"Your whole crown is not worth one of the valuable diamonds in my -crown," answered the Nome King, "but I'll take it. Let us go at once, -therefore, and see what has become of the boy Prince, for if he is not -destroyed by this time I will admit he cannot be injured by any of the -magic arts which I have at my command."</p> - -<p>He left the room, accompanied by Klik, who had now rejoined his master, -and by Rinkitink riding upon Bilbil. After traversing several of the -huge caverns they entered one that was somewhat more bright and cheerful -than the others, where the Nome King paused before a wall of rock. Then -Klik pressed a secret spring and a section of the wall opened and -disclosed the corridor where Prince Inga stood facing them.</p> - -<p>"Tarts and tadpoles!" cried Kaliko in surprise. "The boy is still -alive!"</p> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="Dorothy_to_the_Rescue" id="Dorothy_to_the_Rescue"></a>Dorothy to the Rescue</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image91.jpg" width="500" height="310" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 20</h3> - - -<p>One day when Princess Dorothy of Oz was visiting Glinda the Good, who is -Ozma's Royal Sorceress, she was looking through Glinda's Great Book of -Records—wherein is inscribed all important events that happen in every -part of the world—when she came upon the record of the destruction of -Pingaree, the capture of King Kitticut and Queen Garee and all their -people, and the curious escape of Inga, the boy Prince, and of King -Rinkitink and the talking goat. Turning over some of the following -pages, Dorothy read how Inga had found the Magic Pearls and was rowing -the silver-lined boat to Regos to try to rescue his parents.</p> - -<p>The little girl was much interested to know how well Inga succeeded, but -she returned to the palace of Ozma at the Emerald City of Oz the next -day and other events made her forget the boy Prince of Pingaree for a -time. However, she was one day idly looking at Ozma's Magic Picture, -which shows any scene you may wish to see, when the girl thought of Inga -and commanded the Magic Picture to show what the boy was doing at that -moment.</p> - -<p>It was the time when Inga and Rinkitink had followed the King of Regos -and Queen of Coregos to the Nome King's country and she saw them hiding -behind the rock as Cor and Gos passed them by after having placed the -King and Queen of Pingaree in the keeping of the Nome King. From that -time Dorothy followed, by means of the Magic Picture, the adventures of -Inga and his friends in the Nome King's caverns, and the danger and -helplessness of the poor boy aroused the little girl's pity and -indignation.</p> - -<p>So she went to Ozma and told the lovely girl Ruler of Oz all about Inga -and Rinkitink.</p> - -<p>"I think Kaliko is treating them dreadfully mean," declared Dorothy, -"and I wish you'd let me go to the Nome Country and help them out of -their troubles."</p> - -<p>"Go, my dear, if you wish to," replied Ozma, "but I think it would be -best for you to take the Wizard with you."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I'm not afraid of the nomes," said Dorothy, "but I'll be glad to -take the Wizard, for company. And may we use your Magic Carpet, Ozma?"</p> - -<p>"Of course. Put the Magic Carpet in the Red Wagon and have the Sawhorse -take you and the Wizard to the edge of the desert. While you are gone, -Dorothy, I'll watch you in the Magic Picture, and if any danger -threatens you I'll see you are not harmed."</p> - -<p>Dorothy thanked the Ruler of Oz and kissed her good-bye, for she was -determined to start at once. She found the Wizard of Oz, who was -planting shoe-trees in the garden, and when she told him Inga's story he -willingly agreed to accompany the little girl to the Nome King's -caverns. They had both been there before and had conquered the nomes -with ease, so they were not at all afraid.</p> - -<p>The Wizard, who was a cheery little man with a bald head and a winning -smile, harnessed the Wooden Sawhorse to the Red Wagon and loaded on -Ozma's Magic Carpet. Then he and Dorothy climbed to the seat and the -Sawhorse started off and carried them swiftly through the beautiful Land -of Oz to the edge of the Deadly Desert that separated their fairyland -from the Nome Country.</p> - -<p>Even Dorothy and the clever Wizard would not have dared to cross this -desert without the aid of the Magic Carpet, for it would have quickly -destroyed them; but when the roll of carpet had been placed upon the -edge of the sands, leaving just enough lying flat for them to stand -upon, the carpet straightway began to unroll before them and as they -walked on it continued to unroll, until they had safely passed over the -stretch of Deadly Desert and were on the border of the Nome King's -dominions.</p> - -<p>This journey had been accomplished in a few minutes, although such a -distance would have required several days' travel had they not been -walking on the Magic Carpet. On arriving they at once walked toward the -entrance to the caverns of the nomes.</p> - -<p>The Wizard carried a little black bag containing his tools of wizardry, -while Dorothy carried over her arm a covered basket in which she had -placed a dozen eggs, with which to conquer the nomes if she had any -trouble with them.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image92.jpg" width="500" height="727" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Eggs may seem to you to be a queer weapon with which to fight, but the -little girl well knew their value. The nomes are immortal; that is, they -do not perish, as mortals do, <i>unless they happen to come in contact -with an egg</i>. If an egg touches them—either the outer shell or the -inside of the egg—the nomes lose their charm of perpetual life and -thereafter are liable to die through accident or old age, just as all -humans are.</p> - -<p>For this reason the sight of an egg fills a nome with terror and he will -do anything to prevent an egg from touching him, even for an instant. -So, when Dorothy took her basket of eggs with her, she knew that she was -more powerfully armed than if she had a regiment of soldiers at her -back.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image93.jpg" width="500" height="233" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image94.jpg" width="500" height="725" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="The_Wizard_Finds_an_Enchantment" id="The_Wizard_Finds_an_Enchantment"></a>The Wizard Finds an Enchantment</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image95.jpg" width="500" height="314" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 21</h3> - - -<p>After Kaliko had failed in his attempts to destroy his guests, as has -been related, the Nome King did nothing more to injure them but treated -them in a friendly manner. He refused, however, to permit Inga to see or -to speak with his father and mother, or even to know in what part of the -underground caverns they were confined.</p> - -<p>"You are able to protect your lives and persons, I freely admit," said -Kaliko; "but I firmly believe you have no power, either of magic or -otherwise, to take from me the captives I have agreed to keep for King -Gos."</p> - -<p>Inga would not agree to this. He determined not to leave the caverns -until he had liberated his father and mother, although he did not then -know how that could be accomplished. As for Rinkitink, the jolly King -was well fed and had a good bed to sleep upon, so he was not worrying -about anything and seemed in no hurry to go away.</p> - -<p>Kaliko and Rinkitink were engaged in pitching a game with solid gold -quoits, on the floor of the royal chamber, and Inga and Bilbil were -watching them, when Klik came running in, his hair standing on end with -excitement, and cried out that the Wizard of Oz and Dorothy were -approaching.</p> - -<p>Kaliko turned pale on hearing this unwelcome news and, abandoning his -game, went to sit in his ivory throne and try to think what had brought -these fearful visitors to his domain.</p> - -<p>"Who is Dorothy?" asked Inga.</p> - -<p>"She is a little girl who once lived in Kansas," replied Klik, with a -shudder, "but she now lives in Ozma's palace at the Emerald City and is -a Princess of Oz—which means that she is a terrible foe to deal with."</p> - -<p>"Doesn't she like the nomes?" inquired the boy.</p> - -<p>"It isn't that," said King Kaliko, with a groan, "but she insists on the -nomes being goody-goody, which is contrary to their natures. Dorothy -gets angry if I do the least thing that is wicked, and tries to make me -stop it, and that naturally makes me downhearted. I can't imagine why -she has come here just now, for I've been behaving very well lately. As -for that Wizard of Oz, he's chock-full of magic that I can't overcome, -for he learned it from Glinda, who is the most powerful sorceress in the -world. Woe is me! Why didn't Dorothy and the Wizard stay in Oz, where -they belong?"</p> - -<p>Inga and Rinkitink listened to this with much joy, for at once the idea -came to them both to plead with Dorothy to help them. Even Bilbil -pricked up his ears when he heard the Wizard of Oz mentioned, and the -goat seemed much less surly, and more thoughtful than usual.</p> - -<p>A few minutes later a nome came to say that Dorothy and the Wizard had -arrived and demanded admittance, so Klik was sent to usher them into the -royal presence of the Nome King.</p> - -<p>As soon as she came in the little girl ran up to the boy Prince and -seized both his hands.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Inga!" she exclaimed, "I'm so glad to find you alive and well."</p> - -<p>Inga was astonished at so warm a greeting. Making a low bow he said:</p> - -<p>"I don't think we have met before, Princess."</p> - -<p>"No, indeed," replied Dorothy, "but I know all about you and I've come -to help you and King Rinkitink out of your troubles." Then she turned to -the Nome King and continued: "You ought to be ashamed of yourself, King -Kaliko, to treat an honest Prince and an honest King so badly."</p> - -<p>"I haven't done anything to them," whined Kaliko, trembling as her eyes -flashed upon him.</p> - -<p>"No; but you tried to, an' that's just as bad, if not worse," said -Dorothy, who was very indignant. "And now I want you to send for the -King and Queen of Pingaree and have them brought here <i>immejitly</i>!"</p> - -<p>"I won't," said Kaliko.</p> - -<p>"Yes, you will!" cried Dorothy, stamping her foot at him. "I won't have -those poor people made unhappy any longer, or separated from their -little boy. Why, it's <i>dreadful</i>, Kaliko, an' I'm su'prised at you. You -must be more wicked than I thought you were."</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image96.jpg" width="500" height="728" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>"I can't do it, Dorothy," said the Nome King, almost weeping with -despair. "I promised King Gos I'd keep them captives. You wouldn't ask -me to break my promise, would you?"</p> - -<p>"King Gos was a robber and an outlaw," she said, "and p'r'aps you don't -know that a storm at sea wrecked his boat, while he was going back to -Regos, and that he and Queen Cor were both drowned."</p> - -<p>"Dear me!" exclaimed Kaliko. "Is that so?"</p> - -<p>"I saw it in Glinda's Record Book," said Dorothy. "So now you trot out -the King and Queen of Pingaree as quick as you can."</p> - -<p>"No," persisted the contrary Nome King, shaking his head, "I won't do -it. Ask me anything else and I'll try to please you, but I can't allow -these friendly enemies to triumph over me."</p> - -<p>"In that case," said Dorothy, beginning to remove the cover from her -basket, "I'll show you some eggs."</p> - -<p>"Eggs!" screamed the Nome King in horror. "Have you eggs in that -basket?"</p> - -<p>"A dozen of 'em," replied Dorothy.</p> - -<p>"Then keep them there—I beg—I implore you!—and I'll do anything you -say," pleaded Kaliko, his teeth chattering so that he could hardly -speak.</p> - -<p>"Send for the King and Queen of Pingaree," said Dorothy.</p> - -<p>"Go, Klik," commanded the Nome King, and Klik ran away in great haste, -for he was almost as much frightened as his master.</p> - -<p>It was an affecting scene when the unfortunate King and Queen of -Pingaree entered the chamber and with sobs and tears of joy embraced -their brave and adventurous son. All the others stood silent until -greetings and kisses had been exchanged and Inga had told his parents in -a few words of his vain struggles to rescue them and how Princess -Dorothy had finally come to his assistance.</p> - -<p>Then King Kitticut shook the hands of his friend King Rinkitink and -thanked him for so loyally supporting his son Inga, and Queen Garee -kissed little Dorothy's forehead and blessed her for restoring her -husband and herself to freedom.</p> - -<p>The Wizard had been standing near Bilbil the goat and now he was -surprised to hear the animal say:</p> - -<p>"Joyful reunion, isn't it? But it makes me tired to see grown people cry -like children."</p> - -<p>"Oho!" exclaimed the Wizard. "How does it happen, Mr. Goat, that you, -who have never been to the Land of Oz, are able to talk?"</p> - -<p>"That's my business," returned Bilbil in a surly tone.</p> - -<p>The Wizard stooped down and gazed fixedly into the animal's eyes. Then -he said, with a pitying sigh: "I see; you are under an enchantment. -Indeed, I believe you to be Prince Bobo of Boboland."</p> - -<p>Bilbil made no reply but dropped his head as if ashamed.</p> - -<p>"This is a great discovery," said the Wizard, addressing Dorothy and the -others of the party. "A good many years ago a cruel magician transformed -the gallant Prince of Boboland into a talking goat, and this goat, being -ashamed of his condition, ran away and was never after seen in Boboland, -which is a country far to the south of here but bordering on the Deadly -Desert, opposite the Land of Oz. I heard of this story long ago and know -that a diligent search has been made for the enchanted Prince, without -result. But I am well assured that, in the animal you call Bilbil, I -have discovered the unhappy Prince of Boboland."</p> - -<p>"Dear me, Bilbil," said Rinkitink, "why have you never told me this?"</p> - -<p>"What would be the use?" asked Bilbil in a low voice and still refusing -to look up.</p> - -<p>"The use?" repeated Rinkitink, puzzled.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image97.jpg" width="500" height="728" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>"Yes, that's the trouble," said the Wizard. "It is one of the most -powerful enchantments ever accomplished, and the magician is now dead -and the secret of the anti-charm lost. Even I, with all my skill, cannot -restore Prince Bobo to his proper form. But I think Glinda might be able -to do so and if you will all return with Dorothy and me to the Land of -Oz, where Ozma will make you welcome, I will ask Glinda to try to break -this enchantment."</p> - -<p>This was willingly agreed to, for they all welcomed the chance to visit -the famous Land of Oz. So they bade good-bye to King Kaliko, whom -Dorothy warned not to be wicked any more if he could help it, and the -entire party returned over the Magic Carpet to the Land of Oz. They -filled the Red Wagon, which was still waiting for them, pretty full; but -the Sawhorse didn't mind that and with wonderful speed carried them -safely to the Emerald City.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image98.jpg" width="500" height="207" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="Ozmas_Banquet" id="Ozmas_Banquet"></a>Ozma's Banquet</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image99.jpg" width="500" height="308" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 22</h3> - - -<p>Ozma had seen in her Magic Picture the liberation of Inga's parents and -the departure of the entire party for the Emerald City, so with her -usual hospitality she ordered a splendid banquet prepared and invited -all her quaint friends who were then in the Emerald City to be present -that evening to meet the strangers who were to become her guests.</p> - -<p>Glinda, also, in her wonderful Record Book had learned of the events -that had taken place in the caverns of the Nome King and she became -especially interested in the enchantment of the Prince of Boboland. So -she hastily prepared several of her most powerful charms and then -summoned her flock of sixteen white storks, which swiftly bore her to -Ozma's palace. She arrived there before the Red Wagon did and was warmly -greeted by the girl Ruler.</p> - -<p>Realizing that the costume of Queen Garee of Pingaree must have become -sadly worn and frayed, owing to her hardships and adventures, Ozma -ordered a royal outfit prepared for the good Queen and had it laid in -her chamber ready for her to put on as soon as she arrived, so she would -not be shamed at the banquet. New costumes were also provided for King -Kitticut and King Rinkitink and Prince Inga, all cut and made and -embellished in the elaborate and becoming style then prevalent in the -Land of Oz, and as soon as the party arrived at the palace Ozma's guests -were escorted by her servants to their rooms, that they might bathe and -dress themselves.</p> - -<p>Glinda the Sorceress and the Wizard of Oz took charge of Bilbil the goat -and went to a private room where they were not likely to be interrupted. -Glinda first questioned Bilbil long and earnestly about the manner of -his enchantment and the ceremony that had been used by the magician who -enchanted him. At first Bilbil protested that he did not want to be -restored to his natural shape, saying that he had been forever disgraced -in the eyes of his people and of the entire world by being obliged to -exist as a scrawny, scraggly goat. But Glinda pointed out that any -person who incurred the enmity of a wicked magician was liable to suffer -a similar fate, and assured him that his misfortune would make him -better beloved by his subjects when he returned to them freed from his -dire enchantment.</p> - -<p>Bilbil was finally convinced of the truth of this assertion and agreed -to submit to the experiments of Glinda and the Wizard, who knew they had -a hard task before them and were not at all sure they could succeed. We -know that Glinda is the most complete mistress of magic who has ever -existed, and she was wise enough to guess that the clever but evil -magician who had enchanted Prince Bobo had used a spell that would -puzzle any ordinary wizard or sorcerer to break; therefore she had given -the matter much shrewd thought and hoped she had conceived a plan that -would succeed. But because she was not positive of success she would -have no one present at the incantation except her assistant, the Wizard -of Oz.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image100.jpg" width="500" height="363" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>First she transformed Bilbil the goat into a lamb, and this was done -quite easily. Next she transformed the lamb into an ostrich, giving it -two legs and feet instead of four. Then she tried to transform the -ostrich into the original Prince Bobo, but this incantation was an utter -failure. Glinda was not discouraged, however, but by a powerful spell -transformed the ostrich into a tottenhot—which is a lower form of a -man. Then the tottenhot was transformed into a mifket, which was a great -step in advance and, finally, Glinda transformed the mifket into a -handsome young man, tall and shapely, who fell on his knees before the -great Sorceress and gratefully kissed her hand, admitting that he had -now recovered his proper shape and was indeed Prince Bobo of Boboland.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image101.jpg" width="500" height="369" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>This process of magic, successful though it was in the end, had required -so much time that the banquet was now awaiting their presence. Bobo was -already dressed in princely raiment and although he seemed very much -humbled by his recent lowly condition, they finally persuaded him to -join the festivities.</p> - -<p>When Rinkitink saw that his goat had now become a Prince, he did not -know whether to be sorry or glad, for he felt that he would miss the -companionship of the quarrelsome animal he had so long been accustomed -to ride upon, while at the same time he rejoiced that poor Bilbil had -come to his own again.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image102.jpg" width="500" height="352" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Prince Bobo humbly begged Rinkitink's forgiveness for having been so -disagreeable to him, at times, saying that the nature of a goat had -influenced him and the surly disposition he had shown was a part of his -enchantment. But the jolly King assured the Prince that he had really -enjoyed Bilbil's grumpy speeches and forgave him readily. Indeed, they -all discovered the young Prince Bobo to be an exceedingly courteous and -pleasant person, although he was somewhat reserved and dignified.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image103.jpg" width="500" height="365" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>Ah, but it was a great feast that Ozma served in her gorgeous banquet -hall that night and everyone was as happy as could be. The Shaggy Man -was there, and so was Jack Pumpkinhead and the Tin Woodman and Cap'n -Bill. Beside Princess Dorothy sat Tiny Trot and Betsy Bobbin, and the -three little girls were almost as sweet to look upon as was Ozma, who -sat at the head of her table and outshone all her guests in loveliness.</p> - -<p>King Rinkitink was delighted with the quaint people of Oz and laughed -and joked with the tin man and the pumpkin-headed man and found Cap'n -Bill a very agreeable companion. But what amused the jolly King most -were the animal guests, which Ozma always invited to her banquets and -seated at a table by themselves, where they talked and chatted together -as people do but were served the sort of food their natures required. -The Hungry Tiger and Cowardly Lion and the Glass Cat were much admired -by Rinkitink, but when he met a mule named Hank, which Betsy Robbin had -brought to Oz, the King found the creature so comical that he laughed -and chuckled until his friends thought he would choke. Then while the -banquet was still in progress, Rinkitink composed and sang a song to the -mule and they all joined in the chorus, which was something like this:</p> - -<p class="poem"> -"It's very queer how big an ear<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Is worn by Mr. Donkey;</span><br /> -And yet I fear he could not hear<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">If it were on a monkey.</span><br /> -'Tis thick and strong and broad and long<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And also very hairy;</span><br /> -It's quite becoming to our Hank<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But might disgrace a fairy!"</span><br /> -</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image104.jpg" width="500" height="723" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>This song was received with so much enthusiasm that Rinkitink was -prevailed upon to sing another. They gave him a little time to compose -the rhyme, which he declared would be better if he could devote a month -or two to its composition, but the sentiment he expressed was so -admirable that no one criticized the song or the manner in which the -jolly little King sang it.</p> - -<p>Dorothy wrote down the words on a piece of paper, and here they are:</p> - -<p class="poem"> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"We're merry comrades all, to-night,</span><br /> -Because we've won a gallant fight<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And conquered all our foes.</span><br /> -We're not afraid of anything,<br /> -So let us gayly laugh and sing<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Until we seek repose.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"We've all our grateful hearts can wish;</span><br /> -King Gos has gone to feed the fish,<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Queen Cor has gone, as well;</span><br /> -King Kitticut has found his own,<br /> -Prince Bobo soon will have a throne<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Relieved of magic spell.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"So let's forget the horrid strife</span><br /> -That fell upon our peaceful life<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And caused distress and pain;</span><br /> -For very soon across the sea<br /> -We'll all be sailing merrily<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To Pingaree again."</span><br /> -</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image105.jpg" width="500" height="352" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="The_Pearl_Kingdom" id="The_Pearl_Kingdom"></a>The Pearl Kingdom</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image106.jpg" width="500" height="311" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 23</h3> - - -<p>It was unfortunate that the famous Scarecrow—the most popular person in -all Oz, next to Ozma—was absent at the time of the banquet, for he -happened just then to be making one of his trips through the country; -but the Scarecrow had a chance later to meet Rinkitink and Inga and the -King and Queen of Pingaree and Prince Bobo, for the party remained -several weeks at the Emerald City, where they were royally entertained, -and where both the gentle Queen Garee and the noble King Kitticut -recovered much of their good spirits and composure and tried to forget -their dreadful experiences.</p> - -<p>At last, however, the King and Queen desired to return to their own -Pingaree, as they longed to be with their people again and see how well -they had rebuilt their homes. Inga also was anxious to return, although -he had been very happy in Oz, and King Rinkitink, who was happy anywhere -except at Gilgad, decided to go with his former friends to Pingaree. As -for Prince Bobo, he had become so greatly attached to King Rinkitink -that he was loth to leave him.</p> - -<p>On a certain day they all bade good-bye to Ozma and Dorothy and Glinda -and the Wizard and all their good friends in Oz, and were driven in the -Red Wagon to the edge of the Deadly Desert, which they crossed safely on -the Magic Carpet. They then made their way across the Nome Kingdom and -the Wheeler Country, where no one molested them, to the shores of the -Nonestic Ocean. There they found the boat with the silver lining still -lying undisturbed on the beach.</p> - -<p>There were no important adventures during the trip and on their arrival -at the pearl kingdom they were amazed at the beautiful appearance of the -island they had left in ruins. All the houses of the people had been -rebuilt and were prettier than before, with green lawns before them and -flower gardens in the back yards. The marble towers of King Kitticut's -new palace were very striking and impressive, while the palace itself -proved far more magnificent than it had been before the warriors from -Regos destroyed it.</p> - -<p>Nikobob had been very active and skillful in directing all this work, -and he had also built a pretty cottage for himself, not far from the -King's palace, and there Inga found Zella, who was living very happy and -contented in her new home. Not only had Nikobob accomplished all this in -a comparatively brief space of time, but he had started the pearl -fisheries again and when King Kitticut returned to Pingaree he found a -quantity of fine pearls already in the royal treasury.</p> - -<p>So pleased was Kitticut with the good judgment, industry and honesty of -the former charcoal-burner of Regos, that he made Nikobob his Lord High -Chamberlain and put him in charge of the pearl fisheries and all the -business matters of the island kingdom.</p> - -<p>They all settled down very comfortably in the new palace and the Queen -gathered her maids about her once more and set them to work embroidering -new draperies for the royal throne. Inga placed the three Magic Pearls -in their silken bag and again deposited them in the secret cavity under -the tiled flooring of the banquet hall, where they could be quickly -secured if danger ever threatened the now prosperous island.</p> - -<p>King Rinkitink occupied a royal guest chamber built especially for his -use and seemed in no hurry to leave his friends in Pingaree. The fat -little King had to walk wherever he went and so missed Bilbil more and -more; but he seldom walked far and he was so fond of Prince Bobo that he -never regretted Bilbil's disenchantment.</p> - -<p>Indeed, the jolly monarch was welcome to remain forever in Pingaree, if -he wished to, for his merry disposition set smiles on the faces of all -his friends and made everyone near him as jolly as he was himself. When -King Kitticut was not too busy with affairs of state he loved to join -his guest and listen to his brother monarch's songs and stories. For he -found Rinkitink to be, with all his careless disposition, a shrewd -philosopher, and in talking over their adventures one day the King of -Gilgad said:</p> - -<p>"The beauty of life is its sudden changes. No one knows what is going to -happen next, and so we are constantly being surprised and entertained. -The many ups and downs should not discourage us, for if we are down, we -know that a change is coming and we will go up again; while those who -are up are almost certain to go down. My grandfather had a song which -well expresses this and if you will listen I will sing it."</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image107.jpg" width="500" height="723" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>"Of course I will listen to your song," returned Kitticut, "for it would -be impolite not to."</p> - -<p>So Rinkitink sang his grandfather's song:</p> - -<p class="poem"> -"A mighty King once ruled the land—<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But now he's baking pies.</span><br /> -A pauper, on the other hand,<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Is ruling, strong and wise.</span><br /> -<br /> -A tiger once in jungles raged—<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But now he's in a zoo;</span><br /> -A lion, captive-born and caged,<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Now roams the forest through</span><br /> -<br /> -A man once slapped a poor boy's pate<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And made him weep and wail.</span><br /> -The boy became a magistrate<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And put the man in jail.</span><br /> -<br /> -A sunny day succeeds the night;<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">It's summer—then it snows!</span><br /> -Right oft goes wrong and wrong comes right,<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">As ev'ry wise man knows."</span><br /> -</p> - - - -<hr /> -<h2><a name="The_Captive_King" id="The_Captive_King"></a>The Captive King</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image108.jpg" width="500" height="302" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<h3>CHAPTER 24</h3> - - -<p>One morning, just as the royal party was finishing breakfast, a servant -came running to say that a great fleet of boats was approaching the -island from the south. King Kitticut sprang up at once, in great alarm, -for he had much cause to fear strange boats. The others quickly followed -him to the shore to see what invasion might be coming upon them.</p> - -<p>Inga was there with the first, and Nikobob and Zella soon joined the -watchers. And presently, while all were gazing eagerly at the -approaching fleet, King Rinkitink suddenly cried out:</p> - -<p>"Get your pearls, Prince Inga—get them quick!"</p> - -<p>"Are these our enemies, then?" asked the boy, looking with surprise upon -the fat little King, who had begun to tremble violently.</p> - -<p>"They are my people of Gilgad!" answered Rinkitink, wiping a tear from -his eye. "I recognize my royal standards flying from the boats. So, -please, dear Inga, get out your pearls to protect me!"</p> - -<p>"What can you fear at the hands of your own subjects?" asked Kitticut, -astonished.</p> - -<p>But before his frightened guest could answer the question Prince Bobo, -who was standing beside his friend, gave an amused laugh and said:</p> - -<p>"You are caught at last, dear Rinkitink. Your people will take you home -again and oblige you to reign as King."</p> - -<p>Rinkitink groaned aloud and clasped his hands together with a gesture of -despair, an attitude so comical that the others could scarcely forbear -laughing.</p> - -<p>But now the boats were landing upon the beach. They were fifty in -number, beautifully decorated and upholstered and rowed by men clad in -the gay uniforms of the King of Gilgad. One splendid boat had a throne -of gold in the center, over which was draped the King's royal robe of -purple velvet, embroidered with gold buttercups.</p> - -<p>Rinkitink shuddered when he saw this throne; but now a tall man, -handsomely dressed, approached and knelt upon the grass before his King, -while all the other occupants of the boats shouted joyfully and waved -their plumed hats in the air.</p> - -<p>"Thanks to our good fortune," said the man who kneeled, "we have found -Your Majesty at last!"</p> - -<p>"Pinkerbloo," answered Rinkitink sternly, "I must have you hanged, for -thus finding me against my will."</p> - -<p>"You think so now, Your Majesty, but you will never do it," returned -Pinkerbloo, rising and kissing the King's hand.</p> - -<p>"Why won't I?" asked Rinkitink.</p> - -<p>"Because you are much too tender-hearted, Your Majesty."</p> - -<p>"It may be—it may be," agreed Rinkitink, sadly. "It is one of my -greatest failings. But what chance brought you here, my Lord -Pinkerbloo?"</p> - -<p>"We have searched for you everywhere, sire, and all the people of Gilgad -have been in despair since you so mysteriously disappeared. We could not -appoint a new King, because we did not know but that you still lived; -so we set out to find you, dead or alive. After visiting many islands of -the Nonestic Ocean we at last thought of Pingaree, from where come the -precious pearls; and now our faithful quest has been rewarded."</p> - -<p>"And what now?" asked Rinkitink.</p> - -<p>"Now, Your Majesty, you must come home with us, like a good and dutiful -King, and rule over your people," declared the man in a firm voice.</p> - -<p>"I will not."</p> - -<p>"But you must—begging Your Majesty's pardon for the contradiction."</p> - -<p>"Kitticut," cried poor Rinkitink, "you must save me from being captured -by these, my subjects. What! must I return to Gilgad and be forced to -reign in splendid state when I much prefer to eat and sleep and sing in -my own quiet way? They will make me sit in a throne three hours a day -and listen to dry and tedious affairs of state; and I must stand up for -hours at the court receptions, till I get corns on my heels; and forever -must I listen to tiresome speeches and endless petitions and -complaints!"</p> - -<p>"But someone must do this, Your Majesty," said Pinkerbloo respectfully, -"and since you were born to be our King you cannot escape your duty."</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image109.jpg" width="500" height="734" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>"'Tis a horrid fate!" moaned Rinkitink. "I would die willingly, rather -than be a King—if it did not hurt so terribly to die."</p> - -<p>"You will find it much more comfortable to reign than to die, although I -fully appreciate Your Majesty's difficult position and am truly sorry -for you," said Pinkerbloo.</p> - -<p>King Kitticut had listened to this conversation thoughtfully, so now he -said to his friend:</p> - -<p>"The man is right, dear Rinkitink. It is your duty to reign, since fate -has made you a King, and I see no honorable escape for you. I shall -grieve to lose your companionship, but I feel the separation cannot be -avoided."</p> - -<p>Rinkitink sighed.</p> - -<p>"Then," said he, turning to Lord Pinkerbloo, "in three days I will -depart with you for Gilgad; but during those three days I propose to -feast and make merry with my good friend King Kitticut."</p> - -<p>Then all the people of Gilgad shouted with delight and eagerly scrambled -ashore to take their part in the festival.</p> - -<p>Those three days were long remembered in Pingaree, for never—before nor -since—has such feasting and jollity been known upon that island. -Rinkitink made the most of his time and everyone laughed and sang with -him by day and by night.</p> - -<p>Then, at last, the hour of parting arrived and the King of Gilgad and -Ruler of the Dominion of Rinkitink was escorted by a grand procession to -his boat and seated upon his golden throne. The rowers of the fifty -boats paused, with their glittering oars pointed into the air like -gigantic uplifted sabres, while the people of Pingaree—men, women and -children—stood upon the shore shouting a royal farewell to the jolly -King.</p> - -<p>Then came a sudden hush, while Rinkitink stood up and, with a bow to -those assembled to witness his departure, sang the following song, which -he had just composed for the occasion.</p> - -<p class="poem"> -"Farewell, dear Isle of Pingaree—<br /> -The fairest land in all the sea!<br /> -No living mortals, kings or churls,<br /> -Would scorn to wear thy precious pearls.<br /> -<br /> -"King Kitticut, 'tis with regret<br /> -I'm forced to say farewell; and yet<br /> -Abroad no longer can I roam<br /> -When fifty boats would drag me home.<br /> -<br /> -"Good-bye, my Prince of Pingaree;<br /> -A noble King some time you'll be<br /> -And long and wisely may you reign<br /> -And never face a foe again!"<br /> -</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image110.jpg" width="500" height="717" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<p>They cheered him from the shore; they cheered him from the boats; and -then all the oars of the fifty boats swept downward with a single motion -and dipped their blades into the purple-hued waters of the Nonestic -Ocean.</p> - -<p>As the boats shot swiftly over the ripples of the sea Rinkitink turned -to Prince Bobo, who had decided not to desert his former master and his -present friend, and asked anxiously:</p> - -<p>"How did you like that song, Bilbil—I mean Bobo? Is it a masterpiece, -do you think?"</p> - -<p>And Bobo replied with a smile:</p> - -<p>"Like all your songs, dear Rinkitink, the sentiment far excels the -poetry."</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/image111.jpg" width="500" height="717" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<hr /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> -<img src="images/flypaper.jpg" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Rinkitink in Oz, by L. 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Frank Baum - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Rinkitink in Oz - -Author: L. Frank Baum - -Illustrator: John R. Neill - -Release Date: May 24, 2008 [EBook #25581] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RINKITINK IN OZ *** - - - - -Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper, Greg Bergquist -and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - -[Illustration: THIS BOOK BELONGS TO] - -[Illustration: RINKITINK IN OZ] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - RINKITINK IN OZ - - BY - - L. FRANK BAUM - - AUTHOR OF - - The Road to Oz, Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz, The - Emerald City of Oz, The Land of Oz, Ozma of Oz, - The Patchwork Girl of Oz, Tik-Tok of - Oz, The Scarecrow of Oz - - - [Illustration] - - ILLUSTRATED BY - JOHN R. NEILL - - The Reilly & Britton Co. - Chicago - - - - -[Illustration] - - Copyright 1916 - By L. Frank Baum - - ALL RIGHTS - RESERVED - - - - - To - My New Grandson-- - Robert Alison Baum - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - -INTRODUCING THIS STORY - -[Illustration] - - -Here is a story with a boy hero, and a boy of whom you have never before -heard. There are girls in the story, too, including our old friend -Dorothy, and some of the characters wander a good way from the Land of -Oz before they all assemble in the Emerald City to take part in Ozma's -banquet. Indeed, I think you will find this story quite different from -the other histories of Oz, but I hope you will not like it the less on -that account. - -If I am permitted to write another Oz book it will tell of some -thrilling adventures encountered by Dorothy, Betsy Bobbin, Trot and the -Patchwork Girl right in the Land of Oz, and how they discovered some -amazing creatures that never could have existed outside a fairyland. I -have an idea that about the time you are reading this story of Rinkitink -I shall be writing that story of Adventures in Oz. - -Don't fail to write me often and give me your advice and suggestions, -which I always appreciate. I get a good many letters from my readers, -but every one is a joy to me and I answer them as soon as I can find -time to do so. - - L. FRANK BAUM - Royal Historian of Oz - - "OZCOT" - at HOLLYWOOD - in CALIFORNIA - 1916. - - - - -LIST OF CHAPTERS - - - 1 The Prince of Pingaree 17 - - 2 The Coming of King Rinkitink 29 - - 3 The Warriors from the North 44 - - 4 The Deserted Island 56 - - 5 The Three Pearls 71 - - 6 The Magic Boat 92 - - 7 The Twin Islands 109 - - 8 Rinkitink Makes a Great Mistake 127 - - 9 A Present for Zella 142 - - 10 The Cunning of Queen Cor 153 - - 11 Zella Goes to Coregos 167 - - 12 The Excitement of Bilbil the Goat 175 - - 13 Zella Saves the Prince 180 - - 14 The Escape 192 - - 15 The Flight of the Rulers 210 - - 16 Nikobob Refuses a Crown 216 - - 17 The Nome King 226 - - 18 Inga Parts with his Pink Pearl 237 - - 19 Rinkitink Chuckles 265 - - 20 Dorothy to the Rescue 275 - - 21 The Wizard Finds an Enchantment 281 - - 22 Ozma's Banquet 291 - - 23 The Pearl Kingdom 301 - - 24 The Captive King 307 - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Prince of Pingaree - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 1 - - -If you have a map of the Land of Oz handy, you will find that the great -Nonestic Ocean washes the shores of the Kingdom of Rinkitink, between -which and the Land of Oz lies a strip of the country of the Nome King -and a Sandy Desert. The Kingdom of Rinkitink isn't very big and lies -close to the ocean, all the houses and the King's palace being built -near the shore. The people live much upon the water, boating and -fishing, and the wealth of Rinkitink is gained from trading along the -coast and with the islands nearest it. - -Four days' journey by boat to the north of Rinkitink is the Island of -Pingaree, and as our story begins here I must tell you something about -this island. At the north end of Pingaree, where it is widest, the land -is a mile from shore to shore, but at the south end it is scarcely half -a mile broad; thus, although Pingaree is four miles long, from north to -south, it cannot be called a very big island. It is exceedingly pretty, -however, and to the gulls who approach it from the sea it must resemble -a huge green wedge lying upon the waters, for its grass and trees give -it the color of an emerald. - -The grass came to the edge of the sloping shores; the beautiful trees -occupied all the central portion of Pingaree, forming a continuous grove -where the branches met high overhead and there was just space beneath -them for the cosy houses of the inhabitants. These houses were scattered -everywhere throughout the island, so that there was no town or city, -unless the whole island might be called a city. The canopy of leaves, -high overhead, formed a shelter from sun and rain, and the dwellers in -the grove could all look past the straight tree-trunks and across the -grassy slopes to the purple waters of the Nonestic Ocean. - -At the big end of the island, at the north, stood the royal palace of -King Kitticut, the lord and ruler of Pingaree. It was a beautiful -palace, built entirely of snow-white marble and capped by domes of -burnished gold, for the King was exceedingly wealthy. All along the -coast of Pingaree were found the largest and finest pearls in the whole -world. - -These pearls grew within the shells of big oysters, and the people raked -the oysters from their watery beds, sought out the milky pearls and -carried them dutifully to their King. Therefore, once every year His -Majesty was able to send six of his boats, with sixty rowers and many -sacks of the valuable pearls, to the Kingdom of Rinkitink, where there -was a city called Gilgad, in which King Rinkitink's palace stood on a -rocky headland and served, with its high towers, as a lighthouse to -guide sailors to the harbor. In Gilgad the pearls from Pingaree were -purchased by the King's treasurer, and the boats went back to the island -laden with stores of rich merchandise and such supplies of food as the -people and the royal family of Pingaree needed. - -The Pingaree people never visited any other land but that of Rinkitink, -and so there were few other lands that knew there was such an island. -To the southwest was an island called the Isle of Phreex, where the -inhabitants had no use for pearls. And far north of Pingaree--six days' -journey by boat, it was said--were twin islands named Regos and Coregos, -inhabited by a fierce and warlike people. - -Many years before this story really begins, ten big boatloads of those -fierce warriors of Regos and Coregos visited Pingaree, landing suddenly -upon the north end of the island. There they began to plunder and -conquer, as was their custom, but the people of Pingaree, although -neither so big nor so strong as their foes, were able to defeat them and -drive them all back to the sea, where a great storm overtook the raiders -from Regos and Coregos and destroyed them and their boats, not a single -warrior returning to his own country. - -This defeat of the enemy seemed the more wonderful because the -pearl-fishers of Pingaree were mild and peaceful in disposition and -seldom quarreled even among themselves. Their only weapons were their -oyster rakes; yet the fact remains that they drove their fierce enemies -from Regos and Coregos from their shores. - -King Kitticut was only a boy when this remarkable battle was fought, -and now his hair was gray; but he remembered the day well and, during -the years that followed, his one constant fear was of another invasion -of his enemies. He feared they might send a more numerous army to his -island, both for conquest and revenge, in which case there could be -little hope of successfully opposing them. - -This anxiety on the part of King Kitticut led him to keep a sharp -lookout for strange boats, one of his men patrolling the beach -constantly, but he was too wise to allow any fear to make him or his -subjects unhappy. He was a good King and lived very contentedly in his -fine palace, with his fair Queen Garee and their one child, Prince Inga. - -The wealth of Pingaree increased year by year; and the happiness of the -people increased, too. Perhaps there was no place, outside the Land of -Oz, where contentment and peace were more manifest than on this pretty -island, hidden in the bosom of the Nonestic Ocean. Had these conditions -remained undisturbed, there would have been no need to speak of Pingaree -in this story. - -Prince Inga, the heir to all the riches and the kingship of Pingaree, -grew up surrounded by every luxury; but he was a manly little fellow, -although somewhat too grave and thoughtful, and he could never bear to -be idle a single minute. He knew where the finest oysters lay hidden -along the coast and was as successful in finding pearls as any of the -men of the island, although he was so slight and small. He had a little -boat of his own and a rake for dragging up the oysters and he was very -proud indeed when he could carry a big white pearl to his father. - -There was no school upon the island, as the people of Pingaree were far -removed from the state of civilization that gives our modern children -such advantages as schools and learned professors, but the King owned -several manuscript books, the pages being made of sheepskin. Being a man -of intelligence, he was able to teach his son something of reading, -writing and arithmetic. - -When studying his lessons Prince Inga used to go into the grove near his -father's palace and climb into the branches of a tall tree, where he had -built a platform with a comfortable seat to rest upon, all hidden by the -canopy of leaves. There, with no one to disturb him, he would pore over -the sheepskin on which were written the queer characters of the -Pingarese language. - -King Kitticut was very proud of his little son, as well he might be, and -he soon felt a high respect for Inga's judgment and thought that he was -worthy to be taken into the confidence of his father in many matters of -state. He taught the boy the needs of the people and how to rule them -justly, for some day he knew that Inga would be King in his place. One -day he called his son to his side and said to him: - -"Our island now seems peaceful enough, Inga, and we are happy and -prosperous, but I cannot forget those terrible people of Regos and -Coregos. My constant fear is that they will send a fleet of boats to -search for those of their race whom we defeated many years ago, and whom -the sea afterwards destroyed. If the warriors come in great numbers we -may be unable to oppose them, for my people are little trained to -fighting at best; they surely would cause us much injury and suffering." - -"Are we, then, less powerful than in my grandfather's day?" asked Prince -Inga. - -The King shook his head thoughtfully. - -"It is not that," said he. "That you may fully understand that marvelous -battle, I must confide to you a great secret. I have in my possession -three Magic Talismans, which I have ever guarded with utmost care, -keeping the knowledge of their existence from anyone else. But, lest I -should die and the secret be lost, I have decided to tell you what these -talismans are and where they are hidden. Come with me, my son." - -He led the way through the rooms of the palace until they came to the -great banquet hall. There, stopping in the center of the room, he -stooped down and touched a hidden spring in the tiled floor. At once one -of the tiles sank downward and the King reached within the cavity and -drew out a silken bag. - -This bag he proceeded to open, showing Inga that it contained three -great pearls, each one as big around as a marble. One had a blue tint -and one was of a delicate rose color, but the third was pure white. - -[Illustration] - -"These three pearls," said the King, speaking in a solemn, impressive -voice, "are the most wonderful the world has ever known. They were gifts -to one of my ancestors from the Mermaid Queen, a powerful fairy whom he -once had the good fortune to rescue from her enemies. In gratitude for -this favor she presented him with these pearls. Each of the three -possesses an astonishing power, and whoever is their owner may count -himself a fortunate man. This one having the blue tint will give to -the person who carries it a strength so great that no power can resist -him. The one with the pink glow will protect its owner from all dangers -that may threaten him, no matter from what source they may come. The -third pearl--this one of pure white--can speak, and its words are always -wise and helpful." - -"What is this, my father!" exclaimed the Prince, amazed; "do you tell me -that a pearl can speak? It sounds impossible." - -"Your doubt is due to your ignorance of fairy powers," returned the -King, gravely. "Listen, my son, and you will know that I speak the -truth." - -He held the white pearl to Inga's ear and the Prince heard a small voice -say distinctly: "Your father is right. Never question the truth of what -you fail to understand, for the world is filled with wonders." - -"I crave your pardon, dear father," said the Prince, "for clearly I -heard the pearl speak, and its words were full of wisdom." - -"The powers of the other pearls are even greater," resumed the King. -"Were I poor in all else, these gems would make me richer than any other -monarch the world holds." - -"I believe that," replied Inga, looking at the beautiful pearls with -much awe. "But tell me, my father, why do you fear the warriors of Regos -and Coregos when these marvelous powers are yours?" - -"The powers are mine only while I have the pearls upon my person," -answered King Kitticut, "and I dare not carry them constantly for fear -they might be lost. Therefore, I keep them safely hidden in this recess. -My only danger lies in the chance that my watchmen might fail to -discover the approach of our enemies and allow the warrior invaders to -seize me before I could secure the pearls. I should, in that case, be -quite powerless to resist. My father owned the magic pearls at the time -of the Great Fight, of which you have so often heard, and the pink pearl -protected him from harm, while the blue pearl enabled him and his people -to drive away the enemy. Often have I suspected that the destroying -storm was caused by the fairy mermaids, but that is a matter of which I -have no proof." - -"I have often wondered how we managed to win that battle," remarked Inga -thoughtfully. "But the pearls will assist us in case the warriors come -again, will they not?" - -"They are as powerful as ever," declared the King. "Really, my son, I -have little to fear from any foe. But lest I die and the secret be lost -to the next King, I have now given it into your keeping. Remember that -these pearls are the rightful heritage of all Kings of Pingaree. If at -any time I should be taken from you, Inga, guard this treasure well and -do not forget where it is hidden." - -"I shall not forget," said Inga. - -Then the King returned the pearls to their hiding place and the boy went -to his own room to ponder upon the wonderful secret his father had that -day confided to his care. - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Coming of King Rinkitink - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 2 - - -A few days after this, on a bright and sunny morning when the breeze -blew soft and sweet from the ocean and the trees waved their leaf-laden -branches, the Royal Watchman, whose duty it was to patrol the shore, -came running to the King with news that a strange boat was approaching -the island. - -At first the King was sore afraid and made a step toward the hidden -pearls, but the next moment he reflected that one boat, even if filled -with enemies, would be powerless to injure him, so he curbed his fear -and went down to the beach to discover who the strangers might be. Many -of the men of Pingaree assembled there also, and Prince Inga followed -his father. Arriving at the water's edge, they all stood gazing eagerly -at the oncoming boat. - -It was quite a big boat, they observed, and covered with a canopy of -purple silk, embroidered with gold. It was rowed by twenty men, ten on -each side. As it came nearer, Inga could see that in the stern, seated -upon a high, cushioned chair of state, was a little man who was so very -fat that he was nearly as broad as he was high. This man was dressed in -a loose silken robe of purple that fell in folds to his feet, while upon -his head was a cap of white velvet curiously worked with golden threads -and having a circle of diamonds sewn around the band. At the opposite -end of the boat stood an oddly shaped cage, and several large boxes of -sandalwood were piled near the center of the craft. - -As the boat approached the shore the fat little man got upon his feet -and bowed several times in the direction of those who had assembled to -greet him, and as he bowed he flourished his white cap in an energetic -manner. His face was round as an apple and nearly as rosy. When he -stopped bowing he smiled in such a sweet and happy way that Inga thought -he must be a very jolly fellow. - -The prow of the boat grounded on the beach, stopping its speed so -suddenly that the little man was caught unawares and nearly toppled -headlong into the sea. But he managed to catch hold of the chair with -one hand and the hair of one of his rowers with the other, and so -steadied himself. Then, again waving his jeweled cap around his head, he -cried in a merry voice: - -"Well, here I am at last!" - -"So I perceive," responded King Kitticut, bowing with much dignity. - -The fat man glanced at all the sober faces before him and burst into a -rollicking laugh. Perhaps I should say it was half laughter and half a -chuckle of merriment, for the sounds he emitted were quaint and droll -and tempted every hearer to laugh with him. - -"Heh, heh--ho, ho, ho!" he roared. "Didn't expect me, I see. -Keek-eek-eek-eek! This is funny--it's really funny. Didn't know I was -coming, did you? Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo! This is certainly amusing. But I'm -here, just the same." - -"Hush up!" said a deep, growling voice. "You're making yourself -ridiculous." - -Everyone looked to see where this voice came from; but none could guess -who had uttered the words of rebuke. The rowers of the boat were all -solemn and silent and certainly no one on the shore had spoken. But the -little man did not seem astonished in the least, or even annoyed. - -King Kitticut now addressed the stranger, saying courteously: - -"You are welcome to the Kingdom of Pingaree. Perhaps you will deign to -come ashore and at your convenience inform us whom we have the honor of -receiving as a guest." - -"Thanks; I will," returned the little fat man, waddling from his place -in the boat and stepping, with some difficulty, upon the sandy beach. "I -am King Rinkitink, of the City of Gilgad in the Kingdom of Rinkitink, -and I have come to Pingaree to see for myself the monarch who sends to -my city so many beautiful pearls. I have long wished to visit this -island; and so, as I said before, here I am!" - -"I am pleased to welcome you," said King Kitticut. "But why has Your -Majesty so few attendants? Is it not dangerous for the King of a great -country to make distant journeys in one frail boat, and with but -twenty men?" - -[Illustration] - -"Oh, I suppose so," answered King Rinkitink, with a laugh. "But what -else could I do? My subjects would not allow me to go anywhere at all, -if they knew it. So I just ran away." - -"Ran away!" exclaimed King Kitticut in surprise. - -"Funny, isn't it? Heh, heh, heh--woo, hoo!" laughed Rinkitink, and this -is as near as I can spell with letters the jolly sounds of his laughter. -"Fancy a King running away from his own people--hoo, hoo--keek, eek, -eek, eek! But I had to, don't you see!" - -"Why?" asked the other King. - -"They're afraid I'll get into mischief. They don't trust me. -Keek-eek-eek--Oh, dear me! Don't trust their own King. Funny, isn't it?" - -"No harm can come to you on this island," said Kitticut, pretending not -to notice the odd ways of his guest. "And, whenever it pleases you to -return to your own country, I will send with you a fitting escort of my -own people. In the meantime, pray accompany me to my palace, where -everything shall be done to make you comfortable and happy." - -"Much obliged," answered Rinkitink, tipping his white cap over his left -ear and heartily shaking the hand of his brother monarch. "I'm sure you -can make me comfortable if you've plenty to eat. And as for being -happy--ha, ha, ha, ha!--why, that's my trouble. I'm _too_ happy. But -stop! I've brought you some presents in those boxes. Please order your -men to carry them up to the palace." - -"Certainly," answered King Kitticut, well pleased, and at once he gave -his men the proper orders. - -"And, by the way," continued the fat little King, "let them also take my -goat from his cage." - -"A goat!" exclaimed the King of Pingaree. - -"Exactly; my goat Bilbil. I always ride him wherever I go, for I'm not -at all fond of walking, being a trifle stout--eh, Kitticut?--a trifle -stout! Hoo, hoo, hoo--keek, eek!" - -The Pingaree people started to lift the big cage out of the boat, but -just then a gruff voice cried: "Be careful, you villains!" and as the -words seemed to come from the goat's mouth the men were so astonished -that they dropped the cage upon the sand with a sudden jar. - -"There! I told you so!" cried the voice angrily. "You've rubbed the skin -off my left knee. Why on earth didn't you handle me gently?" - -"There, there, Bilbil," said King Rinkitink soothingly; "don't scold, my -boy. Remember that these are strangers, and we their guests." Then he -turned to Kitticut and remarked: "You have no talking goats on your -island, I suppose." - -"We have no goats at all," replied the King; "nor have we any animals, -of any sort, who are able to talk." - -"I wish my animal couldn't talk, either," said Rinkitink, winking -comically at Inga and then looking toward the cage. "He is very cross at -times, and indulges in language that is not respectful. I thought, at -first, it would be fine to have a talking goat, with whom I could -converse as I rode about my city on his back; but--keek-eek-eek-eek!--the -rascal treats me as if I were a chimney sweep instead of a King. Heh, heh, -heh, keek, eek! A chimney sweep--hoo, hoo, hoo!--and me a King! Funny, -isn't it?" This last was addressed to Prince Inga, whom he chucked -familiarly under the chin, to the boy's great embarrassment. - -"Why do you not ride a horse?" asked King Kitticut. - -"I can't climb upon his back, being rather stout; that's why. Kee, kee, -keek, eek!--rather stout--hoo, hoo, hoo!" He paused to wipe the tears -of merriment from his eyes and then added: "But I can get on and off -Bilbil's back with ease." - -He now opened the cage and the goat deliberately walked out and looked -about him in a sulky manner. One of the rowers brought from the boat a -saddle made of red velvet and beautifully embroidered with silver -thistles, which he fastened upon the goat's back. The fat King put his -leg over the saddle and seated himself comfortably, saying: - -"Lead on, my noble host, and we will follow." - -"What! Up that steep hill?" cried the goat. "Get off my back at once, -Rinkitink, or I won't budge a step." - -"But--consider, Bilbil," remonstrated the King. "How am I to get up that -hill unless I ride?" - -"Walk!" growled Bilbil. - -"But I'm too fat. Really, Bilbil, I'm surprised at you. Haven't I -brought you all this distance so you may see something of the world and -enjoy life? And now you are so ungrateful as to refuse to carry me! Turn -about is fair play, my boy. The boat carried you to this shore, because -you can't swim, and now you must carry me up the hill, because I can't -climb. Eh, Bilbil, isn't that reasonable?" - -"Well, well, well," said the goat, surlily, "keep quiet and I'll carry -you. But you make me very tired, Rinkitink, with your ceaseless -chatter." - -After making this protest Bilbil began walking up the hill, carrying the -fat King upon his back with no difficulty whatever. - -Prince Inga and his father and all the men of Pingaree were much -astonished to overhear this dispute between King Rinkitink and his goat; -but they were too polite to make critical remarks in the presence of -their guests. King Kitticut walked beside the goat and the Prince -followed after, the men coming last with the boxes of sandalwood. - -When they neared the palace, the Queen and her maidens came out to meet -them and the royal guest was escorted in state to the splendid throne -room of the palace. Here the boxes were opened and King Rinkitink -displayed all the beautiful silks and laces and jewelry with which they -were filled. Every one of the courtiers and ladies received a handsome -present, and the King and Queen had many rich gifts and Inga not a few. -Thus the time passed pleasantly until the Chamberlain announced that -dinner was served. - -[Illustration] - -Bilbil the goat declared that he preferred eating of the sweet, rich -grass that grew abundantly in the palace grounds, and Rinkitink said -that the beast could never bear being shut up in a stable; so they -removed the saddle from his back and allowed him to wander wherever he -pleased. - -During the dinner Inga divided his attention between admiring the pretty -gifts he had received and listening to the jolly sayings of the fat -King, who laughed when he was not eating and ate when he was not -laughing and seemed to enjoy himself immensely. - -"For four days I have lived in that narrow boat," said he, "with no -other amusement than to watch the rowers and quarrel with Bilbil; so I -am very glad to be on land again with such friendly and agreeable -people." - -"You do us great honor," said King Kitticut, with a polite bow. - -"Not at all--not at all, my brother. This Pingaree must be a wonderful -island, for its pearls are the admiration of all the world; nor will I -deny the fact that my kingdom would be a poor one without the riches and -glory it derives from the trade in your pearls. So I have wished for -many years to come here to see you, but my people said: No! Stay at -home and behave yourself, or we'll know the reason why.'" - -"Will they not miss Your Majesty from your palace at Gilgad?" inquired -Kitticut. - -"I think not," answered Rinkitink. "You see, one of my clever subjects -has written a parchment entitled 'How to be Good,' and I believed it -would benefit me to study it, as I consider the accomplishment of being -good one of the fine arts. I had just scolded severely my Lord High -Chancellor for coming to breakfast without combing his eyebrows, and was -so sad and regretful at having hurt the poor man's feelings that I -decided to shut myself up in my own room and study the scroll until I -knew how to be good--hee, heek, keek, eek, eek!--to be good! Clever -idea, that, wasn't it? Mighty clever! And I issued a decree that no one -should enter my room, under pain of my royal displeasure, until I was -ready to come out. They're awfully afraid of my royal displeasure, -although not a bit afraid of me. Then I put the parchment in my pocket -and escaped through the back door to my boat--and here I am. Oo, -hoo-hoo, keek-eek! Imagine the fuss there would be in Gilgad if my -subjects knew where I am this very minute!" - -"I would like to see that parchment," said the solemn-eyed Prince Inga, -"for if it indeed teaches one to be good it must be worth its weight in -pearls." - -"Oh, it's a fine essay," said Rinkitink, "and beautifully written with a -goosequill. Listen to this: You'll enjoy it--tee, hee, hee!--enjoy it." - -He took from his pocket a scroll of parchment tied with a black ribbon, -and having carefully unrolled it, he proceeded to read as follows: - -"'A Good Man is One who is Never Bad.' How's that, eh? Fine thought, -what? 'Therefore, in order to be Good, you must avoid those Things which -are Evil.' Oh, hoo-hoo-hoo!--how clever! When I get back I shall make -the man who wrote that a royal hippolorum, for, beyond question, he is -the wisest man in my kingdom--as he has often told me himself." With -this, Rinkitink lay back in his chair and chuckled his queer chuckle -until he coughed, and coughed until he choked and choked until he -sneezed. And he wrinkled his face in such a jolly, droll way that few -could keep from laughing with him, and even the good Queen was forced to -titter behind her fan. - -When Rinkitink had recovered from his fit of laughter and had wiped his -eyes upon a fine lace handkerchief, Prince Inga said to him: - -"The parchment speaks truly." - -"Yes, it is true beyond doubt," answered Rinkitink, "and if I could -persuade Bilbil to read it he would be a much better goat than he is -now. Here is another selection: 'To avoid saying Unpleasant Things, -always Speak Agreeably.' That would hit Bilbil, to a dot. And here is -one that applies to you, my Prince: 'Good Children are seldom punished, -for the reason that they deserve no punishment.' Now, I think that is -neatly put, and shows the author to be a deep thinker. But the advice -that has impressed me the most is in the following paragraph: 'You may -not find it as Pleasant to be Good as it is to be Bad, but Other People -will find it more Pleasant.' Haw-hoo-ho! keek-eek! 'Other people will -find it more pleasant!'--hee, hee, heek, keek!--'more pleasant.' Dear -me--dear me! Therein lies a noble incentive to be good, and whenever I -get time I'm surely going to try it." - -Then he wiped his eyes again with the lace handkerchief and, suddenly -remembering his dinner, seized his knife and fork and began eating. - - - - -The Warriors from the North - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 3 - - -King Rinkitink was so much pleased with the Island of Pingaree that he -continued his stay day after day and week after week, eating good -dinners, talking with King Kitticut and sleeping. Once in a while he -would read from his scroll. "For," said he, "whenever I return home, my -subjects will be anxious to know if I have learned 'How to be Good,' and -I must not disappoint them." - -The twenty rowers lived on the small end of the island, with the pearl -fishers, and seemed not to care whether they ever returned to the -Kingdom of Rinkitink or not. Bilbil the goat wandered over the grassy -slopes, or among the trees, and passed his days exactly as he pleased. -His master seldom cared to ride him. Bilbil was a rare curiosity to the -islanders, but since there was little pleasure in talking with the goat -they kept away from him. This pleased the creature, who seemed well -satisfied to be left to his own devices. - -Once Prince Inga, wishing to be courteous, walked up to the goat and -said: "Good morning, Bilbil." - -"It isn't a good morning," answered Bilbil grumpily. "It is cloudy and -damp, and looks like rain." - -"I hope you are contented in our kingdom," continued the boy, politely -ignoring the other's harsh words. - -"I'm not," said Bilbil. "I'm never contented; so it doesn't matter to me -whether I'm in your kingdom or in some other kingdom. Go away--will -you?" - -"Certainly," answered the Prince, and after this rebuff he did not again -try to make friends with Bilbil. - -Now that the King, his father, was so much occupied with his royal -guest, Inga was often left to amuse himself, for a boy could not be -allowed to take part in the conversation of two great monarchs. He -devoted himself to his studies, therefore, and day after day he climbed -into the branches of his favorite tree and sat for hours in his -"tree-top rest," reading his father's precious manuscripts and thinking -upon what he read. - -You must not think that Inga was a mollycoddle or a prig, because he was -so solemn and studious. Being a King's son and heir to a throne, he -could not play with the other boys of Pingaree, and he lived so much in -the society of the King and Queen, and was so surrounded by the pomp and -dignity of a court, that he missed all the jolly times that boys usually -have. I have no doubt that had he been able to live as other boys do, he -would have been much like other boys; as it was, he was subdued by his -surroundings, and more grave and thoughtful than one of his years should -be. - -Inga was in his tree one morning when, without warning, a great fog -enveloped the Island of Pingaree. The boy could scarcely see the tree -next to that in which he sat, but the leaves above him prevented the -dampness from wetting him, so he curled himself up in his seat and fell -fast asleep. - -[Illustration] - -All that forenoon the fog continued. King Kitticut, who sat in his -palace talking with his merry visitor, ordered the candles lighted, that -they might be able to see one another. The good Queen, Inga's mother, -found it was too dark to work at her embroidery, so she called her -maidens together and told them wonderful stories of bygone days, in -order to pass away the dreary hours. - -But soon after noon the weather changed. The dense fog rolled away like -a heavy cloud and suddenly the sun shot his bright rays over the island. - -"Very good!" exclaimed King Kitticut. "We shall have a pleasant -afternoon, I am sure," and he blew out the candles. - -Then he stood a moment motionless, as if turned to stone, for a terrible -cry from without the palace reached his ears--a cry so full of fear and -horror that the King's heart almost stopped beating. Immediately there -was a scurrying of feet as every one in the palace, filled with dismay, -rushed outside to see what had happened. Even fat little Rinkitink -sprang from his chair and followed his host and the others through the -arched vestibule. - -After many years the worst fears of King Kitticut were realized. - -[Illustration] - -Landing upon the beach, which was but a few steps from the palace -itself, were hundreds of boats, every one filled with a throng of fierce -warriors. They sprang upon the land with wild shouts of defiance and -rushed to the King's palace, waving aloft their swords and spears and -battle-axes. - -King Kitticut, so completely surprised that he was bewildered, gazed at -the approaching host with terror and grief. - -"They are the men of Regos and Coregos!" he groaned. "We are, indeed, -lost!" - -Then he bethought himself, for the first time, of his wonderful pearls. -Turning quickly, he ran back into the palace and hastened to the hall -where the treasures were hidden. But the leader of the warriors had seen -the King enter the palace and bounded after him, thinking he meant to -escape. Just as the King had stooped to press the secret spring in the -tiles, the warrior seized him from the rear and threw him backward upon -the floor, at the same time shouting to his men to fetch ropes and bind -the prisoner. This they did very quickly and King Kitticut soon found -himself helplessly bound and in the power of his enemies. In this sad -condition he was lifted by the warriors and carried outside, when the -good King looked upon a sorry sight. - -The Queen and her maidens, the officers and servants of the royal -household and all who had inhabited this end of the Island of Pingaree -had been seized by the invaders and bound with ropes. At once they began -carrying their victims to the boats, tossing them in as unceremoniously -as if they had been bales of merchandise. - -The King looked around for his son Inga, but failed to find the boy -among the prisoners. Nor was the fat King, Rinkitink, to be seen -anywhere about. - -The warriors were swarming over the palace like bees in a hive, seeking -anyone who might be in hiding, and after the search had been prolonged -for some time the leader asked impatiently: "Do you find anyone else?" - -"No," his men told him. "We have captured them all." - -"Then," commanded the leader, "remove everything of value from the -palace and tear down its walls and towers, so that not one stone remains -upon another!" - -While the warriors were busy with this task we will return to the boy -Prince, who, when the fog lifted and the sun came out, wakened from his -sleep and began to climb down from his perch in the tree. But the -terrifying cries of the people, mingled with the shouts of the rude -warriors, caused him to pause and listen eagerly. - -[Illustration] - -Then he climbed rapidly up the tree, far above his platform, to the -topmost swaying branches. This tree, which Inga called his own, was -somewhat taller than the other trees that surrounded it, and when he had -reached the top he pressed aside the leaves and saw a great fleet of -boats upon the shore--strange boats, with banners that he had never seen -before. Turning to look upon his father's palace, he found it surrounded -by a horde of enemies. Then Inga knew the truth: that the island had -been invaded by the barbaric warriors from the north. He grew so faint -from the terror of it all that he might have fallen had he not wound his -arms around a limb and clung fast until the dizzy feeling passed away. -Then with his sash he bound himself to the limb and again ventured to -look out through the leaves. - -The warriors were now engaged in carrying King Kitticut and Queen Garee -and all their other captives down to the boats, where they were thrown -in and chained one to another. It was a dreadful sight for the Prince to -witness, but he sat very still, concealed from the sight of anyone below -by the bower of leafy branches around him. Inga knew very well that he -could do nothing to help his beloved parents, and that if he came down -he would only be forced to share their cruel fate. - -Now a procession of the Northmen passed between the boats and the -palace, bearing the rich furniture, splendid draperies and rare -ornaments of which the royal palace had been robbed, together with such -food and other plunder as they could lay their hands upon. After this, -the men of Regos and Coregos threw ropes around the marble domes and -towers and hundreds of warriors tugged at these ropes until the domes -and towers toppled and fell in ruins upon the ground. Then the walls -themselves were torn down, till little remained of the beautiful palace -but a vast heap of white marble blocks tumbled and scattered upon the -ground. - -Prince Inga wept bitter tears of grief as he watched the ruin of his -home; yet he was powerless to avert the destruction. When the palace had -been demolished, some of the warriors entered their boats and rowed -along the coast of the island, while the others marched in a great body -down the length of the island itself. They were so numerous that they -formed a line stretching from shore to shore and they destroyed every -house they came to and took every inhabitant prisoner. - -The pearl fishers who lived at the lower end of the island tried to -escape in their boats, but they were soon overtaken and made prisoners, -like the others. Nor was there any attempt to resist the foe, for the -sharp spears and pikes and swords of the invaders terrified the hearts -of the defenseless people of Pingaree, whose sole weapons were their -oyster rakes. - -When night fell the whole of the Island of Pingaree had been conquered -by the men of the North, and all its people were slaves of the -conquerors. Next morning the men of Regos and Coregos, being capable of -no further mischief, departed from the scene of their triumph, carrying -their prisoners with them and taking also every boat to be found upon -the island. Many of the boats they had filled with rich plunder, with -pearls and silks and velvets, with silver and gold ornaments and all the -treasure that had made Pingaree famed as one of the richest kingdoms in -the world. And the hundreds of slaves they had captured would be set to -work in the mines of Regos and the grain fields of Coregos. - -So complete was the victory of the Northmen that it is no wonder the -warriors sang songs of triumph as they hastened back to their homes. -Great rewards were awaiting them when they showed the haughty King of -Regos and the terrible Queen of Coregos the results of their ocean raid -and conquest. - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Deserted Island - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 4 - - -All through that terrible night Prince Inga remained hidden in his tree. -In the morning he watched the great fleet of boats depart for their own -country, carrying his parents and his countrymen with them, as well as -everything of value the Island of Pingaree had contained. - -Sad, indeed, were the boy's thoughts when the last of the boats had -become a mere speck in the distance, but Inga did not dare leave his -perch of safety until all of the craft of the invaders had disappeared -beyond the horizon. Then he came down, very slowly and carefully, for he -was weak from hunger and the long and weary watch, as he had been in the -tree for twenty-four hours without food. - -The sun shone upon the beautiful green isle as brilliantly as if no -ruthless invader had passed and laid it in ruins. The birds still -chirped among the trees and the butterflies darted from flower to flower -as happily as when the land was filled with a prosperous and contented -people. - -Inga feared that only he was left of all his nation. Perhaps he might be -obliged to pass his life there alone. He would not starve, for the sea -would give him oysters and fish, and the trees fruit; yet the life that -confronted him was far from enticing. - -The boy's first act was to walk over to where the palace had stood and -search the ruins until he found some scraps of food that had been -overlooked by the enemy. He sat upon a block of marble and ate of this, -and tears filled his eyes as he gazed upon the desolation around him. -But Inga tried to bear up bravely, and having satisfied his hunger he -walked over to the well, intending to draw a bucket of drinking water. - -Fortunately, this well had been overlooked by the invaders and the -bucket was still fastened to the chain that wound around a stout wooden -windlass. Inga took hold of the crank and began letting the bucket down -into the well, when suddenly he was startled by a muffled voice crying -out: - -"Be careful, up there!" - -The sound and the words seemed to indicate that the voice came from the -bottom of the well, so Inga looked down. Nothing could be seen, on -account of the darkness. - -"Who are you?" he shouted. - -"It's I--Rinkitink," came the answer, and the depths of the well echoed: -"Tink-i-tink-i-tink!" in a ghostly manner. - -"Are you in the well?" asked the boy, greatly surprised. - -"Yes, and nearly drowned. I fell in while running from those terrible -warriors, and I've been standing in this damp hole ever since, with my -head just above the water. It's lucky the well was no deeper, for had my -head been under water, instead of above it--hoo, hoo, hoo, keek, -eek!--under instead of over, you know--why, then I wouldn't be talking -to you now! Ha, hoo, hee!" And the well dismally echoed: "Ha, hoo, -hee!" which you must imagine was a laugh half merry and half sad. - -"I'm awfully sorry," cried the boy, in answer. "I wonder you have the -heart to laugh at all. But how am I to get you out?" - -"I've been considering that all night," said Rinkitink, "and I believe -the best plan will be for you to let down the bucket to me, and I'll -hold fast to it while you wind up the chain and so draw me to the top." - -"I will try to do that," replied Inga, and he let the bucket down very -carefully until he heard the King call out: - -"I've got it! Now pull me up--slowly, my boy, slowly--so I won't rub -against the rough sides." - -Inga began winding up the chain, but King Rinkitink was so fat that he -was very heavy and by the time the boy had managed to pull him halfway -up the well his strength was gone. He clung to the crank as long as -possible, but suddenly it slipped from his grasp and the next minute he -heard Rinkitink fall "plump!" into the water again. - -"That's too bad!" called Inga, in real distress; "but you were so heavy -I couldn't help it." - -"Dear me!" gasped the King, from the darkness below, as he spluttered -and coughed to get the water out of his mouth. "Why didn't you tell me -you were going to let go?" - -"I hadn't time," said Inga, sorrowfully. - -"Well, I'm not suffering from thirst," declared the King, "for there's -enough water inside me to float all the boats of Regos and Coregos--or -at least it feels that way. But never mind! So long as I'm not actually -drowned, what does it matter?" - -"What shall we do next?" asked the boy anxiously. - -"Call someone to help you," was the reply. - -"There is no one on the island but myself," said the boy; "--excepting -you," he added, as an afterthought. - -"I'm not on it--more's the pity!--but _in_ it," responded Rinkitink. -"Are the warriors all gone?" - -"Yes," said Inga, "and they have taken my father and mother, and all our -people, to be their slaves," he added, trying in vain to repress a sob. - -"So--so!" said Rinkitink softly; and then he paused a moment, as if in -thought. Finally he said: "There are worse things than slavery, but I -never imagined a well could be one of them. Tell me, Inga, could you let -down some food to me? I'm nearly starved, and if you could manage to -send me down some food I'd be _well_ fed--hoo, hoo, heek, keek, -eek!--well fed. Do you see the joke, Inga?" - -"Do not ask me to enjoy a joke just now, Your Majesty," begged Inga in a -sad voice; "but if you will be patient I will try to find something for -you to eat." - -He ran back to the ruins of the palace and began searching for bits of -food with which to satisfy the hunger of the King, when to his surprise -he observed the goat, Bilbil, wandering among the marble blocks. - -"What!" cried Inga. "Didn't the warriors get you, either?" - -"If they had," calmly replied Bilbil, "I shouldn't be here." - -"But how did you escape?" asked the boy. - -"Easily enough. I kept my mouth shut and stayed away from the rascals," -said the goat. "I knew that the soldiers would not care for a skinny old -beast like me, for to the eye of a stranger I seem good for nothing. Had -they known I could talk, and that my head contained more wisdom than a -hundred of their own noddles, I might not have escaped so easily." - -"Perhaps you are right," said the boy. - -"I suppose they got the old man?" carelessly remarked Bilbil. - -"What old man?" - -"Rinkitink." - -"Oh, no! His Majesty is at the bottom of the well," said Inga, "and I -don't know how to get him out again." - -"Then let him stay there," suggested the goat. - -"That would be cruel. I am sure, Bilbil, that you are fond of the good -King, your master, and do not mean what you say. Together, let us find -some way to save poor King Rinkitink. He is a very jolly companion, and -has a heart exceedingly kind and gentle." - -"Oh, well; the old boy isn't so bad, taken altogether," admitted Bilbil, -speaking in a more friendly tone. "But his bad jokes and fat laughter -tire me dreadfully, at times." - -Prince Inga now ran back to the well, the goat following more leisurely. - -"Here's Bilbil!" shouted the boy to the King. "The enemy didn't get him, -it seems." - -"That's lucky for the enemy," said Rinkitink. "But it's lucky for me, -too, for perhaps the beast can assist me out of this hole. If you can -let a rope down the well, I am sure that you and Bilbil, pulling -together, will be able to drag me to the earth's surface." - -[Illustration] - -"Be patient and we will make the attempt," replied Inga encouragingly, -and he ran to search the ruins for a rope. Presently he found one that -had been used by the warriors in toppling over the towers, which in -their haste they had neglected to remove, and with some difficulty he -untied the knots and carried the rope to the mouth of the well. - -Bilbil had lain down to sleep and the refrain of a merry song came in -muffled tones from the well, proving that Rinkitink was making a patient -endeavor to amuse himself. - -"I've found a rope!" Inga called down to him; and then the boy proceeded -to make a loop in one end of the rope, for the King to put his arms -through, and the other end he placed over the drum of the windlass. He -now aroused Bilbil and fastened the rope firmly around the goat's -shoulders. - -"Are you ready?" asked the boy, leaning over the well. - -"I am," replied the King. - -"And I am not," growled the goat, "for I have not yet had my nap out. -Old Rinki will be safe enough in the well until I've slept an hour or -two longer." - -"But it is damp in the well," protested the boy, "and King Rinkitink may -catch the rheumatism, so that he will have to ride upon your back -wherever he goes." - -Hearing this, Bilbil jumped up at once. - -"Let's get him out," he said earnestly. - -"Hold fast!" shouted Inga to the King. Then he seized the rope and -helped Bilbil to pull. They soon found the task more difficult than they -had supposed. Once or twice the King's weight threatened to drag both -the boy and the goat into the well, to keep Rinkitink company. But they -pulled sturdily, being aware of this danger, and at last the King popped -out of the hole and fell sprawling full length upon the ground. - -For a time he lay panting and breathing hard to get his breath back, -while Inga and Bilbil were likewise worn out from their long strain at -the rope; so the three rested quietly upon the grass and looked at one -another in silence. - -Finally Bilbil said to the King: - -"I'm surprised at you. Why were you so foolish as to fall down that -well? Don't you know it's a dangerous thing to do? You might have broken -your neck in the fall, or been drowned in the water." - -"Bilbil," replied the King solemnly, "you're a goat. Do you imagine I -fell down the well on purpose?" - -"I imagine nothing," retorted Bilbil. "I only know you were there." - -"There? Heh-heh-heek-keek-eek! To be sure I was there," laughed -Rinkitink. "There in a dark hole, where there was no light; there in a -watery well, where the wetness soaked me through and -through--keek-eek-eek-eek!--through and through!" - -"How did it happen?" inquired Inga. - -"I was running away from the enemy," explained the King, "and I was -carelessly looking over my shoulder at the same time, to see if they -were chasing me. So I did not see the well, but stepped into it and -found myself tumbling down to the bottom. I struck the water very neatly -and began struggling to keep myself from drowning, but presently I found -that when I stood upon my feet on the bottom of the well, that my chin -was just above the water. So I stood still and yelled for help; but no -one heard me." - -"If the warriors had heard you," said Bilbil, "they would have pulled -you out and carried you away to be a slave. Then you would have been -obliged to work for a living, and that would be a new experience." - -"Work!" exclaimed Rinkitink. "Me work? Hoo, hoo, heek-keek-eek! How -absurd! I'm so stout--not to say chubby--not to say fat--that I can -hardly walk, and I couldn't earn my salt at hard work. So I'm glad the -enemy did not find me, Bilbil. How many others escaped?" - -"That I do not know," replied the boy, "for I have not yet had time to -visit the other parts of the island. When you have rested and satisfied -your royal hunger, it might be well for us to look around and see what -the thieving warriors of Regos and Coregos have left us." - -"An excellent idea," declared Rinkitink. "I am somewhat feeble from my -long confinement in the well, but I can ride upon Bilbil's back and we -may as well start at once." - -Hearing this, Bilbil cast a surly glance at his master but said nothing, -since it was really the goat's business to carry King Rinkitink wherever -he desired to go. - -They first searched the ruins of the palace, and where the kitchen had -once been they found a small quantity of food that had been half hidden -by a block of marble. This they carefully placed in a sack to preserve -it for future use, the little fat King having first eaten as much as he -cared for. This consumed some time, for Rinkitink had been exceedingly -hungry and liked to eat in a leisurely manner. When he had finished the -meal he straddled Bilbil's back and set out to explore the island, -Prince Inga walking by his side. - -They found on every hand ruin and desolation. The houses of the people -had been pilfered of all valuables and then torn down or burned. Not a -boat had been left upon the shore, nor was there a single person, man or -woman or child, remaining upon the island, save themselves. The only -inhabitants of Pingaree now consisted of a fat little King, a boy and a -goat. - -Even Rinkitink, merry hearted as he was, found it hard to laugh in the -face of this mighty disaster. Even the goat, contrary to its usual -habit, refrained from saying anything disagreeable. As for the poor boy -whose home was now a wilderness, the tears came often to his eyes as he -marked the ruin of his dearly loved island. - -When, at nightfall, they reached the lower end of Pingaree and found it -swept as bare as the rest, Inga's grief was almost more than he could -bear. Everything had been swept from him--parents, home and country--in -so brief a time that his bewilderment was equal to his sorrow. - -[Illustration] - -Since no house remained standing, in which they might sleep, the three -wanderers crept beneath the overhanging branches of a cassa tree and -curled themselves up as comfortably as possible. So tired and -exhausted were they by the day's anxieties and griefs that their -troubles soon faded into the mists of dreamland. Beast and King and boy -slumbered peacefully together until wakened by the singing of the birds -which greeted the dawn of a new day. - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Three Pearls - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 5 - - -When King Rinkitink and Prince Inga had bathed themselves in the sea and -eaten a simple breakfast, they began wondering what they could do to -improve their condition. - -"The poor people of Gilgad," said Rinkitink cheerfully, "are little -likely ever again to behold their King in the flesh, for my boat and my -rowers are gone with everything else. Let us face the fact that we are -imprisoned for life upon this island, and that our lives will be short -unless we can secure more to eat than is in this small sack." - -"I'll not starve, for I can eat grass," remarked the goat in a pleasant -tone--or a tone as pleasant as Bilbil could assume. - -"True, quite true," said the King. Then he seemed thoughtful for a -moment and turning to Inga he asked: "Do you think, Prince, that if the -worst comes, we could eat Bilbil?" - -The goat gave a groan and cast a reproachful look at his master as he -said: - -"Monster! Would you, indeed, eat your old friend and servant?" - -"Not if I can help it, Bilbil," answered the King pleasantly. "You would -make a remarkably tough morsel, and my teeth are not as good as they -once were." - -While this talk was in progress Inga suddenly remembered the three -pearls which his father had hidden under the tiled floor of the banquet -hall. Without doubt King Kitticut had been so suddenly surprised by the -invaders that he had found no opportunity to get the pearls, for -otherwise the fierce warriors would have been defeated and driven out of -Pingaree. So they must still be in their hiding place, and Inga -believed they would prove of great assistance to him and his comrades in -this hour of need. But the palace was a mass of ruins; perhaps he would -be unable now to find the place where the pearls were hidden. - -He said nothing of this to Rinkitink, remembering that his father had -charged him to preserve the secret of the pearls and of their magic -powers. Nevertheless, the thought of securing the wonderful treasures of -his ancestors gave the boy new hope. - -He stood up and said to the King: - -"Let us return to the other end of Pingaree. It is more pleasant than -here in spite of the desolation of my father's palace. And there, if -anywhere, we shall discover a way out of our difficulties." - -This suggestion met with Rinkitink's approval and the little party at -once started upon the return journey. As there was no occasion to delay -upon the way, they reached the big end of the island about the middle of -the day and at once began searching the ruins of the palace. - -They found, to their satisfaction, that one room at the bottom of a -tower was still habitable, although the roof was broken in and the place -was somewhat littered with stones. The King was, as he said, too fat to -do any hard work, so he sat down on a block of marble and watched Inga -clear the room of its rubbish. This done, the boy hunted through the -ruins until he discovered a stool and an armchair that had not been -broken beyond use. Some bedding and a mattress were also found, so that -by nightfall the little room had been made quite comfortable. - -The following morning, while Rinkitink was still sound asleep and Bilbil -was busily cropping the dewy grass that edged the shore, Prince Inga -began to search the tumbled heaps of marble for the place where the -royal banquet hall had been. After climbing over the ruins for a time he -reached a flat place which he recognized, by means of the tiled flooring -and the broken furniture scattered about, to be the great hall he was -seeking. But in the center of the floor, directly over the spot where -the pearls were hidden, lay several large and heavy blocks of marble, -which had been torn from the dismantled walls. - -This unfortunate discovery for a time discouraged the boy, who realized -how helpless he was to remove such vast obstacles; but it was so -important to secure the pearls that he dared not give way to despair -until every human effort had been made, so he sat him down to think over -the matter with great care. - -Meantime Rinkitink had risen from his bed and walked out upon the lawn, -where he found Bilbil reclining at ease upon the greensward. - -"Where is Inga?" asked Rinkitink, rubbing his eyes with his knuckles -because their vision was blurred with too much sleep. - -"Don't, ask me," said the goat, chewing with much satisfaction a cud of -sweet grasses. - -"Bilbil," said the King, squatting down beside the goat and resting his -fat chin upon his hands and his elbows on his knees, "allow me to -confide to you the fact that I am bored, and need amusement. My good -friend Kitticut has been kidnapped by the barbarians and taken from me, -so there is no one to converse with me intelligently. I am the King and -you are the goat. Suppose you tell me a story." - -"Suppose I don't," said Bilbil, with a scowl, for a goat's face is very -expressive. - -"If you refuse, I shall be more unhappy than ever, and I know your -disposition is too sweet to permit that. Tell me a story, Bilbil." - -The boat looked at him with an expression of scorn. Said he: - -"One would think you are but four years old, Rinkitink! But there--I -will do as you command. Listen carefully, and the story may do you some -good--although I doubt if you understand the moral." - -"I am sure the story will do me good," declared the King, whose eyes -were twinkling. - -"Once on a time," began the goat. - -"When was that, Bilbil?" asked the King gently. - -"Don't interrupt; it is impolite. Once on a time there was a King with a -hollow inside his head, where most people have their brains, and--" - -"Is this a true story, Bilbil?" - -"And the King with a hollow head could chatter words, which had no -sense, and laugh in a brainless manner at senseless things. That part of -the story is true enough, Rinkitink." - -"Then proceed with the tale, sweet Bilbil. Yet it is hard to believe -that any King could be brainless--unless, indeed, he proved it by owning -a talking goat." - -Bilbil glared at him a full minute in silence. Then he resumed his -story: - -"This empty-headed man was a King by accident, having been born to that -high station. Also the King was empty-headed by the same chance, being -born without brains." - -"Poor fellow!" quoth the King. "Did he own a talking goat?" - -"He did," answered Bilbil. - -"Then he was wrong to have been born at all. Cheek-eek-eek-eek, oo, -hoo!" chuckled Rinkitink, his fat body shaking with merriment. "But it's -hard to prevent oneself from being born; there's no chance for protest, -eh, Bilbil?" - -"Who is telling this story, I'd like to know," demanded the goat, with -anger. - -"Ask someone with brains, my boy; I'm sure I can't tell," replied the -King, bursting into one of his merry fits of laughter. - -Bilbil rose to his hoofs and walked away in a dignified manner, leaving -Rinkitink chuckling anew at the sour expression of the animal's face. - -"Oh, Bilbil, you'll be the death of me, some day--I'm sure you will!" -gasped the King, taking out his lace handkerchief to wipe his eyes; for, -as he often did, he had laughed till the tears came. - -Bilbil was deeply vexed and would not even turn his head to look at his -master. To escape from Rinkitink he wandered among the ruins of the -palace, where he came upon Prince Inga. - -"Good morning, Bilbil," said the boy. "I was just going to find you, -that I might consult you upon an important matter. If you will kindly -turn back with me I am sure your good judgment will be of great -assistance." - -The angry goat was quite mollified by the respectful tone in which he -was addressed, but he immediately asked: - -"Are you also going to consult that empty-headed King over yonder?" - -"I am sorry to hear you speak of your kind master in such a way," said -the boy gravely. "All men are deserving of respect, being the highest of -living creatures, and Kings deserve respect more than others, for they -are set to rule over many people." - -"Nevertheless," said Bilbil with conviction, "Rinkitink's head is -certainly empty of brains." - -"That I am unwilling to believe," insisted Inga. "But anyway his heart -is kind and gentle and that is better than being wise. He is merry in -spite of misfortunes that would cause others to weep and he never speaks -harsh words that wound the feelings of his friends." - -"Still," growled Bilbil, "he is--" - -"Let us forget everything but his good nature, which puts new heart into -us when we are sad," advised the boy. - -"But he is--" - -"Come with, me, please," interrupted Inga, "for the matter of which I -wish to speak is very important." - -Bilbil followed him, although the boy still heard the goat muttering -that the King had no brains. Rinkitink, seeing them turn into the ruins, -also followed, and upon joining them asked for his breakfast. - -Inga opened the sack of food and while he and the King ate of it the boy -said: - -"If I could find a way to remove some of the blocks of marble which have -fallen in the banquet hall, I think I could find means for us to escape -from this barren island." - -"Then," mumbled Rinkitink, with his mouth full, "let us move the blocks -of marble." - -"But how?" inquired Prince Inga. "They are very heavy." - -"Ah, how, indeed?" returned the King, smacking his lips contentedly. -"That is a serious question. But--I have it! Let us see what my famous -parchment says about it." He wiped his fingers upon a napkin and then, -taking the scroll from a pocket inside his embroidered blouse, he -unrolled it and read the following words: "'Never step on another man's -toes.'" - -The goat gave a snort of contempt; Inga was silent; the King looked from -one to the other inquiringly. - -"That's the idea, exactly!" declared Rinkitink. - -"To be sure," said Bilbil scornfully, "it tells us exactly how to move -the blocks of marble." - -"Oh, does it?" responded the King, and then for a moment he rubbed the -top of his bald head in a perplexed manner. The next moment he burst -into a peal of joyous laughter. The goat looked at Inga and sighed. - -"What did I tell you?" asked the creature. "Was I right, or was I -wrong?" - -"This scroll," said Rinkitink, "is indeed a masterpiece. Its advice is -of tremendous value. 'Never step on another man's toes.' Let us think -this over. The inference is that we should step upon our own toes, which -were given us for that purpose. Therefore, if I stepped upon another -man's toes, I would be the other man. Hoo, hoo, hoo!--the other -man--hee, hee, heek-keek-eek! Funny, isn't it?" - -"Didn't I say--" began Bilbil. - -"No matter what you said, my boy," roared the King. "No fool could have -figured that out as nicely as I did." - -"We have still to decide how to remove the blocks of marble," suggested -Inga anxiously. - -"Fasten a rope to them, and pull," said Bilbil. - -"Don't pay any more attention to Rinkitink, for he is no wiser than the -man who wrote that brainless scroll. Just get the rope, and we'll fasten -Rinkitink to one end of it for a weight and I'll help you pull." - -"Thank you, Bilbil," replied the boy. "I'll get the rope at once." - -Bilbil found it difficult to climb over the ruins to the floor of the -banquet hall, but there are few places a goat cannot get to when it -makes the attempt, so Bilbil succeeded at last, and even fat little -Rinkitink finally joined them, though much out of breath. - -Inga fastened one end of the rope around a block of marble and then made -a loop at the other end to go over Bilbil's head. When all was ready the -boy seized the rope and helped the goat to pull; yet, strain as they -might, the huge block would not stir from its place. Seeing this, King -Rinkitink came forward and lent his assistance, the weight of his body -forcing the heavy marble to slide several feet from where it had lain. - -But it was hard work and all were obliged to take a long rest before -undertaking the removal of the next block. - -"Admit, Bilbil," said the King, "that I am of some use in the world." - -"Your weight was of considerable help," acknowledged the goat, "but if -your head were as well filled as your stomach the task would be still -easier." - -[Illustration] - -When Inga went to fasten the rope a second time he was rejoiced to -discover that by moving one more block of marble he could uncover the -tile with the secret spring. So the three pulled with renewed energy and -to their joy the block moved and rolled upon its side, leaving Inga free -to remove the treasure when he pleased. - -But the boy had no intention of allowing Bilbil and the King to share -the secret of the royal treasures of Pingaree; so, although both the -goat and its master demanded to know why the marble blocks had been -moved, and how it would benefit them, Inga begged them to wait until the -next morning, when he hoped to be able to satisfy them that their hard -work had not been in vain. - -[Illustration] - -Having little confidence in this promise of a mere boy, the goat -grumbled and the King laughed; but Inga paid no heed to their ridicule -and set himself to work rigging up a fishing rod, with line and hook. -During the afternoon he waded out to some rocks near the shore and -fished patiently until he had captured enough yellow perch for their -supper and breakfast. - -"Ah," said Rinkitink, looking at the fine catch when Inga returned to -the shore; "these will taste delicious when they are cooked; but do you -know how to cook them?" - -"No," was the reply. "I have often caught fish, but never cooked them. -Perhaps Your Majesty understands cooking." - -"Cooking and majesty are two different things," laughed the little King. -"I could not cook a fish to save me from starvation." - -"For my part," said Bilbil, "I never eat fish, but I can tell you how to -cook them, for I have often watched the palace cooks at their work." And -so, with the goat's assistance, the boy and the King managed to prepare -the fish and cook them, after which they were eaten with good appetite. - -That night, after Rinkitink and Bilbil were both fast asleep, Inga stole -quietly through the moonlight to the desolate banquet hall. There, -kneeling down, he touched the secret spring as his father had -instructed him to do and to his joy the tile sank downward and disclosed -the opening. You may imagine how the boy's heart throbbed with -excitement as he slowly thrust his hand into the cavity and felt around -to see if the precious pearls were still there. In a moment his fingers -touched the silken bag and, without pausing to close the recess, he -pressed the treasure against his breast and ran out into the moonlight -to examine it. When he reached a bright place he started to open the -bag, but he observed Bilbil lying asleep upon the grass near by. So, -trembling with the fear of discovery, he ran to another place, and when -he paused he heard Rinkitink snoring lustily. Again he fled and made his -way to the seashore, where he squatted under a bank and began to untie -the cords that fastened the mouth of the bag. But now another fear -assailed him. - -"If the pearls should slip from my hand," he thought, "and roll into the -water, they might be lost to me forever. I must find some safer place." - -Here and there he wandered, still clasping the silken bag in both hands, -and finally he went to the grove and climbed into the tall tree where he -had made his platform and seat. But here it was pitch dark, so he found -he must wait patiently until morning before he dared touch the pearls. -During those hours of waiting he had time for reflection and reproached -himself for being so frightened by the possession of his father's -treasures. - -"These pearls have belonged to our family for generations," he mused, -"yet no one has ever lost them. If I use ordinary care I am sure I need -have no fears for their safety." - -When the dawn came and he could see plainly, Inga opened the bag and -took out the Blue Pearl. There was no possibility of his being observed -by others, so he took time to examine it wonderingly, saying to himself: -"This will give me strength." - -Taking off his right shoe he placed the Blue Pearl within it, far up in -the pointed toe. Then he tore a piece from his handkerchief and stuffed -it into the shoe to hold the pearl in place. Inga's shoes were long and -pointed, as were all the shoes worn in Pingaree, and the points curled -upward, so that there was quite a vacant space beyond the place where -the boy's toes reached when the shoe was upon his foot. - -After he had put on the shoe and laced it up he opened the bag and took -out the Pink Pearl. "This will protect me from danger," said Inga, and -removing the shoe from his left foot he carefully placed the pearl in -the hollow toe. This, also, he secured in place by means of a strip torn -from his handkerchief. - -[Illustration] - -Having put on the second shoe and laced it up, the boy drew from the -silken bag the third pearl--that which was pure white--and holding it to -his ear he asked: - -"Will you advise me what to do, in this my hour of misfortune?" - -Clearly the small voice of the pearl made answer: - -"I advise you to go to the Islands of Regos and Coregos, where you may -liberate your parents from slavery." - -"How could I do that?" exclaimed Prince Inga, amazed at receiving such -advice. - -"To-night," spoke the voice of the pearl, "there will be a storm, and in -the morning a boat will strand upon the shore. Take this boat and row to -Regos and Coregos." - -"How can I, a weak boy, pull the boat so far?" he inquired, doubting the -possibility. - -"The Blue Pearl will give you strength," was the reply. - -"But I may be shipwrecked and drowned, before ever I reach Regos and -Coregos," protested the boy. - -"The Pink Pearl will protect you from harm," murmured the voice, soft -and low but very distinct. - -"Then I shall act as you advise me," declared Inga, speaking firmly -because this promise gave him courage, and as he removed the pearl from -his ear it whispered: - -"The wise and fearless are sure to win success." - -Restoring the White Pearl to the depths of the silken bag, Inga fastened -it securely around his neck and buttoned his waist above it to hide the -treasure from all prying eyes. Then he slowly climbed down from the tree -and returned to the room where King Rinkitink still slept. - -The goat was browsing upon the grass but looked cross and surly. When -the boy said good morning as he passed, Bilbil made no response -whatever. As Inga entered the room the King awoke and asked: - -"What is that mysterious secret of yours? I've been dreaming about it, -and I haven't got my breath yet from tugging at those heavy blocks. Tell -me the secret." - -"A secret told is no longer a secret," replied Inga, with a laugh. -"Besides, this is a family secret, which it is proper I should keep to -myself. But I may tell you one thing, at least: We are going to leave -this island to-morrow morning." - -The King seemed puzzled by this statement. - -"I'm not much of a swimmer," said he, "and, though I'm fat enough to -float upon the surface of the water, I'd only bob around and get nowhere -at all." - -"We shall not swim, but ride comfortably in a boat," promised Inga. - -"There isn't a boat on this island!" declared Rinkitink, looking upon -the boy with wonder. - -"True," said Inga. "But one will come to us in the morning." He spoke -positively, for he had perfect faith in the promise of the White Pearl; -but Rinkitink, knowing nothing of the three marvelous jewels, began to -fear that the little Prince had lost his mind through grief and -misfortune. - -For this reason the King did not question the boy further but tried to -cheer him by telling him witty stories. He laughed at all the stories -himself, in his merry, rollicking way, and Inga joined freely in the -laughter because his heart had been lightened by the prospect of -rescuing his dear parents. Not since the fierce warriors had descended -upon Pingaree had the boy been so hopeful and happy. - -With Rinkitink riding upon Bilbil's back, the three made a tour of the -island and found in the central part some bushes and trees bearing ripe -fruit. They gathered this freely, for--aside from the fish which Inga -caught--it was the only food they now had, and the less they had, the -bigger Rinkitink's appetite seemed to grow. - -"I am never more happy," said he with a sigh, "than when I am eating." - -Toward evening the sky became overcast and soon a great storm began to -rage. Prince Inga and King Rinkitink took refuge within the shelter of -the room they had fitted up and there Bilbil joined them. The goat and -the King were somewhat disturbed by the violence of the storm, but Inga -did not mind it, being pleased at this evidence that the White Pearl -might be relied upon. - -All night the wind shrieked around the island; thunder rolled, lightning -flashed and rain came down in torrents. But with morning the storm -abated and when the sun arose no sign of the tempest remained save a few -fallen trees. - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Magic Boat - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 6 - - -Prince Inga was up with the sun and, accompanied by Bilbil, began -walking along the shore in search of the boat which the White Pearl had -promised him. Never for an instant did he doubt that he would find it -and before he had walked any great distance a dark object at the water's -edge caught his eye. - -"It is the boat, Bilbil!" he cried joyfully, and running down to it he -found it was, indeed, a large and roomy boat. Although stranded upon the -beach, it was in perfect order and had suffered in no way from the -storm. - -Inga stood for some moments gazing upon the handsome craft and wondering -where it could have come from. Certainly it was unlike any boat he had -ever seen. On the outside it was painted a lustrous black, without any -other color to relieve it; but all the inside of the boat was lined with -pure silver, polished so highly that the surface resembled a mirror and -glinted brilliantly in the rays of the sun. The seats had white velvet -cushions upon them and the cushions were splendidly embroidered with -threads of gold. At one end, beneath the broad seat, was a small barrel -with silver hoops, which the boy found was filled with fresh, sweet -water. A great chest of sandalwood, bound and ornamented with silver, -stood in the other end of the boat. Inga raised the lid and discovered -the chest filled with sea-biscuits, cakes, tinned meats and ripe, juicy -melons; enough good and wholesome food to last the party a long time. - -Lying upon the bottom of the boat were two shining oars, and overhead, -but rolled back now, was a canopy of silver cloth to ward off the heat -of the sun. - -It is no wonder the boy was delighted with the appearance of this -beautiful boat; but on reflection he feared it was too large for him to -row any great distance. Unless, indeed, the Blue Pearl gave him unusual -strength. - -While he was considering this matter, King Rinkitink came waddling up to -him and said: - -"Well, well, well, my Prince, your words have come true! Here is the -boat, for a certainty, yet how it came here--and how you knew it would -come to us--are puzzles that mystify me. I do not question our good -fortune, however, and my heart is bubbling with joy, for in this boat I -will return at once to my City of Gilgad, from which I have remained -absent altogether too long a time." - -"I do not wish to go to Gilgad," said Inga. - -"That is too bad, my friend, for you would be very welcome. But you may -remain upon this island, if you wish," continued Rinkitink, "and when I -get home I will send some of my people to rescue you." - -"It is my boat, Your Majesty," said Inga quietly. - -"May be, may be," was the careless answer, "but I am King of a great -country, while you are a boy Prince without any kingdom to speak of. -Therefore, being of greater importance than you, it is just and right -that I take your boat and return to my own country in it." - -"I am sorry to differ from Your Majesty's views," said Inga, "but -instead of going to Gilgad I consider it of greater importance that we -go to the islands of Regos and Coregos." - -"Hey? What!" cried the astounded King. "To Regos and Coregos! To become -slaves of the barbarians, like the King, your father? No, no, my boy! -Your Uncle Rinki may have an empty noddle, as Bilbil claims, but he is -far too wise to put his head in the lion's mouth. It's no fun to be a -slave." - -"The people of Regos and Coregos will not enslave us," declared Inga. -"On the contrary, it is my intention to set free my dear parents, as -well as all my people, and to bring them back again to Pingaree." - -"Cheek-eek-eek-eek-eek! How funny!" chuckled Rinkitink, winking at the -goat, which scowled in return. "Your audacity takes my breath away, -Inga, but the adventure has its charm, I must confess. Were I not so -fat, I'd agree to your plan at once, and could probably conquer that -horde of fierce warriors without any assistance at all--any at all--eh, -Bilbil? But I grieve to say that I am fat, and not in good fighting -trim. As for your determination to do what I admit I can't do, Inga, I -fear you forget that you are only a boy, and rather small at that." - -"No, I do not forget that," was Inga's reply. - -"Then please consider that you and I and Bilbil are not strong enough, -as an army, to conquer a powerful nation of skilled warriors. We could -attempt it, of course, but you are too young to die, while I am too old. -Come with me to my City of Gilgad, where you will be greatly honored. -I'll have my professors teach you how to be good. Eh? What do you say?" - -Inga was a little embarrassed how to reply to these arguments, which he -knew King Rinkitink considered were wise; so, after a period of thought, -he said: - -"I will make a bargain with Your Majesty, for I do not wish to fail in -respect to so worthy a man and so great a King as yourself. This boat is -mine, as I have said, and in my father's absence you have become my -guest; therefore I claim that I am entitled to some consideration, as -well as you." - -"No doubt of it," agreed Rinkitink. "What is the bargain you propose, -Inga?" - -"Let us both get into the boat, and you shall first try to row us to -Gilgad. If you succeed, I will accompany you right willingly; but should -you fail, I will then row the boat to Regos, and you must come with me -without further protest." - -"A fair and just bargain!" cried the King, highly pleased. "Yet, -although I am a man of mighty deeds, I do not relish the prospect of -rowing so big a boat all the way to Gilgad. But I will do my best and -abide by the result." - -The matter being thus peaceably settled, they prepared to embark. A -further supply of fruits was placed in the boat and Inga also raked up a -quantity of the delicious oysters that abounded on the coast of Pingaree -but which he had before been unable to reach for lack of a boat. This -was done at the suggestion of the ever-hungry Rinkitink, and when the -oysters had been stowed in their shells behind the water barrel and a -plentiful supply of grass brought aboard for Bilbil, they decided they -were ready to start on their voyage. - -It proved no easy task to get Bilbil into the boat, for he was a -remarkably clumsy goat and once, when Rinkitink gave him a push, he -tumbled into the water and nearly drowned before they could get him out -again. But there was no thought of leaving the quaint animal behind. His -power of speech made him seem almost human in the eyes of the boy, and -the fat King was so accustomed to his surly companion that nothing could -have induced him to part with him. Finally Bilbil fell sprawling into -the bottom of the boat, and Inga helped him to get to the front end, -where there was enough space for him to lie down. - -Rinkitink now took his seat in the silver-lined craft and the boy came -last, pushing off the boat as he sprang aboard, so that it floated -freely upon the water. - -"Well, here we go for Gilgad!" exclaimed the King, picking up the oars -and placing them in the row-locks. Then he began to row as hard as he -could, singing at the same time an odd sort of a song that ran like -this: - - "The way to Gilgad isn't bad - For a stout old King and a brave young lad, - For a cross old goat with a dripping coat, - And a silver boat in which to float. - So our hearts are merry, light and glad - As we speed away to fair Gilgad!" - -"Don't, Rinkitink; please don't! It makes me seasick," growled Bilbil. - -Rinkitink stopped rowing, for by this time he was all out of breath and -his round face was covered with big drops of perspiration. And when he -looked over his shoulder he found to his dismay that the boat had -scarcely moved a foot from its former position. - -Inga said nothing and appeared not to notice the King's failure. So now -Rinkitink, with a serious look on his fat, red face, took off his purple -robe and rolled up the sleeves of his tunic and tried again. - -However, he succeeded no better than before and when he heard Bilbil -give a gruff laugh and saw a smile upon the boy Prince's face, Rinkitink -suddenly dropped the oars and began shouting with laughter at his own -defeat. As he wiped his brow with a yellow silk handkerchief he sang in -a merry voice: - -"A sailor bold am I, I hold, -But boldness will not row a boat. -So I confess I'm in distress -And just as useless as the goat." - -"Please leave me out of your verses," said Bilbil with a snort of anger. - -"When I make a fool of myself, Bilbil, I'm a goat," replied Rinkitink. - -"Not so," insisted Bilbil. "Nothing could make you a member of my -superior race." - -"Superior? Why, Bilbil, a goat is but a beast, while I am a King!" - -"I claim that superiority lies in intelligence," said the goat. - -Rinkitink paid no attention to this remark, but turning to Inga he said: - -"We may as well get back to the shore, for the boat is too heavy to row -to Gilgad or anywhere else. Indeed, it will be hard for us to reach land -again." - -[Illustration] - -"Let me take the oars," suggested Inga. "You must not forget our -bargain." - -"No, indeed," answered Rinkitink. "If you can row us to Regos, or to any -other place, I will go with you without protest." - -[Illustration] - -So the King took Inga's place in the stern of the boat and the boy -grasped the oars and commenced to row. And now, to the great wonder of -Rinkitink--and even to Inga's surprise--the oars became light as -feathers as soon as the Prince took hold of them. In an instant the boat -began to glide rapidly through the water and, seeing this, the boy -turned its prow toward the north. He did not know exactly where Regos -and Coregos were located, but he did know that the islands lay to the -north of Pingaree, so he decided to trust to luck and the guidance of -the pearls to carry him to them. - -Gradually the Island of Pingaree became smaller to their view as the -boat sped onward, until at the end of an hour they had lost sight of it -altogether and were wholly surrounded by the purple waters of the -Nonestic Ocean. - -Prince Inga did not tire from the labor of rowing; indeed, it seemed to -him no labor at all. Once he stopped long enough to place the poles of -the canopy in the holes that had been made for them, in the edges of the -boat, and to spread the canopy of silver over the poles, for Rinkitink -had complained of the sun's heat. But the canopy shut out the hot rays -and rendered the interior of the boat cool and pleasant. - -"This is a glorious ride!" cried Rinkitink, as he lay back in the shade. -"I find it a decided relief to be away from that dismal island of -Pingaree." - -"It may be a relief for a short time," said Bilbil, "but you are going -to the land of your enemies, who will probably stick your fat body full -of spears and arrows." - -"Oh, I hope not!" exclaimed Inga, distressed at the thought. - -"Never mind," said the King calmly, "a man can die but once, you know, -and when the enemy kills me I shall beg him to kill Bilbil, also, that -we may remain together in death as in life." - -"They may be cannibals, in which case they will roast and eat us," -suggested Bilbil, who wished to terrify his master. - -"Who knows?" answered Rinkitink, with a shudder. "But cheer up, Bilbil; -they may not kill us after all, or even capture us; so let us not borrow -trouble. Do not look so cross, my sprightly quadruped, and I will sing -to amuse you." - -"Your song would make me more cross than ever," grumbled the goat. - -"Quite impossible, dear Bilbil. You couldn't be more surly if you tried. -So here is a famous song for you." - -While the boy rowed steadily on and the boat rushed fast over the water, -the jolly King, who never could be sad or serious for many minutes at a -time, lay back on his embroidered cushions and sang as follows: - - "A merry maiden went to sea-- - Sing too-ral-oo-ral-i-do! - She sat upon the Captain's knee - - And looked around the sea to see - What she could see, but she couldn't see me-- - Sing too-ral-oo-ral-i-do!" - -"How do you like that, Bilbil?" - -"I don't like it," complained the goat. "It reminds me of the alligator -that tried to whistle." - -"Did he succeed, Bilbil?" asked the King. - -"He whistled as well as you sing." - -"Ha, ha, ha, ha, heek, keek, eek!" chuckled the King. "He must have -whistled most exquisitely, eh, my friend?" - -"I am not your friend," returned the goat, wagging his ears in a surly -manner. - -"I am yours, however," was the King's cheery reply; "and to prove it -I'll sing you another verse." - -"Don't, I beg of you!" - -But the King sang as follows: - - "The wind blew off the maiden's shoe-- - Sing too-ral-oo-ral-i-do! - And the shoe flew high to the sky so blue - And the maiden knew 'twas a new shoe, too; - But she couldn't pursue the shoe, 'tis true-- - Sing too-ral-oo-ral-i-do!" - -"Isn't that sweet, my pretty goat?" - -"Sweet, do you ask?" retorted Bilbil. "I consider it as sweet as candy -made from mustard and vinegar." - -"But not as sweet as your disposition, I admit. Ah, Bilbil, your temper -would put honey itself to shame." - -"Do not quarrel, I beg of you," pleaded Inga. "Are we not sad enough -already?" - -"But this is a jolly quarrel," said the King, "and it is the way Bilbil -and I often amuse ourselves. Listen, now, to the last verse of all: - -The maid who shied her shoe now cried-- - Sing too-ral-oo-ral-i-do! -Her tears were fried for the Captain's bride -Who ate with pride her sobs, beside, -And gently sighed 'I'm satisfied'-- - Sing too-ral-oo-ral-i-do!" - -"Worse and worse!" grumbled Bilbil, with much scorn. "I am glad that is -the last verse, for another of the same kind might cause me to faint." - -"I fear you have no ear for music," said the King. - -"I have heard no music, as yet," declared the goat. "You must have a -strong imagination, King Rinkitink, if you consider your songs music. Do -you remember the story of the bear that hired out for a nursemaid?" - -"I do not recall it just now," said Rinkitink, with a wink at Inga. - -"Well, the bear tried to sing a lullaby to put the baby to sleep." - -"And then?" said the King. - -"The bear was highly pleased with its own voice, but the baby was nearly -frightened to death." - -"Heh, heh, heh, heh, whoo, hoo, hoo! You are a merry rogue, Bilbil," -laughed the King; "a merry rogue in spite of your gloomy features. -However, if I have not amused you, I have at least pleased myself, for I -am exceedingly fond of a good song. So let us say no more about it." - -All this time the boy Prince was rowing the boat. He was not in the -least tired, for the oars he held seemed to move of their own accord. He -paid little heed to the conversation of Rinkitink and the goat, but -busied his thoughts with plans of what he should do when he reached the -islands of Regos and Coregos and confronted his enemies. When the others -finally became silent, Inga inquired: - -"Can you fight, King Rinkitink?" - -[Illustration] - -"I have never tried," was the answer. "In time of danger I have found -it much easier to run away than to face the foe." - -"But _could_ you fight?" asked the boy. - -"I might try, if there was no chance to escape by running. Have you a -proper weapon for me to fight with?" - -"I have no weapon at all," confessed Inga. - -"Then let us use argument and persuasion instead of fighting. For -instance, if we could persuade the warriors of Regos to lie down, and -let me step on them, they would be crushed with ease." - -Prince Inga had expected little support from the King, so he was not -discouraged by this answer. After all, he reflected, a conquest by -battle would be out of the question, yet the White Pearl would not have -advised him to go to Regos and Coregos had the mission been a hopeless -one. It seemed to him, on further reflection, that he must rely upon -circumstances to determine his actions when he reached the islands of -the barbarians. - -By this time Inga felt perfect confidence in the Magic Pearls. It was -the White Pearl that had given him the boat, and the Blue Pearl that had -given him strength to row it. He believed that the Pink Pearl would -protect him from any danger that might arise; so his anxiety was not -for himself, but for his companions. King Rinkitink and the goat had no -magic to protect them, so Inga resolved to do all in his power to keep -them from harm. - -For three days and three nights the boat with the silver lining sped -swiftly over the ocean. On the morning of the fourth day, so quickly had -they traveled, Inga saw before him the shores of the two great islands -of Regos and Coregos. - -"The pearls have guided me aright!" he whispered to himself. "Now, if I -am wise, and cautious, and brave, I believe I shall be able to rescue my -father and mother and my people." - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Twin Islands - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 7 - - -The Island of Regos was ten miles wide and forty miles long and it was -ruled by a big and powerful King named Gos. Near to the shores were -green and fertile fields, but farther back from the sea were rugged -hills and mountains, so rocky that nothing would grow there. But in -these mountains were mines of gold and silver, which the slaves of the -King were forced to work, being confined in dark underground passages -for that purpose. In the course of time huge caverns had been hollowed -out by the slaves, in which they lived and slept, never seeing the light -of day. Cruel overseers with whips stood over these poor people, who had -been captured in many countries by the raiding parties of King Gos, and -the overseers were quite willing to lash the slaves with their whips if -they faltered a moment in their work. - -Between the green shores and the mountains were forests of thick, -tangled trees, between which narrow paths had been cut to lead up to the -caves of the mines. It was on the level green meadows, not far from the -ocean, that the great City of Regos had been built, wherein was located -the palace of the King. This city was inhabited by thousands of the -fierce warriors of Gos, who frequently took to their boats and spread -over the sea to the neighboring islands to conquer and pillage, as they -had done at Pingaree. When they were not absent on one of these -expeditions, the City of Regos swarmed with them and so became a -dangerous place for any peaceful person to live in, for the warriors -were as lawless as their King. - -The Island of Coregos lay close beside the Island of Regos; so close, -indeed, that one might have thrown a stone from one shore to another. -But Coregos was only half the size of Regos and instead of being -mountainous it was a rich and pleasant country, covered with fields of -grain. The fields of Coregos furnished food for the warriors and -citizens of both countries, while the mines of Regos made them all rich. - -Coregos was ruled by Queen Cor, who was wedded to King Gos; but so stern -and cruel was the nature of this Queen that the people could not decide -which of their sovereigns they dreaded most. - -Queen Cor lived in her own City of Coregos, which lay on that side of -her island facing Regos, and her slaves, who were mostly women, were -made to plow the land and to plant and harvest the grain. - -From Regos to Coregos stretched a bridge of boats, set close together, -with planks laid across their edges for people to walk upon. In this way -it was easy to pass from one island to the other and in times of danger -the bridge could be quickly removed. - -The native inhabitants of Regos and Coregos consisted of the warriors, -who did nothing but fight and ravage, and the trembling servants who -waited on them. King Gos and Queen Cor were at war with all the rest of -the world. Other islanders hated and feared them, for their slaves were -badly treated and absolutely no mercy was shown to the weak or ill. - -When the boats that had gone to Pingaree returned loaded with rich -plunder and a host of captives, there was much rejoicing in Regos and -Coregos and the King and Queen gave a fine feast to the warriors who had -accomplished so great a conquest. This feast was set for the warriors in -the grounds of King Gos's palace, while with them in the great throne -room all the captains and leaders of the fighting men were assembled -with King Gos and Queen Cor, who had come from her island to attend the -ceremony. Then all the goods that had been stolen from the King of -Pingaree were divided according to rank, the King and Queen taking half, -the captains a quarter, and the rest being divided amongst the warriors. - -The day following the feast King Gos sent King Kitticut and all the men -of Pingaree to work in his mines under the mountains, having first -chained them together so they could not escape. The gentle Queen of -Pingaree and all her women, together with the captured children, were -given to Queen Cor, who set them to work in her grain fields. - -[Illustration] - -Then the rulers and warriors of these dreadful islands thought they had -done forever with Pingaree. Despoiled of all its wealth, its houses torn -down, its boats captured and all its people enslaved, what likelihood -was there that they might ever again hear of the desolated island? So -the people of Regos and Coregos were surprised and puzzled when one -morning they observed approaching their shores from the direction of the -south a black boat containing a boy, a fat man and a goat. The warriors -asked one another who these could be, and where they had come from? No -one ever came to those islands of their own accord, that was certain. - -Prince Inga guided his boat to the south end of the Island of Regos, -which was the landing place nearest to the city, and when the warriors -saw this action they went down to the shore to meet him, being led by a -big captain named Buzzub. - -"Those people surely mean us no good," said Rinkitink uneasily to the -boy. "Without doubt they intend to capture us and make us their slaves." - -"Do not fear, sir," answered Inga, in a calm voice. "Stay quietly in the -boat with Bilbil until I have spoken with these men." - -He stopped the boat a dozen feet from the shore, and standing up in his -place made a grave bow to the multitude confronting him. Said the big -Captain Buzzub in a gruff voice: - -"Well, little one, who may you be? And how dare you come, uninvited and -all alone, to the Island of Regos?" - -"I am Inga, Prince of Pingaree," returned the boy, "and I have come here -to free my parents and my people, whom you have wrongfully enslaved." - -When they heard this bold speech a mighty laugh arose from the band of -warriors, and when it had subsided the captain said: - -"You love to jest, my baby Prince, and the joke is fairly good. But why -did you willingly thrust your head into the lion's mouth? When you were -free, why did you not stay free? We did not know we had left a single -person in Pingaree! But since you managed to escape us then, it is -really kind of you to come here of your own free will, to be our slave. -Who is the funny fat person with you?" - -"It is His Majesty, King Rinkitink, of the great City of Gilgad. He has -accompanied me to see that you render full restitution for all you have -stolen from Pingaree." - -"Better yet!" laughed Buzzub. "He will make a fine slave for Queen Cor, -who loves to tickle fat men, and see them jump." - -King Rinkitink was filled with horror when he heard this, but the -Prince answered as boldly as before, saying: - -"We are not to be frightened by bluster, believe me; nor are we so weak -as you imagine. We have magic powers so great and terrible that no host -of warriors can possibly withstand us, and therefore I call upon you to -surrender your city and your island to us, before we crush you with our -mighty powers." - -The boy spoke very gravely and earnestly, but his words only aroused -another shout of laughter. So while the men of Regos were laughing Inga -drove the boat well up onto the sandy beach and leaped out. He also -helped Rinkitink out, and when the goat had unaided sprung to the sands, -the King got upon Bilbil's back, trembling a little internally, but -striving to look as brave as possible. - -There was a bunch of coarse hair between the goat's ears, and this Inga -clutched firmly in his left hand. The boy knew the Pink Pearl would -protect not only himself, but all whom he touched, from any harm, and as -Rinkitink was astride the goat and Inga had his hand upon the animal, -the three could not be injured by anything the warriors could do. But -Captain Buzzub did not know this, and the little group of three seemed -so weak and ridiculous that he believed their capture would be easy. So -he turned to his men and with a wave of his hand said: - -"Seize the intruders!" - -Instantly two or three of the warriors stepped forward to obey, but to -their amazement they could not reach any of the three; their hands were -arrested as if by an invisible wall of iron. Without paying any -attention to these attempts at capture, Inga advanced slowly and the -goat kept pace with him. And when Rinkitink saw that he was safe from -harm he gave one of his big, merry laughs, and it startled the warriors -and made them nervous. Captain Buzzub's eyes grew big with surprise as -the three steadily advanced and forced his men backward; nor was he free -from terror himself at the magic that protected these strange visitors. -As for the warriors, they presently became terror-stricken and fled in a -panic up the slope toward the city, and Buzzub was obliged to chase -after them and shout threats of punishment before he could halt them and -form them into a line of battle. - -All the men of Regos bore spears and bows-and-arrows, and some of the -officers had swords and battle-axes; so Buzzub ordered them to stand -their ground and shoot and slay the strangers as they approached. This -they tried to do. Inga being in advance, the warriors sent a flight of -sharp arrows straight at the boy's breast, while others cast their long -spears at him. - -It seemed to Rinkitink that the little Prince must surely perish as he -stood facing this hail of murderous missiles; but the power of the Pink -Pearl did not desert him, and when the arrows and spears had reached to -within an inch of his body they bounded back again and fell harmlessly -at his feet. Nor were Rinkitink or Bilbil injured in the least, although -they stood close beside Inga. - -Buzzub stood for a moment looking upon the boy in silent wonder. Then, -recovering himself, he shouted in a loud voice: - -"Once again! All together, my men. No one shall ever defy our might and -live!" - -Again a flight of arrows and spears sped toward the the three, and since -many more of the warriors of Regos had by this time joined their -fellows, the air was for a moment darkened by the deadly shafts. But -again all fell harmless before the power of the Pink Pearl, and Bilbil, -who had been growing very angry at the attempts to injure him and his -party, suddenly made a bolt forward, casting off Inga's hold, and -butted into the line of warriors, who were standing amazed at their -failure to conquer. - -[Illustration] - -Taken by surprise at the goat's attack, a dozen big warriors tumbled in -a heap, yelling with fear, and their comrades, not knowing what had -happened but imagining that their foes were attacking them, turned about -and ran to the city as hard as they could go. Bilbil, still angry, had -just time to catch the big captain as he turned to follow his men, and -Buzzub first sprawled headlong upon the ground, then rolled over two or -three times, and finally jumped up and ran yelling after his defeated -warriors. This butting on the part of the goat was very hard upon King -Rinkitink, who nearly fell off Bilbil's back at the shock of encounter; -but the little fat King wound his arms around the goat's neck and shut -his eyes and clung on with all his might. It was not until he heard Inga -say triumphantly, "We have won the fight without striking a blow!" that -Rinkitink dared open his eyes again. Then he saw the warriors rushing -into the City of Regos and barring the heavy gates, and he was very much -relieved at the sight. - -"Without striking a blow!" said Bilbil indignantly. "That is not quite -true, Prince Inga. You did not fight, I admit, but I struck a couple of -times to good purpose, and I claim to have conquered the cowardly -warriors unaided." - -"You and I together, Bilbil," said Rinkitink mildly. "But the next time -you make a charge, please warn me in time, so that I may dismount and -give you all the credit for the attack." - -There being no one now to oppose their advance, the three walked to the -gates of the city, which had been closed against them. The gates were of -iron and heavily barred, and upon the top of the high walls of the city -a host of the warriors now appeared armed with arrows and spears and -other weapons. For Buzzub had gone straight to the palace of King Gos -and reported his defeat, relating the powerful magic of the boy, the fat -King and the goat, and had asked what to do next. - -The big captain still trembled with fear, but King Gos did not believe -in magic, and called Buzzub a coward and a weakling. At once the King -took command of his men personally, and he ordered the walls manned with -warriors and instructed them to shoot to kill if any of the three -strangers approached the gates. - -Of course, neither Rinkitink nor Bilbil knew how they had been protected -from harm and so at first they were inclined to resent the boy's -command that the three must always keep together and touch one another -at all times. But when Inga explained that his magic would not otherwise -save them from injury, they agreed to obey, for they had now seen enough -to convince them that the Prince was really protected by some invisible -power. - -As they came before the gates another shower of arrows and spears -descended upon them, and as before not a single missile touched their -bodies. King Gos, who was upon the wall, was greatly amazed and somewhat -worried, but he depended upon the strength of his gates and commanded -his men to continue shooting until all their weapons were gone. - -Inga let them shoot as much as they wished, while he stood before the -great gates and examined them carefully. - -"Perhaps Bilbil can batter down the gates," suggested Rinkitink. - -"No," replied the goat; "my head is hard, but not harder than iron." - -"Then," returned the King, "let us stay outside; especially as we can't -get in." - -But Inga was not at all sure they could not get in. The gates opened -inward, and three heavy bars were held in place by means of stout -staples riveted to the sheets of steel. The boy had been told that the -power of the Blue Pearl would enable him to accomplish any feat of -strength, and he believed that this was true. - -The warriors, under the direction of King Gos, continued to hurl arrows -and darts and spears and axes and huge stones upon the invaders, all -without avail. The ground below was thickly covered with weapons, yet -not one of the three before the gates had been injured in the slightest -manner. When everything had been cast that was available and not a -single weapon of any sort remained at hand, the amazed warriors saw the -boy put his shoulder against the gates and burst asunder the huge -staples that held the bars in place. A thousand of their men could not -have accomplished this feat, yet the small, slight boy did it with -seeming ease. The gates burst open, and Inga advanced into the city -street and called upon King Gos to surrender. - -But Gos was now as badly frightened as were his warriors. He and his men -were accustomed to war and pillage and they had carried terror into many -countries, but here was a small boy, a fat man and a goat who could not -be injured by all his skill in warfare, his numerous army and thousands -of death-dealing weapons. Moreover, they not only defied King Gos's -entire army but they had broken in the huge gates of the city--as easily -as if they had been made of paper--and such an exhibition of enormous -strength made the wicked King fear for his life. Like all bullies and -marauders, Gos was a coward at heart, and now a panic seized him and he -turned and fled before the calm advance of Prince Inga of Pingaree. The -warriors were like their master, and having thrown all their weapons -over the wall and being helpless to oppose the strangers, they all -swarmed after Gos, who abandoned his city and crossed the bridge of -boats to the Island of Coregos. There was a desperate struggle among -these cowardly warriors to get over the bridge, and many were pushed -into the water and obliged to swim; but finally every fighting man of -Regos had gained the shore of Coregos and then they tore away the bridge -of boats and drew them up on their own side, hoping the stretch of open -water would prevent the magic invaders from following them. - -[Illustration] - -The humble citizens and serving people of Regos, who had been terrified -and abused by the rough warriors all their lives, were not only greatly -astonished by this sudden conquest of their masters but greatly -delighted. As the King and his army fled to Coregos, the people embraced -one another and danced for very joy, and then they turned to see what -the conquerors of Regos were like. - -[Illustration] - - - - -Rinkitink Makes a Great Mistake - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 8 - - -The fat King rode his goat through the streets of the conquered city and -the boy Prince walked proudly beside him, while all the people bent -their heads humbly to their new masters, whom they were prepared to -serve in the same manner they had King Gos. - -Not a warrior remained in all Regos to oppose the triumphant three; the -bridge of boats had been destroyed; Inga and his companions were free -from danger--for a time, at least. - -The jolly little King appreciated this fact and rejoiced that he had -escaped all injury during the battle. How it had all happened he could -not tell, nor even guess, but he was content in being safe and free to -take possession of the enemy's city. So, as they passed through the -lines of respectful civilians on their way to the palace, the King -tipped his crown back on his bald head and folded his arms and sang in -his best voice the following lines: - - "Oh, here comes the army of King Rinkitink! - It isn't a big one, perhaps you may think, - But it scattered the warriors quicker than wink-- - Rink-i-tink, tink-i-tink, tink! - Our Bilbil's a hero and so is his King; - Our foemen have vanished like birds on the wing; - I guess that as fighters we're quite the real thing-- - Rink-i-tink, tink-i-tink, tink!" - -"Why don't you give a little credit to Inga?" inquired the goat. "If I -remember aright, he did a little of the conquering himself." - -"So he did," responded the King, "and that's the reason I'm sounding our -own praise, Bilbil. Those who do the least, often shout the loudest and -so get the most glory. Inga did so much that there is danger of his -becoming more important than we are, and so we'd best say nothing about -him." - -When they reached the palace, which was an immense building, furnished -throughout in regal splendor, Inga took formal possession and ordered -the majordomo to show them the finest rooms the building contained. -There were many pleasant apartments, but Rinkitink proposed to Inga that -they share one of the largest bedrooms together. - -"For," said he, "we are not sure that old Gos will not return and try to -recapture his city, and you must remember that I have no magic to -protect me. In any danger, were I alone, I might be easily killed or -captured, while if you are by my side you can save me from injury." - -The boy realized the wisdom of this plan, and selected a fine big -bedroom on the second floor of the palace, in which he ordered two -golden beds placed and prepared for King Rinkitink and himself. Bilbil -was given a suite of rooms on the other side of the palace, where -servants brought the goat fresh-cut grass to eat and made him a soft bed -to lie upon. - -That evening the boy Prince and the fat King dined in great state in the -lofty-domed dining-hall of the palace, where forty servants waited upon -them. The royal chef, anxious to win the favor of the conquerors of -Regos, prepared his finest and most savory dishes for them, which -Rinkitink ate with much appetite and found so delicious that he ordered -the royal chef brought into the banquet hall and presented him with a -gilt button which the King cut from his own jacket. - -"You are welcome to it," said he to the chef, "because I have eaten so -much that I cannot use that lower button at all." - -Rinkitink was mightily pleased to live in a comfortable palace again and -to dine at a well-spread table. His joy grew every moment, so that he -came in time to be as merry and cheery as before Pingaree was despoiled. -And, although he had been much frightened during Inga's defiance of the -army of King Gos, he now began to turn the matter into a joke. - -"Why, my boy," said he, "you whipped the big black-bearded King exactly -as if he were a schoolboy, even though you used no warlike weapon at all -upon him. He was cowed through fear of your magic, and that reminds me -to demand from you an explanation. How did you do it, Inga? And where -did the wonderful magic come from?" - -[Illustration] - -Perhaps it would have been wise for the Prince to have explained about -the magic pearls, but at that moment he was not inclined to do so. -Instead, he replied: - -"Be patient, Your Majesty. The secret is not my own, so please do not -ask me to divulge it. Is it not enough, for the present, that the magic -saved you from death to-day?" - -"Do not think me ungrateful," answered the King earnestly. "A million -spears fell on me from the wall, and several stones as big as mountains, -yet none of them hurt me!" - -"The stones were not as big as mountains, sire," said the Prince with a -smile. "They were, indeed, no larger than your head." - -"Are you sure about that?" asked Rinkitink. - -"Quite sure, Your Majesty." - -"How deceptive those things are!" sighed the King. "This argument -reminds me of the story of Tom Tick, which my father used to tell." - -"I have never heard that story," Inga answered. - -"Well, as he told it, it ran like this: - - "When Tom walked out, the sky to spy, - A naughty gnat flew in his eye; - But Tom knew not it was a gnat-- - He thought, at first, it was a cat. - - "And then, it felt so very big, - He thought it surely was a pig - Till, standing still to hear it grunt, - He cried: 'Why, it's an _elephunt_!' - - "But--when the gnat flew out again - And Tom was free from all his pain, - He said: 'There flew into my eye - A leetle, teenty-tiny fly.'" - -"Indeed," said Inga, laughing, "the gnat was much like your stones that -seemed as big as mountains." - -After their dinner they inspected the palace, which was filled with -valuable goods stolen by King Gos from many nations. But the day's -events had tired them and they retired early to their big sleeping -apartment. - -"In the morning," said the boy to Rinkitink, as he was undressing for -bed, "I shall begin the search for my father and mother and the people -of Pingaree. And, when they are found and rescued, we will all go home -again, and be as happy as we were before." - -They carefully bolted the door of their room, that no one might enter, -and then got into their beds, where Rinkitink fell asleep in an instant. -The boy lay awake for a while thinking over the day's adventures, but -presently he fell sound asleep also, and so weary was he that nothing -disturbed his slumber until he awakened next morning with a ray of -sunshine in his eyes, which had crept into the room through the open -window by King Rinkitink's bed. - -Resolving to begin the search for his parents without any unnecessary -delay, Inga at once got out of bed and began to dress himself, while -Rinkitink, in the other bed, was still sleeping peacefully. But when the -boy had put on both his stockings and began looking for his shoes, he -could find but one of them. The left shoe, that containing the Pink -Pearl, was missing. - -Filled with anxiety at this discovery, Inga searched through the entire -room, looking underneath the beds and divans and chairs and behind the -draperies and in the corners and every other possible place a shoe might -be. He tried the door, and found it still bolted; so, with growing -uneasiness, the boy was forced to admit that the precious shoe was not -in the room. - -With a throbbing heart he aroused his companion. - -[Illustration] - -"King Rinkitink," said he, "do you know what has become of my left -shoe?" - -"Your shoe!" exclaimed the King, giving a wide yawn and rubbing his eyes -to get the sleep out of them. "Have you lost a shoe?" - -"Yes," said Inga. "I have searched everywhere in the room, and cannot -find it." - -"But why bother me about such a small thing?" inquired Rinkitink. "A -shoe is only a shoe, and you can easily get another one. But, stay! -Perhaps it was your shoe which I threw at the cat last night." - -"The cat!" cried Inga. "What do you mean?" - -"Why, in the night," explained Rinkitink, sitting up and beginning to -dress himself, "I was wakened by the mewing of a cat that sat upon a -wall of the palace, just outside my window. As the noise disturbed me, I -reached out in the dark and caught up something and threw it at the cat, -to frighten the creature away. I did not know what it was that I threw, -and I was too sleepy to care; but probably it was your shoe, since it is -now missing." - -"Then," said the boy, in a despairing tone of voice, "your carelessness -has ruined me, as well as yourself, King Rinkitink, for in that shoe was -concealed the magic power which protected us from danger." - -[Illustration] - -The King's face became very serious when he heard this and he uttered a -low whistle of surprise and regret. - -"Why on earth did you not warn me of this?" he demanded. "And why did -you keep such a precious power in an old shoe? And why didn't you put -the shoe under a pillow? You were very wrong, my lad, in not confiding -to me, your faithful friend, the secret, for in that case the shoe would -not now be lost." - -To all this Inga had no answer. He sat on the side of his bed, with -hanging head, utterly disconsolate, and seeing this, Rinkitink had pity -for his sorrow. - -"Come!" cried the King; "let us go out at once and look for the shoe -which I threw at the cat. It must even now be lying in the yard of the -palace." - -This suggestion roused the boy to action. He at once threw open the door -and in his stocking feet rushed down the staircase, closely followed by -Rinkitink. But although they looked on both sides of the palace wall and -in every possible crack and corner where a shoe might lodge, they failed -to find it. - -After a half hour's careful search the boy said sorrowfully: - -"Someone must have passed by, as we slept, and taken the precious shoe, -not knowing its value. To us, King Rinkitink, this will be a dreadful -misfortune, for we are surrounded by dangers from which we have now no -protection. Luckily I have the other shoe left, within which is the -magic power that gives me strength; so all is not lost." - -Then he told Rinkitink, in a few words, the secret of the wonderful -pearls, and how he had recovered them from the ruins and hidden them in -his shoes, and how they had enabled him to drive King Gos and his men -from Regos and to capture the city. The King was much astonished, and -when the story was concluded he said to Inga: - -"What did you do with the other shoe?" - -"Why, I left it in our bedroom," replied the boy. - -"Then I advise you to get it at once," continued Rinkitink, "for we can -ill afford to lose the second shoe, as well as the one I threw at the -cat." - -"You are right!" cried Inga, and they hastened back to their bedchamber. - -On entering the room they found an old woman sweeping and raising a -great deal of dust. - -"Where is my shoe?" asked the Prince, anxiously. - -The old woman stopped sweeping and looked at him in a stupid way, for -she was not very intelligent. - -"Do you mean the one odd shoe that was lying on the floor when I came -in?" she finally asked. - -"Yes--yes!" answered the boy. "Where is it? Tell me where it is!" - -"Why, I threw it on the dust-heap, outside the back gate," said she, -"for, it being but a single shoe, with no mate, it can be of no use to -anyone." - -"Show us the way to the dust-heap--at once!" commanded the boy, sternly, -for he was greatly frightened by this new misfortune which threatened -him. - -The old woman hobbled away and they followed her, constantly urging her -to hasten; but when they reached the dust-heap no shoe was to be seen. - -"This is terrible!" wailed the young Prince, ready to weep at his loss. -"We are now absolutely ruined, and at the mercy of our enemies. Nor -shall I be able to liberate my dear father and mother." - -"Well," replied Rinkitink, leaning against an old barrel and looking -quite solemn, "the thing is certainly unlucky, any way we look at it. I -suppose someone has passed along here and, seeing the shoe upon the -dust-heap, has carried it away. But no one could know the magic power -the shoe contains and so will not use it against us. I believe, Inga, we -must now depend upon our wits to get us out of the scrape we are in." - -With saddened hearts they returned to the palace, and entering a small -room where no one could observe them or overhear them, the boy took the -White Pearl from its silken bag and held it to his ear, asking: - -"What shall I do now?" - -"Tell no one of your loss," answered the Voice of the Pearl. "If your -enemies do not know that you are powerless, they will fear you as much -as ever. Keep your secret, be patient, and fear not!" - -Inga heeded this advice and also warned Rinkitink to say nothing to -anyone of the loss of the shoes and the powers they contained. He sent -for the shoemaker of King Gos, who soon brought him a new pair of red -leather shoes that fitted him quite well. When these had been put upon -his feet, the Prince, accompanied by the King, started to walk through -the city. - -Wherever they went the people bowed low to the conqueror, although a -few, remembering Inga's terrible strength, ran away in fear and -trembling. They had been used to severe masters and did not yet know how -they would be treated by King Gos's successor. There being no occasion -for the boy to exercise the powers he had displayed the previous day, -his present helplessness was not suspected by any of the citizens of -Regos, who still considered him a wonderful magician. - -Inga did not dare to fight his way to the mines, at present, nor could -he try to conquer the Island of Coregos, where his mother was enslaved; -so he set about the regulation of the City of Regos, and having -established himself with great state in the royal palace he began to -govern the people by kindness, having consideration for the most humble. - -The King of Regos and his followers sent spies across to the island they -had abandoned in their flight, and these spies returned with the news -that the terrible boy conqueror was still occupying the city. Therefore -none of them ventured to go back to Regos but continued to live upon the -neighboring island of Coregos, where they passed the days in fear and -trembling and sought to plot and plan ways how they might overcome the -Prince of Pingaree and the fat King of Gilgad. - -[Illustration] - - - - -A Present for Zella - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 9 - - -Now it so happened that on the morning of that same day when the Prince -of Pingaree suffered the loss of his priceless shoes, there chanced to -pass along the road that wound beside the royal palace a poor -charcoal-burner named Nikobob, who was about to return to his home in -the forest. - -Nikobob carried an ax and a bundle of torches over his shoulder and he -walked with his eyes to the ground, being deep in thought as to the -strange manner in which the powerful King Gos and his city had been -conquered by a boy Prince who had come from Pingaree. - -Suddenly the charcoal-burner espied a shoe lying upon the ground, just -beyond the high wall of the palace and directly in his path. He picked -it up and, seeing it was a pretty shoe, although much too small for his -own foot, he put it in his pocket. - -Soon after, on turning a corner of the wall, Nikobob came to a dust-heap -where, lying amidst a mass of rubbish, was another shoe--the mate to the -one he had before found. This also he placed in his pocket, saying to -himself: - -"I have now a fine pair of shoes for my daughter Zella, who will be much -pleased to find I have brought her a present from the city." - -And while the charcoal-burner turned into the forest and trudged along -the path toward his home, Inga and Rinkitink were still searching for -the missing shoes. Of course, they could not know that Nikobob had found -them, nor did the honest man think he had taken anything more than a -pair of cast-off shoes which nobody wanted. - -Nikobob had several miles to travel through the forest before he could -reach the little log cabin where his wife, as well as his little -daughter Zella, awaited his return, but he was used to long walks and -tramped along the path whistling cheerfully to beguile the time. - -Few people, as I said before, ever passed through the dark and tangled -forests of Regos, except to go to the mines in the mountain beyond, for -many dangerous creatures lurked in the wild jungles, and King Gos never -knew, when he sent a messenger to the mines, whether he would reach -there safely or not. - -The charcoal-burner, however, knew the wild forest well, and especially -this part of it lying between the city and his home. It was the favorite -haunt of the ferocious beast Choggenmugger, dreaded by every dweller in -the Island of Regos. Choggenmugger was so old that everyone thought it -must have been there since the world was made, and each year of its life -the huge scales that covered its body grew thicker and harder and its -jaws grew wider and its teeth grew sharper and its appetite grew more -keen than ever. - -In former ages there had been many dragons in Regos, but Choggenmugger -was so fond of dragons that he had eaten all of them long ago. There had -also been great serpents and crocodiles in the forest marshes, but all -had gone to feed the hunger of Choggenmugger. The people of Regos knew -well there was no use opposing the Great Beast, so when one -unfortunately met with it he gave himself up for lost. - -[Illustration] - -All this Nikobob knew well, but fortune had always favored him in his -journeys through the forest, and although he had at times met many -savage beasts and fought them with his sharp ax, he had never to this -day encountered the terrible Choggenmugger. Indeed, he was not thinking -of the Great Beast at all as he walked along, but suddenly he heard a -crashing of broken trees and felt a trembling of the earth and saw the -immense jaws of Choggenmugger opening before him. Then Nikobob gave -himself up for lost and his heart almost ceased to beat. - -He believed there was no way of escape. No one ever dared oppose -Choggenmugger. But Nikobob hated to die without showing the monster, in -some way, that he was eaten only under protest. So he raised his ax and -brought it down upon the red, protruding tongue of the monster--and cut -it clean off! - -For a moment the charcoal-burner scarcely believed what his eyes saw, -for he knew nothing of the pearls he carried in his pocket or the magic -power they lent his arm. His success, however, encouraged him to strike -again, and this time the huge scaly jaw of Choggenmugger was severed in -twain and the beast howled in terrified rage. - -Nikobob took off his coat, to give himself more freedom of action, and -then he earnestly renewed the attack. But now the ax seemed blunted by -the hard scales and made no impression upon them whatever. The creature -advanced with glaring, wicked eyes, and Nikobob seized his coat under -his arm and turned to flee. - -That was foolish, for Choggenmugger could run like the wind. In a moment -it overtook the charcoal-burner and snapped its four rows of sharp teeth -together. But they did not touch Nikobob, because he still held the coat -in his grasp, close to his body, and in the coat pocket were Inga's -shoes, and in the points of the shoes were the magic pearls. Finding -himself uninjured, Nikobob put on his coat, again seized his ax, and in -a short time had chopped Choggenmugger into many small pieces--a task -that proved not only easy but very agreeable. - -"I must be the strongest man in all the world!" thought the -charcoal-burner, as he proudly resumed his way, "for Choggenmugger has -been the terror of Regos since the world began, and I alone have been -able to destroy the beast. Yet it is singular that never before did I -discover how powerful a man I am." - -He met no further adventure and at midday reached a little clearing in -the forest where stood his humble cabin. - -"Great news! I have great news for you," he shouted, as his wife and -little daughter came to greet him. "King Gos has been conquered by a boy -Prince from the far island of Pingaree, and I have this -day--unaided--destroyed Choggenmugger by the might of my strong arm." - -This was, indeed, great news. They brought Nikobob into the house and -set him in an easy chair and made him tell everything he knew about the -Prince of Pingaree and the fat King of Gilgad, as well as the details of -his wonderful fight with mighty Choggenmugger. - -"And now, my daughter," said the charcoal-burner, when all his news had -been related for at least the third time, "here is a pretty present I -have brought you from the city." - -[Illustration] - -With this he drew the shoes from the pocket of his coat and handed them -to Zella, who gave him a dozen kisses in payment and was much pleased -with her gift. The little girl had never worn shoes before, for her -parents were too poor to buy her such luxuries, so now the possession of -these, which were not much worn, filled the child's heart with joy. She -admired the red leather and the graceful curl of the pointed toes. When -she tried them on her feet, they fitted as well as if made for her. - -All the afternoon, as she helped her mother with the housework, Zella -thought of her pretty shoes. They seemed more important to her than the -coming to Regos of the conquering Prince of Pingaree, or even the death -of Choggenmugger. - -When Zella and her mother were not working in the cabin, cooking or -sewing, they often searched the neighboring forest for honey which the -wild bees cleverly hid in hollow trees. The day after Nikobob's return, -as they were starting out after honey, Zella decided to put on her new -shoes, as they would keep the twigs that covered the ground from hurting -her feet. She was used to the twigs, of course, but what is the use of -having nice, comfortable shoes, if you do not wear them? - -So she danced along, very happily, followed by her mother, and presently -they came to a tree in which was a deep hollow. Zella thrust her hand -and arm into the space and found that the tree was full of honey, so -she began to dig it out with a wooden paddle. Her mother, who held the -pail, suddenly cried in warning: - -"Look out, Zella; the bees are coming!" and then the good woman ran fast -toward the house to escape. - -Zella, however, had no more than time to turn her head when a thick -swarm of bees surrounded her, angry because they had caught her stealing -their honey and intent on stinging the girl as a punishment. She knew -her danger and expected to be badly injured by the multitude of stinging -bees, but to her surprise the little creatures were unable to fly close -enough to her to stick their dart-like stingers into her flesh. They -swarmed about her in a dark cloud, and their angry buzzing was terrible -to hear, yet the little girl remained unharmed. - -When she realized this, Zella was no longer afraid but continued to -ladle out the honey until she had secured all that was in the tree. Then -she returned to the cabin, where her mother was weeping and bemoaning -the fate of her darling child, and the good woman was greatly astonished -to find Zella had escaped injury. - -Again they went to the woods to search for honey, and although the -mother always ran away whenever the bees came near them, Zella paid no -attention to the creatures but kept at her work, so that before supper -time came the pails were again filled to overflowing with delicious -honey. - -"With such good fortune as we have had this day," said her mother, "we -shall soon gather enough honey for you to carry to Queen Cor." For it -seems the wicked Queen was very fond of honey and it had been Zella's -custom to go, once every year, to the City of Coregos, to carry the -Queen a supply of sweet honey for her table. Usually she had but one -pail. - -"But now," said Zella, "I shall be able to carry two pailsful to the -Queen, who will, I am sure, give me a good price for it." - -"True," answered her mother, "and, as the boy Prince may take it into -his head to conquer Coregos, as well as Regos, I think it best for you -to start on your journey to Queen Cor to-morrow morning. Do you not -agree with me, Nikobob?" she added, turning to her husband, the -charcoal-burner, who was eating his supper. - -"I agree with you," he replied. "If Zella must go to the City of -Coregos, she may as well start to-morrow morning." - - - - -The Cunning of Queen Cor - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 10 - - -You may be sure the Queen of Coregos was not well pleased to have King -Gos and all his warriors living in her city after they had fled from -their own. They were savage natured and quarrelsome men at all times, -and their tempers had not improved since their conquest by the Prince of -Pingaree. Moreover, they were eating up Queen Cor's provisions and -crowding the houses of her own people, who grumbled and complained until -their Queen was heartily tired. - -"Shame on you!" she said to her husband, King Gos, "to be driven out of -your city by a boy, a roly-poly King and a billy goat! Why do you not go -back and fight them?" - -"No human can fight against the powers of magic," returned the King in a -surly voice. "That boy is either a fairy or under the protection of -fairies. We escaped with our lives only because we were quick to run -away; but, should we return to Regos, the same terrible power that burst -open the city gates would crush us all to atoms." - -"Bah! you are a coward," cried the Queen, tauntingly. - -"I am not a coward," said the big King. "I have killed in battle scores -of my enemies; by the might of my sword and my good right arm I have -conquered many nations; all my life people have feared me. But no one -would dare face the tremendous power of the Prince of Pingaree, boy -though he is. It would not be courage, it would be folly, to attempt -it." - -"Then meet his power with cunning," suggested the Queen. "Take my -advice, and steal over to Regos at night, when it is dark, and capture -or destroy the boy while he sleeps." - -[Illustration] - -"No weapon can touch his body," was the answer. "He bears a charmed life -and cannot be injured." - -"Does the fat King possess magic powers, or the goat?" inquired Cor. - -"I think not," said Gos. "We could not injure them, indeed, any more -than we could the boy, but they did not seem to have any unusual -strength, although the goat's head is harder than a battering-ram." - -"Well," mused the Queen, "there is surely some way to conquer that -slight boy. If you are afraid to undertake the job, I shall go myself. -By some strategem I shall manage to make him my prisoner. He will not -dare to defy a Queen and no magic can stand against a woman's cunning." - -"Go ahead, if you like," replied the King, with an evil grin, "and if -you are hung up by the thumbs or cast into a dungeon, it will serve you -right for thinking you can succeed where a skilled warrior dares not -make the attempt." - -"I'm not afraid," answered the Queen. "It is only soldiers and bullies -who are cowards." - -In spite of this assertion, Queen Cor was not so brave as she was -cunning. For several days she thought over this plan and that, and tried -to decide which was most likely to succeed. She had never seen the boy -Prince but had heard so many tales of him from the defeated warriors, -and especially from Captain Buzzub, that she had learned to respect his -power. - -Spurred on by the knowledge that she would never get rid of her -unwelcome guests until Prince Inga was overcome and Regos regained for -King Gos, the Queen of Coregos finally decided to trust to luck and her -native wit to defeat a simple-minded boy, however powerful he might be. -Inga could not suspect what she was going to do, because she did not -know herself. She intended to act boldly and trust to chance to win. - -It is evident that had the cunning Queen known that Inga had lost all -his magic, she would not have devoted so much time to the simple matter -of capturing him, but like all others she was impressed by the marvelous -exhibition of power he had shown in capturing Regos, and had no reason -to believe the boy was less powerful now. - -One morning Queen Cor boldly entered a boat, and, taking four men with -her as an escort and bodyguard, was rowed across the narrow channel to -Regos. Prince Inga was sitting in the palace playing checkers with King -Rinkitink when a servant came to him, saying that Queen Cor had arrived -and desired an audience with him. - -With many misgivings lest the wicked Queen discover that he had now lost -his magic powers, the boy ordered her to be admitted, and she soon -entered the room and bowed low before him, in mock respect. - -Cor was a big woman, almost as tall as King Gos. She had flashing black -eyes and the dark complexion you see on gypsies. Her temper, when -irritated, was something dreadful, and her face wore an evil expression -which she tried to cover by smiling sweetly--often when she meant the -most mischief. - -"I have come," said she in a low voice, "to render homage to the noble -Prince of Pingaree. I am told that Your Highness is the strongest person -in the world, and invincible in battle, and therefore I wish you to -become my friend, rather than my enemy." - -Now Inga did not know how to reply to this speech. He disliked the -appearance of the woman and was afraid of her and he was unused to -deception and did not know how to mask his real feelings. So he took -time to think over his answer, Which he finally made in these words: - -"I have no quarrel with Your Majesty, and my only reason for coming -here is to liberate my father and mother, and my people, whom you and -your husband have made your slaves, and to recover the goods King Gos -has plundered from the Island of Pingaree. This I hope soon to -accomplish, and if you really wish to be my friend, you can assist me -greatly." - -While he was speaking Queen Cor had been studying the boy's face -stealthily, from the corners of her eyes, and she said to herself: "He -is so small and innocent that I believe I can capture him alone, and -with ease. He does not seem very terrible and I suspect that King Gos -and his warriors were frightened at nothing." Then, aloud, she said to -Inga: - -"I wish to invite you, mighty Prince, and your friend, the great King of -Gilgad, to visit my poor palace at Coregos, where all my people shall do -you honor. Will you come?" - -"At present," replied Inga, uneasily, "I must refuse your kind -invitation." - -"There will be feasting, and dancing girls, and games and fireworks," -said the Queen, speaking as if eager to entice him and at each word -coming a step nearer to where he stood. - -[Illustration] - -"I could not enjoy them while my poor parents are slaves," said the boy, -sadly. - -"Are you sure of that?" asked Queen Cor, and by that time she was close -beside Inga. Suddenly she leaned forward and threw both of her long arms -around Inga's body, holding him in a grasp that was like a vise. - -Now Rinkitink sprang forward to rescue his friend, but Cor kicked out -viciously with her foot and struck the King squarely on his stomach--a -very tender place to be kicked, especially if one is fat. Then, still -hugging Inga tightly, the Queen called aloud: - -"I've got him! Bring in the ropes." - -Instantly the four men she had brought with her sprang into the room and -bound the boy hand and foot. Next they seized Rinkitink, who was still -rubbing his stomach, and bound him likewise. - -With a laugh of wicked triumph, Queen Cor now led her captives down to -the boat and returned with them to Coregos. - -Great was the astonishment of King Gos and his warriors when they saw -that the mighty Prince of Pingaree, who had put them all to flight, had -been captured by a woman. Cowards as they were, they now crowded around -the boy and jeered at him, and some of them would have struck him had -not the Queen cried out: - -"Hands off! He is my prisoner, remember--not yours." - -"Well, Cor, what are you going to do with him?" inquired King Gos. - -"I shall make him my slave, that he may amuse my idle hours. For he is a -pretty boy, and gentle, although he did frighten all of you big warriors -so terribly." - -The King scowled at this speech, not liking to be ridiculed, but he said -nothing more. He and his men returned that same day to Regos, after -restoring the bridge of boats. And they held a wild carnival of -rejoicing, both in the King's palace and in the city, although the poor -people of Regos who were not warriors were all sorry that the kind young -Prince had been captured by his enemies and could rule them no longer. - -When her unwelcome guests had all gone back to Regos and the Queen was -alone in her palace, she ordered Inga and Rinkitink brought before her -and their bonds removed. They came sadly enough, knowing they were in -serious straits and at the mercy of a cruel mistress. Inga had taken -counsel of the White Pearl, which had advised him to bear up bravely -under his misfortune, promising a change for the better very soon. With -this promise to comfort him, Inga faced the Queen with a dignified -bearing that indicated both pride and courage. - -"Well, youngster," said she, in a cheerful tone because she was pleased -with her success, "you played a clever trick on my poor husband and -frightened him badly, but for that prank I am inclined to forgive you. -Hereafter I intend you to be my page, which means that you must fetch -and carry for me at my will. And let me advise you to obey my every whim -without question or delay, for when I am angry I become ugly, and when I -am ugly someone is sure to feel the lash. Do you understand me?" - -Inga bowed, but made no answer. Then she turned to Rinkitink and said: - -"As for you, I cannot decide how to make you useful to me, as you are -altogether too fat and awkward to work in the fields. It may be, -however, that I can use you as a pincushion." - -"What!" cried Rinkitink in horror, "would you stick pins into the King -of Gilgad?" - -"Why not?" returned Queen Cor. "You are as fat as a pincushion, as you -must yourself admit, and whenever I needed a pin I could call you to -me." Then she laughed at his frightened look and asked: "By the way, are -you ticklish?" - -This was the question Rinkitink had been dreading. He gave a moan of -despair and shook his head. - -"I should love to tickle the bottom of your feet with a feather," -continued the cruel woman. "Please take off your shoes." - -"Oh, your Majesty!" pleaded poor Rinkitink, "I beg you to allow me to -amuse you in some other way. I can dance, or I can sing you a song." - -"Well," she answered, shaking with laughter, "you may sing a song--if it -be a merry one. But you do not seem in a merry mood." - -"I _feel_ merry--indeed, Your Majesty, I do!" protested Rinkitink, -anxious to escape the tickling. But even as he professed to "feel merry" -his round, red face wore an expression of horror and anxiety that was -really comical. - -"Sing, then!" commanded Queen Cor, who was greatly amused. - -Rinkitink gave a sigh of relief and after clearing his throat and trying -to repress his sobs he began to sing this song--gently, at first, but -finally roaring it out at the top of his voice: - - "Oh! - There was a Baby Tiger lived in a men-ag-er-ie-- - Fizzy-fezzy-fuzzy--they wouldn't set him free; - And ev'rybody thought that he was gentle as could be-- - Fizzy-fezzy-fuzzy--Ba-by Ti-ger! - - "Oh! - They patted him upon his head and shook him by the paw-- - Fizzy-fezzy-fuzzy--he had a bone to gnaw; - But soon he grew the biggest Tiger that you ever saw-- - Fizzy-fezzy-fuzzy--what a Ti-ger! - - "Oh! - One day they came to pet the brute and he began to fight-- - Fizzy-fezzy-fuzzy--how he did scratch and bite! - He broke the cage and in a rage he darted out of sight-- - Fizzy-fezzy-fuzzy was a Ti-ger!" - -"And is there a moral to the song?" asked Queen Cor, when King -Rinkitink had finished his song with great spirit. - -[Illustration] - -"If there is," replied Rinkitink, "it is a warning not to fool with -tigers." - -The little Prince could not help smiling at this shrewd answer, but -Queen Cor frowned and gave the King a sharp look. - -"Oh," said she; "I think I know the difference between a tiger and a -lapdog. But I'll bear the warning in mind, just the same." - -For, after all her success in capturing them, she was a little afraid of -these people who had once displayed such extraordinary powers. - -[Illustration] - - - - -Zella Goes to Coregos - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 11 - -The forest in which Nikobob lived with his wife and daughter stood -between the mountains and the City of Regos, and a well-beaten path -wound among the trees, leading from the city to the mines. This path was -used by the King's messengers, and captured prisoners were also sent by -this way from Regos to work in the underground caverns. - -Nikobob had built his cabin more than a mile away from this path, that -he might not be molested by the wild and lawless soldiers of King Gos, -but the family of the charcoal-burner was surrounded by many creatures -scarcely less dangerous to encounter, and often in the night they could -hear savage animals growling and prowling about the cabin. Because -Nikobob minded his own business and never hunted the wild creatures to -injure them, the beasts had come to regard him as one of the natural -dwellers in the forest and did not molest him or his family. Still, -Zella and her mother seldom wandered far from home, except on such -errands as carrying honey to Coregos, and at these times Nikobob -cautioned them to be very careful. - -So when Zella set out on her journey to Queen Cor, with the two pails of -honey in her hands, she was undertaking a dangerous adventure and there -was no certainty that she would return safely to her loving parents. But -they were poor, and Queen Cor's money, which they expected to receive -for the honey, would enable them to purchase many things that were -needed; so it was deemed best that Zella should go. She was a brave -little girl and poor people are often obliged to take chances that rich -ones are spared. - -[Illustration] - -A passing woodchopper had brought news to Nikobob's cabin that Queen Cor -had made a prisoner of the conquering Prince of Pingaree and that Gos -and his warriors were again back in their city of Regos; but these -struggles and conquests were matters which, however interesting, did not -concern the poor charcoal-burner or his family. They were more anxious -over the report that the warriors had become more reckless than ever -before, and delighted in annoying all the common people; so Zella was -told to keep away from the beaten path as much as possible, that she -might not encounter any of the King's soldiers. - -"When it is necessary to choose between the warriors and the wild -beasts," said Nikobob, "the beasts will be found the more merciful." - -The little girl had put on her best attire for the journey and her -mother threw a blue silk shawl over her head and shoulders. Upon her -feet were the pretty red shoes her father had brought her from Regos. -Thus prepared, she kissed her parents good-bye and started out with a -light heart, carrying the pails of honey in either hand. - -It was necessary for Zella to cross the path that led from the mines to -the city, but once on the other side she was not likely to meet with -anyone, for she had resolved to cut through the forest and so reach the -bridge of boats without entering the City of Regos, where she might be -interrupted. For an hour or two she found the walking easy enough, but -then the forest, which in this part was unknown to her, became badly -tangled. The trees were thicker and creeping vines intertwined between -them. She had to turn this way and that to get through at all, and -finally she came to a place where a network of vines and branches -effectually barred her farther progress. - -Zella was dismayed, at first, when she encountered this obstacle, but -setting down her pails she made an endeavor to push the branches aside. -At her touch they parted as if by magic, breaking asunder like dried -twigs, and she found she could pass freely. At another place a great log -had fallen across her way, but the little girl lifted it easily and cast -it aside, although six ordinary men could scarcely have moved it. - -The child was somewhat worried at this evidence of a strength she had -heretofore been ignorant that she possessed. In order to satisfy herself -that it was no delusion, she tested her new-found power in many ways, -finding that nothing was too big nor too heavy for her to lift. And, -naturally enough, the girl gained courage from these experiments and -became confident that she could protect herself in any emergency. When, -presently, a wild boar ran toward her, grunting horribly and -threatening her with its great tusks, she did not climb a tree to -escape, as she had always done before on meeting such creatures, but -stood still and faced the boar. When it had come quite close and Zella -saw that it could not injure her--a fact that astonished both the beast -and the girl--she suddenly reached down and seizing it by one ear threw -the great beast far off amongst the trees, where it fell headlong to the -earth, grunting louder than ever with surprise and fear. - -The girl laughed merrily at this incident and, picking up her pails, -resumed her journey through the forest. It is not recorded whether the -wild boar told his adventure to the other beasts or they had happened to -witness his defeat, but certain it is that Zella was not again molested. -A brown bear watched her pass without making any movement in her -direction and a great puma--a beast much dreaded by all men--crept out -of her path as she approached, and disappeared among the trees. - -[Illustration] - -Thus everything favored the girl's journey and she made such good speed -that by noon she emerged from the forest's edge and found she was quite -near to the bridge of boats that led to Coregos. This she crossed safely -and without meeting any of the rude warriors she so greatly feared, -and five minutes later the daughter of the charcoal-burner was seeking -admittance at the back door of Queen Cor's palace. - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Excitement of Bilbil the Goat - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 12 - - -Our story must now return to one of our characters whom we have been -forced to neglect. The temper of Bilbil the goat was not sweet under any -circumstances, and whenever he had a grievance he was inclined to be -quite grumpy. So, when his master settled down in the palace of King Gos -for a quiet life with the boy Prince, and passed his time in playing -checkers and eating and otherwise enjoying himself, he had no use -whatever for Bilbil, and shut the goat in an upstairs room to prevent -his wandering through the city and quarreling with the citizens. But -this Bilbil did not like at all. He became very cross and disagreeable -at being left alone and he did not speak nicely to the servants who came -to bring him food; therefore those people decided not to wait upon him -any more, resenting his conversation and not liking to be scolded by a -lean, scraggly goat, even though it belonged to a conqueror. The -servants kept away from the room and Bilbil grew more hungry and more -angry every hour. He tried to eat the rugs and ornaments, but found them -not at all nourishing. There was no grass to be had unless he escaped -from the palace. - -When Queen Cor came to capture Inga and Rinkitink, both the prisoners -were so filled with despair at their own misfortune that they gave no -thought whatever to the goat, who was left in his room. Nor did Bilbil -know anything of the changed fortunes of his comrades until he heard -shouts and boisterous laughter in the courtyard below. Looking out of a -window, with the intention of rebuking those who dared thus to disturb -him, Bilbil saw the courtyard quite filled with warriors and knew from -this that the palace had in some way again fallen into the hands of the -enemy. - -[Illustration] - -Now, although Bilbil was often exceedingly disagreeable to King -Rinkitink, as well as to the Prince, and sometimes used harsh words in -addressing them, he was intelligent enough to know them to be his -friends, and to know that King Gos and his people were his foes. In -sudden anger, provoked by the sight of the warriors and the knowledge -that he was in the power of the dangerous men of Regos, Bilbil butted -his head against the door of his room and burst it open. Then he ran to -the head of the staircase and saw King Gos coming up the stairs followed -by a long line of his chief captains and warriors. - -The goat lowered his head, trembling with rage and excitement, and just -as the King reached the top stair the animal dashed forward and butted -His Majesty so fiercely that the big and powerful King, who did not -expect an attack, doubled up and tumbled backward. His great weight -knocked over the man just behind him and he in turn struck the next -warrior and upset him, so that in an instant the whole line of Bilbil's -foes was tumbling heels over head to the bottom of the stairs, where -they piled up in a heap, struggling and shouting and in the mix-up -hitting one another with their fists, until every man of them was -bruised and sore. - -Finally King Gos scrambled out of the heap and rushed up the stairs -again, very angry indeed. Bilbil was ready for him and a second time -butted the King down the stairs; but now the goat also lost his balance -and followed the King, landing full upon the confused heap of soldiers. -Then he kicked out so viciously with his heels that he soon freed -himself and dashed out of the doorway of the palace. - -"Stop him!" cried King Gos, running after. - -But the goat was now so wild and excited that it was not safe for anyone -to stand in his way. None of the men were armed and when one or two -tried to head off the goat, Bilbil sent them sprawling upon the ground. -Most of the warriors, however, were wise enough not to attempt to -interfere with his flight. - -Coursing down the street, Bilbil found himself approaching the bridge of -boats and without pausing to think where it might lead him he crossed -over and proceeded on his way. A few moments later a great stone -building blocked his path. It was the palace of Queen Cor, and seeing -the gates of the courtyard standing wide open, Bilbil rushed through -them without slackening his speed. - -[Illustration] - - - - -Zella Saves the Prince - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 13 - - -The wicked Queen of Coregos was in a very bad humor this morning, for -one of her slave drivers had come from the fields to say that a number -of slaves had rebelled and would not work. - -"Bring them here to me!" she cried savagely. "A good whipping may make -them change their minds." - -So the slave driver went to fetch the rebellious ones and Queen Cor sat -down to eat her breakfast, an ugly look on her face. - -Prince Inga had been ordered to stand behind his new mistress with a big -fan of peacock's feathers, but he was so unused to such service that he -awkwardly brushed her ear with the fan. At once she flew into a terrible -rage and slapped the Prince twice with her hand--blows that tingled, -too, for her hand was big and hard and she was not inclined to be -gentle. Inga took the blows without shrinking or uttering a cry, -although they stung his pride far more than his body. But King -Rinkitink, who was acting as the queen's butler and had just brought in -her coffee, was so startled at seeing the young Prince punished that he -tipped over the urn and the hot coffee streamed across the lap of the -Queen's best morning gown. - -Cor sprang from her seat with a scream of anger and poor Rinkitink would -doubtless have been given a terrible beating had not the slave driver -returned at this moment and attracted the woman's attention. The -overseer had brought with him all of the women slaves from Pingaree, who -had been loaded down with chains and were so weak and ill they could -scarcely walk, much less work in the fields. - -Prince Inga's eyes were dimmed with sorrowful tears when he discovered -how his poor people had been abused, but his own plight was so helpless -that he was unable to aid them. Fortunately the boy's mother, Queen -Garee, was not among these slaves, for Queen Cor had placed her in the -royal dairy to make butter. - -"Why do you refuse to work?" demanded Cor in a harsh voice, as the -slaves from Pingaree stood before her, trembling and with downcast eyes. - -"Because we lack strength to perform the tasks your overseers demand," -answered one of the women. - -"Then you shall be whipped until your strength returns!" exclaimed the -Queen, and turning to Inga, she commanded: "Get me the whip with the -seven lashes." - -As the boy left the room, wondering how he might manage to save the -unhappy women from their undeserved punishment, he met a girl entering -by the back way, who asked: - -"Can you tell me where to find Her Majesty, Queen Cor?" - -"She is in the chamber with the red dome, where green dragons are -painted upon the walls," replied Inga; "but she is in an angry and -ungracious mood to-day. Why do you wish to see her?" - -"I have honey to sell," answered the girl, who was Zella, just come from -the forest. "The Queen is very fond of my honey." - -"You may go to her, if you so desire," said the boy, "but take care not -to anger the cruel Queen, or she may do you a mischief." - -"Why should she harm me, who brings her the honey she so dearly loves?" -inquired the child innocently. "But I thank you for your warning; and I -will try not to anger the Queen." - -As Zella started to go, Inga's eyes suddenly fell upon her shoes and -instantly he recognized them as his own. For only in Pingaree were shoes -shaped in this manner: high at the heel and pointed at the toes. - -"Stop!" he cried in an excited voice, and the girl obeyed, wonderingly. -"Tell me," he continued, more gently, "where did you get those shoes?" - -"My father brought them to me from Regos," she answered. - -"From Regos!" - -"Yes. Are they not pretty?" asked Zella, looking down at her feet to -admire them. "One of them my father found by the palace wall, and the -other on an ash-heap. So he brought them to me and they fit me -perfectly." - -By this time Inga was trembling with eager joy, which of course the girl -could not understand. - -"What is your name, little maid?" he asked. - -"I am called Zella, and my father is Nikobob, the charcoal-burner." - -"Zella is a pretty name. I am Inga, Prince of Pingaree," said he, "and -the shoes you are now wearing, Zella, belong to me. They were not cast -away, as your father supposed, but were lost. Will you let me have them -again?" - -Zella's eyes filled with tears. - -"Must I give up my pretty shoes, then?" she asked. "They are the only -ones I have ever owned." - -Inga was sorry for the poor child, but he knew how important it was that -he regain possession of the Magic Pearls. So he said, pleadingly: - -"Please let me have them, Zella. See! I will exchange for them the shoes -I now have on, which are newer and prettier than the others." - -The girl hesitated. She wanted to please the boy Prince, yet she hated -to exchange the shoes which her father had brought her as a present. - -"If you will give me the shoes," continued the boy, anxiously, "I will -promise to make you and your father and mother rich and prosperous. -Indeed, I will promise to grant any favors you may ask of me," and he -sat down upon the floor and drew off the shoes he was wearing and held -them toward the girl. - -[Illustration] - -"I'll see if they will fit me," said Zella, taking off her left -shoe--the one that contained the Pink Pearl--and beginning to put on one -of Inga's. - -Just then Queen Cor, angry at being made to wait for her whip with the -seven lashes, rushed into the room to find Inga. Seeing the boy sitting -upon the floor beside Zella, the woman sprang toward him to beat him -with her clenched fists; but Inga had now slipped on the shoe and the -Queen's blows could not reach his body. - -Then Cor espied the whip lying beside Inga and snatching it up she tried -to lash him with it--all to no avail. - -While Zella sat horrified by this scene, the Prince, who realized he had -no time to waste, reached out and pulled the right shoe from the girl's -foot, quickly placing it upon his own. Then he stood up and, facing the -furious but astonished Queen, said to her in a quiet voice: - -"Madam, please give me that whip." - -"I won't!" answered Cor. "I'm going to lash those Pingaree women with -it." - -The boy seized hold of the whip and with irresistible strength drew it -from the Queen's hand. But she drew from her bosom a sharp dagger and -with the swiftness of lightning aimed a blow at Inga's heart. He merely -stood still and smiled, for the blade rebounded and fell clattering to -the floor. - -Then, at last, Queen Cor understood the magic power that had terrified -her husband but which she had ridiculed in her ignorance, not believing -in it. She did not know that Inga's power had been lost, and found -again, but she realized the boy was no common foe and that unless she -could still manage to outwit him her reign in the Island of Coregos was -ended. To gain time, she went back to the red-domed chamber and seated -herself in her throne, before which were grouped the weeping slaves from -Pingaree. - -Inga had taken Zella's hand and assisted her to put on the shoes he had -given her in exchange for his own. She found them quite comfortable and -did not know she had lost anything by the transfer. - -"Come with me," then said the boy Prince, and led her into the presence -of Queen Cor, who was giving Rinkitink a scolding. To the overseer Inga -said: - -"Give me the keys which unlock these chains, that I may set these poor -women at liberty." - -"Don't you do it!" screamed Queen Cor. - -"If you interfere, madam," said the boy, "I will put you into a -dungeon." - -By this Rinkitink knew that Inga had recovered his Magic Pearls and the -little fat King was so overjoyed that he danced and capered all around -the room. But the Queen was alarmed at the threat and the slave driver, -fearing the conqueror of Regos, tremblingly gave up the keys. - -Inga quickly removed all the shackles from the women of his country and -comforted them, telling them they should work no more but would soon be -restored to their homes in Pingaree. Then he commanded the slave driver -to go and get all the children who had been made slaves, and to bring -them to their mothers. The man obeyed and left at once to perform his -errand, while Queen Cor, growing more and more uneasy, suddenly sprang -from her throne and before Inga could stop her had rushed through the -room and out into the courtyard of the palace, meaning to make her -escape. Rinkitink followed her, running as fast as he could go. - -It was at this moment that Bilbil, in his mad dash from Regos, turned in -at the gates of the courtyard, and as he was coming one way and Queen -Cor was going the other they bumped into each other with great force. -The woman sailed through the air, over Bilbil's head, and landed on the -ground outside the gates, where her crown rolled into a ditch and she -picked herself up, half dazed, and continued her flight. Bilbil was also -somewhat dazed by the unexpected encounter, but he continued his rush -rather blindly and so struck poor Rinkitink, who was chasing after Queen -Cor. They rolled over one another a few times and then Rinkitink sat up -and Bilbil sat up and they looked at each other in amazement. - -"Bilbil," said the King, "I'm astonished at you!" - -"Your Majesty," said Bilbil, "I expected kinder treatment at your -hands." - -"You interrupted me," said Rinkitink. - -"There was plenty of room without your taking my path," declared the -goat. - -And then Inga came running out and said: "Where is the Queen?" - -"Gone," replied Rinkitink, "but she cannot go far, as this is an island. -However, I have found Bilbil, and our party is again reunited. You have -recovered your magic powers, and again we are masters of the situation. -So let us be thankful." - -Saying this, the good little King got upon his feet and limped back into -the throne room to help comfort the women. - -Presently the children of Pingaree, who had been gathered together by -the overseer, were brought in and restored to their mothers, and there -was great rejoicing among them, you may be sure. - -"But where is Queen Garee, my dear mother?" questioned Inga; but the -women did not know and it was some time before the overseer remembered -that one of the slaves from Pingaree had been placed in the royal dairy. -Perhaps this was the woman the boy was seeking. - -Inga at once commanded him to lead the way to the butter house, but when -they arrived there Queen Garee was nowhere in the place, although the -boy found a silk scarf which he recognized as one that his mother used -to wear. Then they began a search throughout the island of Coregos, but -could not find Inga's mother anywhere. - -When they returned to the palace of Queen Cor, Rinkitink discovered that -the bridge of boats had again been removed, separating them from Regos, -and from this they suspected that Queen Cor had fled to her husband's -island and had taken Queen Garee with her. Inga was much perplexed what -to do and returned with his friends to the palace to talk the matter -over. - -Zella was now crying because she had not sold her honey and was unable -to return to her parents on the island of Regos, but the boy Prince -comforted her and promised she should be protected until she could be -restored to her home. Rinkitink found Queen Cor's purse, which she had -had no time to take with her, and gave Zella several gold pieces for the -honey. Then Inga ordered the palace servants to prepare a feast for all -the women and children of Pingaree and to prepare for them beds in the -great palace, which was large enough to accommodate them all. - -Then the boy and the goat and Rinkitink and Zella went into a private -room to consider what should be done next. - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Escape - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 14 - - -"Our fault," said Rinkitink, "is that we conquer only one of these twin -islands at a time. When we conquered Regos, our foes all came to -Coregos, and now that we have conquered Coregos, the Queen has fled to -Regos. And each time they removed the bridge of boats, so that we could -not follow them." - -"What has become of our own boat, in which we came from Pingaree?" asked -Bilbil. - -"We left it on the shore of Regos," replied the Prince, "but I wonder -if we could not get it again." - -"Why don't you ask the White Pearl?" suggested Rinkitink. - -"That is a good idea," returned the boy, and at once he drew the White -Pearl from its silken bag and held it to his ear. Then he asked: "How -may I regain our boat?" - -The Voice of the Pearl replied: "Go to the south end of the Island of -Coregos, and clap your hands three times and the boat will come to you." - -"Very good!" cried Inga, and then he turned to his companions and said: -"We shall be able to get our boat whenever we please; but what then -shall we do?" - -"Take me home in it!" pleaded Zella. - -"Come with me to my City of Gilgad," said the King, "where you will be -very welcome to remain forever." - -"No," answered Inga, "I must rescue my father and mother, as well as my -people. Already I have the women and children of Pingaree, but the men -are with my father in the mines of Regos, and my dear mother has been -taken away by Queen Cor. Not until all are rescued will I consent to -leave these islands." - -"Quite right!" exclaimed Bilbil. - -"On second thought," said Rinkitink, "I agree with you. If you are -careful to sleep in your shoes, and never take them off again, I believe -you will be able to perform the task you have undertaken." - -They counseled together for a long time as to their mode of action and -it was finally considered best to make the attempt to liberate King -Kitticut first of all, and with him the men from Pingaree. This would -give them an army to assist them and afterward they could march to Regos -and compel Queen Cor to give up the Queen of Pingaree. Zella told them -that they could go in their boat along the shore of Regos to a point -opposite the mines, thus avoiding any conflict with the warriors of King -Gos. - -This being considered the best course to pursue, they resolved to start -on the following morning, as night was even now approaching. The -servants being all busy in caring for the women and children, Zella -undertook to get a dinner for Inga and Rinkitink and herself and soon -prepared a fine meal in the palace kitchen, for she was a good little -cook and had often helped her mother. The dinner was served in a small -room overlooking the gardens and Rinkitink thought the best part of it -was the sweet honey, which he spread upon the biscuits that Zella had -made. As for Bilbil, he wandered through the palace grounds and found -some grass that made him a good dinner. - -[Illustration] - -During the evening Inga talked with the women and cheered them, -promising soon to reunite them with their husbands who were working in -the mines and to send them back to their own island of Pingaree. - -Next morning the boy rose bright and early and found that Zella had -already prepared a nice breakfast. And after the meal they went to the -most southern point of the island, which was not very far away, -Rinkitink riding upon Bilbil's back and Inga and Zella following behind -them, hand in hand. - -When they reached the water's edge the boy advanced and clapped his -hands together three times, as the White Pearl had told him to do. And -in a few moments they saw in the distance the black boat with the silver -lining, coming swiftly toward them from the sea. Presently it grounded -on the beach and they all got into it. - -Zella was delighted with the boat, which was the most beautiful she had -ever seen, and the marvel of its coming to them through the water -without anyone to row it, made her a little afraid of the fairy craft. -But Inga picked up the oars and began to row and at once the boat shot -swiftly in the direction of Regos. They rounded the point of that island -where the city was built and noticed that the shore was lined with -warriors who had discovered their boat but seemed undecided whether to -pursue it or not. This was probably because they had received no -commands what to do, or perhaps they had learned to fear the magic -powers of these adventurers from Pingaree and were unwilling to attack -them unless their King ordered them to. - -The coast on the western side of the Island of Regos was very uneven and -Zella, who knew fairly well the location of the mines from the inland -forest path, was puzzled to decide which mountain they now viewed from -the sea was the one where the entrance to the underground caverns was -located. First she thought it was this peak, and then she guessed it was -that; so considerable time was lost through her uncertainty. - -They finally decided to land and explore the country, to see where they -were, so Inga ran the boat into a little rocky cove where they all -disembarked. For an hour they searched for the path without finding any -trace of it and now Zella believed they had gone too far to the north -and must return to another mountain that was nearer to the city. - -Once again they entered the boat and followed the winding coast south -until they thought they had reached the right place. By this time, -however, it was growing dark, for the entire day had been spent in the -search for the entrance to the mines, and Zella warned them that it -would be safer to spend the night in the boat than on the land, where -wild beasts were sure to disturb them. None of them realized at this -time how fatal this day of search had been to their plans and perhaps if -Inga had realized what was going on he would have landed and fought all -the wild beasts in the forest rather than quietly remain in the boat -until morning. - -However, knowing nothing of the cunning plans of Queen Cor and King Gos, -they anchored their boat in a little bay and cheerfully ate their -dinner, finding plenty of food and drink in the boat's lockers. In the -evening the stars came out in the sky and tipped the waves around their -boat with silver. All around them was delightfully still save for the -occasional snarl of a beast on the neighboring shore. - -They talked together quietly of their adventures and their future plans -and Zella told them her simple history and how hard her poor father was -obliged to work, burning charcoal to sell for enough money to support -his wife and child. Nikobob might be the humblest man in all Regos, but -Zella declared he was a good man, and honest, and it was not his fault -that his country was ruled by so wicked a King. - -Then Rinkitink, to amuse them, offered to sing a song, and although -Bilbil protested in his gruff way, claiming that his master's voice was -cracked and disagreeable, the little King was encouraged by the others -to sing his song, which he did. - - "A red-headed man named Ned was dead; - Sing fiddle-cum-faddle-cum-fi-do! - In battle he had lost his head; - Sing fiddle-cum-faddle-cum-fi-do! - 'Alas, poor Ned,' to him I said, - 'How did you lose your head so red?' - Sing fiddle-cum-faddle-cum-fi-do! - - "Said Ned: 'I for my country bled,' - Sing fiddle-cum-faddle-cum-fi-do! - 'Instead of dying safe in bed;' - Sing fiddle-cum-faddle-cum-fi-do! - 'If I had only fled, instead, - I then had been a head ahead.' - Sing fiddle-cum-faddle-cum-fi-do! - - "I said to Ned----" - -"Do stop, Your Majesty!" pleaded Bilbil. "You're making my head ache." - -"But the song isn't finished," replied Rinkitink, "and as for your head -aching, think of poor Ned, who hadn't any head at all!" - -"I can think of nothing but your dismal singing," retorted Bilbil. "Why -didn't you choose a cheerful subject, instead of telling how a man who -was dead lost his red head? Really, Rinkitink, I'm surprised at you." - -"I know a splendid song about a live man," said the King. - -"Then don't sing it," begged Bilbil. - -Zella was both astonished and grieved by the disrespectful words of the -goat, for she had quite enjoyed Rinkitink's singing and had been taught -a proper respect for Kings and those high in authority. But as it was -now getting late they decided to go to sleep, that they might rise early -the following morning, so they all reclined upon the bottom of the big -boat and covered themselves with blankets which they found stored -underneath the seats for just such occasions. They were not long in -falling asleep and did not waken until daybreak. - -[Illustration] - -After a hurried breakfast, for Inga was eager to liberate his father, -the boy rowed the boat ashore and they all landed and began searching -for the path. Zella found it within the next half hour and declared they -must be very close to the entrance to the mines; so they followed the -path toward the north, Inga going first, and then Zella following him, -while Rinkitink brought up the rear riding upon Bilbil's back. - -Before long they saw a great wall of rock towering before them, in which -was a low arched entrance, and on either side of this entrance stood a -guard, armed with a sword and a spear. The guards of the mines were not -so fierce as the warriors of King Gos, their duty being to make the -slaves work at their tasks and guard them from escaping; but they were -as cruel as their cruel master wished them to be, and as cowardly as -they were cruel. - -Inga walked up to the two men at the entrance and said: - -"Does this opening lead to the mines of King Gos?" - -"It does," replied one of the guards, "but no one is allowed to pass out -who once goes in." - -"Nevertheless," said the boy, "we intend to go in and we shall come out -whenever it pleases us to do so. I am the Prince of Pingaree, and I -have come to liberate my people, whom King Gos has enslaved." - -Now when the two guards heard this speech they looked at one another and -laughed, and one of them said: "The King was right, for he said the boy -was likely to come here and that he would try to set his people free. -Also the King commanded that we must keep the little Prince in the -mines, and set him to work, together with his companions." - -"Then let us obey the King," replied the other man. - -Inga was surprised at hearing this, and asked: - -"When did King Gos give you this order?" - -"His Majesty was here in person last night," replied the man, "and went -away again but an hour ago. He suspected you were coming here and told -us to capture you if we could." - -This report made the boy very anxious, not for himself but for his -father, for he feared the King was up to some mischief. So he hastened -to enter the mines and the guards did nothing to oppose him or his -companions, their orders being to allow him to go in but not to come -out. - -The little group of adventurers passed through a long rocky corridor and -reached a low, wide cavern where they found a dozen guards and a -hundred slaves, the latter being hard at work with picks and shovels -digging for gold, while the guards stood over them with long whips. - -Inga found many of the men from Pingaree among these slaves, but King -Kitticut was not in this cavern; so they passed through it and entered -another corridor that led to a second cavern. Here also hundreds of men -were working, but the boy did not find his father amongst them, and so -went on to a third cavern. - -The corridors all slanted downward, so that the farther they went the -lower into the earth they descended, and now they found the air hot and -close and difficult to breathe. Flaming torches were stuck into the -walls to give light to the workers, and these added to the oppressive -heat. - -The third and lowest cavern was the last in the mines, and here were -many scores of slaves and many guards to keep them at work. So far, none -of the guards had paid any attention to Inga's party, but allowed them -to proceed as they would, and while the slaves cast curious glances at -the boy and girl and man and goat, they dared say nothing. But now the -boy walked up to some of the men of Pingaree and asked news of his -father, telling them not to fear the guards as he would protect them -from the whips. - -[Illustration] - -Then he learned that King Kitticut had indeed been working in this very -cavern until the evening before, when King Gos had come and taken him -away--still loaded with chains. - -"Seems to me," said King Rinkitink, when he heard this report, "that Gos -has carried your father away to Regos, to prevent us from rescuing him. -He may hide poor Kitticut in a dungeon, where we cannot find him." - -"Perhaps you are right," answered the boy, "but I am determined to find -him, wherever he may be." - -Ingo spoke firmly and with courage, but he was greatly disappointed to -find that King Gos had been before him at the mines and had taken his -father away. However, he tried not to feel disheartened, believing he -would succeed in the end, in spite of all opposition. Turning to the -guards, he said: - -"Remove the chains from these slaves and set them free." - -The guards laughed at this order, and one of them brought forward a -handful of chains, saying: "His Majesty has commanded us to make you, -also, a slave, for you are never to leave these caverns again." - -[Illustration] - -Then he attempted to place the chains on Inga, but the boy indignantly -seized them and broke them apart as easily as if they had been cotton -cords. When a dozen or more of the guards made a dash to capture him, -the Prince swung the end of the chain like a whip and drove them into a -corner, where they cowered and begged for mercy. - -Stories of the marvelous strength of the boy Prince had already spread -to the mines of Regos, and although King Gos had told them that Inga had -been deprived of all his magic power, the guards now saw this was not -true, so they deemed it wise not to attempt to oppose him. - -The chains of the slaves had all been riveted fast to their ankles and -wrists, but Inga broke the bonds of steel with his hands and set the -poor men free--not only those from Pingaree but all who had been -captured in the many wars and raids of King Gos. They were very -grateful, as you may suppose, and agreed to support Prince Inga in -whatever action he commanded. - -He led them to the middle cavern, where all the guards and overseers -fled in terror at his approach, and soon he had broken apart the chains -of the slaves who had been working in that part of the mines. Then they -approached the first cavern and liberated all there. - -The slaves had been treated so cruelly by the servants of King Gos that -they were eager to pursue and slay them, in revenge; but Inga held them -back and formed them into companies, each company having its own leader. -Then he called the leaders together and instructed them to march in good -order along the path to the City of Regos, where he would meet them and -tell them what to do next. - -They readily agreed to obey him, and, arming themselves with iron bars -and pick-axes which they brought from the mines, the slaves began their -march to the city. - -Zella at first wished to be left behind, that she might make her way to -her own home, but neither Rinkitink nor Inga thought it was safe for her -to wander alone through the forest, so they induced her to return with -them to the city. - -The boy beached his boat this time at the same place as when he first -landed at Regos, and while many of the warriors stood on the shore and -before the walls of the city, not one of them attempted to interfere -with the boy in any way. Indeed, they seemed uneasy and anxious, and -when Inga met Captain Buzzub the boy asked if anything had happened in -his absence. - -"A great deal has happened," replied Buzzub. "Our King and Queen have -run away and left us, and we don't know what to do." - -"Run away!" exclaimed Inga. "Where did they go to?" - -"Who knows?" said the man, shaking his head despondently. "They departed -together a few hours ago, in a boat with forty rowers, and they took -with them the King and Queen of Pingaree!" - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Flight of the Rulers - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 15 - - -Now it seems that when Queen Cor fled from her island to Regos, she had -wit enough, although greatly frightened, to make a stop at the royal -dairy, which was near to the bridge, and to drag poor Queen Garee from -the butter-house and across to Regos with her. The warriors of King Gos -had never before seen the terrible Queen Cor frightened, and therefore -when she came running across the bridge of boats, dragging the Queen of -Pingaree after her by one arm, the woman's great fright had the effect -of terrifying the waiting warriors. - -"Quick!" cried Cor. "Destroy the bridge, or we are lost." - -While the men were tearing away the bridge of boats the Queen ran up to -the palace of Gos, where she met her husband. - -"That boy is a wizard!" she gasped. "There is no standing against him." - -"Oh, have you discovered his magic at last?" replied Gos, laughing in -her face. "Who, now, is the coward?" - -"Don't laugh!" cried Queen Cor. "It is no laughing matter. Both our -islands are as good as conquered, this very minute. What shall we do, -Gos?" - -"Come in," he said, growing serious, "and let us talk it over." - -So they went into a room of the palace and talked long and earnestly. - -"The boy intends to liberate his father and mother, and all the people -of Pingaree, and to take them back to their island," said Cor. "He may -also destroy our palaces and make us his slaves. I can see but one way, -Gos, to prevent him from doing all this, and whatever else he pleases to -do." - -"What way is that?" asked King Gos. - -"We must take the boy's parents away from here as quickly as possible. I -have with me the Queen of Pingaree, and you can run up to the mines and -get the King. Then we will carry them away in a boat and hide them where -the boy cannot find them, with all his magic. We will use the King and -Queen of Pingaree as hostages, and send word to the boy wizard that if -he does not go away from our islands and allow us to rule them -undisturbed, in our own way, we will put his father and mother to death. -Also we will say that as long as we are let alone his parents will be -safe, although still safely hidden. I believe, Gos, that in this way we -can compel Prince Inga to obey us, for he seems very fond of his -parents." - -"It isn't a bad idea," said Gos, reflectively; "but where can we hide -the King and Queen, so that the boy cannot find them?" - -"In the country of the Nome King, on the mainland away at the south," -she replied. "The nomes are our friends, and they possess magic powers -that will enable them to protect the prisoners from discovery. If we can -manage to get the King and Queen of Pingaree to the Nome Kingdom before -the boy knows what we are doing, I am sure our plot will succeed." - -[Illustration] - -Gos gave the plan considerable thought in the next five minutes, and the -more he thought about it the more clever and reasonable it seemed. So he -agreed to do as Queen Cor suggested and at once hurried away to the -mines, where he arrived before Prince Inga did. The next morning he -carried King Kitticut back to Regos. - -While Gos was gone, Queen Cor busied herself in preparing a large and -swift boat for the journey. She placed in it several bags of gold and -jewels with which to bribe the nomes, and selected forty of the -strongest oarsmen in Regos to row the boat. The instant King Gos -returned with his royal prisoner all was ready for departure. They -quickly entered the boat with their two important captives and without a -word of explanation to any of their people they commanded the oarsmen to -start, and were soon out of sight upon the broad expanse of the Nonestic -Ocean. - -Inga arrived at the city some hours later and was much distressed when -he learned that his father and mother had been spirited away from the -islands. - -"I shall follow them, of course," said the boy to Rinkitink, "and if I -cannot overtake them on the ocean I will search the world over until I -find them. But before I leave here I must arrange to send our people -back to Pingaree." - -[Illustration] - - - - -Nikobob Refuses a Crown - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 16 - - -Almost the first persons that Zella saw when she landed from the -silver-lined boat at Regos were her father and mother. Nikobob and his -wife had been greatly worried when their little daughter failed to -return from Coregos, so they had set out to discover what had become of -her. When they reached the City of Regos, that very morning, they were -astonished to hear news of all the strange events that had taken place; -still, they found comfort when told that Zella had been seen in the -boat of Prince Inga, which had gone to the north. Then, while they -wondered what this could mean, the silver-lined boat appeared again, -with their daughter in it, and they ran down to the shore to give her a -welcome and many joyful kisses. - -Inga invited the good people to the palace of King Gos, where he -conferred with them, as well as with Rinkitink and Bilbil. - -"Now that the King and Queen of Regos and Coregos have run away," he -said, "there is no one to rule these islands. So it is my duty to -appoint a new ruler, and as Nikobob, Zella's father, is an honest and -worthy man, I shall make him the King of the Twin Islands." - -"Me?" cried Nikobob, astounded by this speech. "I beg Your Highness, on -my bended knees, not to do so cruel a thing as to make me King!" - -"Why not?" inquired Rinkitink. "I'm a King, and I know how it feels. I -assure you, good Nikobob, that I quite enjoy my high rank, although a -jeweled crown is rather heavy to wear in hot weather." - -"With you, noble sir, it is different," said Nikobob, "for you are far -from your kingdom and its trials and worries and may do as you please. -But to remain in Regos, as King over these fierce and unruly warriors, -would be to live in constant anxiety and peril, and the chances are that -they would murder me within a month. As I have done no harm to anyone -and have tried to be a good and upright man, I do not think that I -should be condemned to such a dreadful fate." - -"Very well," replied Inga, "we will say no more about your being King. I -merely wanted to make you rich and prosperous, as I had promised Zella." - -"Please forget that promise," pleaded the charcoal-burner, earnestly; "I -have been safe from molestation for many years, because I was poor and -possessed nothing that anyone else could envy. But if you make me rich -and prosperous I shall at once become the prey of thieves and marauders -and probably will lose my life in the attempt to protect my fortune." - -Inga looked at the man in surprise. - -"What, then, can I do to please you?" he inquired. - -"Nothing more than to allow me to go home to my poor cabin," said -Nikobob. - -"Perhaps," remarked King Rinkitink, "the charcoal-burner has more wisdom -concealed in that hard head of his than we gave him credit for. But let -us use that wisdom, for the present, to counsel us what to do in this -emergency." - -[Illustration] - -"What you call my wisdom," said Nikobob, "is merely common sense. I have -noticed that some men become rich, and are scorned by some and robbed by -others. Other men become famous, and are mocked at and derided by their -fellows. But the poor and humble man who lives unnoticed and unknown -escapes all these troubles and is the only one who can appreciate the -joy of living." - -"If I had a hand, instead of a cloven hoof, I'd like to shake hands with -you, Nikobob," said Bilbil the goat. "But the poor man must not have a -cruel master, or he is undone." - -During the council they found, indeed, that the advice of the -charcoal-burner was both shrewd and sensible, and they profited much by -his words. - -Inga gave Captain Buzzub the command of the warriors and made him -promise to keep his men quiet and orderly--if he could. Then the boy -allowed all of King Gos's former slaves, except those who came from -Pingaree, to choose what boats they required and to stock them with -provisions and row away to their own countries. When these had departed, -with grateful thanks and many blessings showered upon the boy Prince who -had set them free, Inga made preparations to send his own people home, -where they were told to rebuild their houses and then erect a new royal -palace. They were then to await patiently the coming of King Kitticut or -Prince Inga. - -"My greatest worry," said the boy to his friends, "is to know whom to -appoint to take charge of this work of restoring Pingaree to its former -condition. My men are all pearl fishers, and although willing and -honest, have no talent for directing others how to work." - -While the preparations for departure were being made, Nikobob offered to -direct the men of Pingaree, and did so in a very capable manner. As the -island had been despoiled of all its valuable furniture and draperies -and rich cloths and paintings and statuary and the like, as well as gold -and silver and ornaments, Inga thought it no more than just that they be -replaced by the spoilers. So he directed his people to search through -the storehouses of King Gos and to regain all their goods and chattels -that could be found. Also he instructed them to take as much else as -they required to make their new homes comfortable, so that many boats -were loaded full of goods that would enable the people to restore -Pingaree to its former state of comfort. - -For his father's new palace the boy plundered the palaces of both Queen -Cor and King Gos, sending enough wares away with his people to make King -Kitticut's new residence as handsomely fitted and furnished as had been -the one which the ruthless invaders from Regos had destroyed. - -It was a great fleet of boats that set out one bright, sunny morning on -the voyage to Pingaree, carrying all the men, women and children and all -the goods for refitting their homes. As he saw the fleet depart, Prince -Inga felt that he had already successfully accomplished a part of his -mission, but he vowed he would never return to Pingaree in person until -he could take his father and mother there with him; unless, indeed, King -Gos wickedly destroyed his beloved parents, in which case Inga would -become the King of Pingaree and it would be his duty to go to his people -and rule over them. - -It was while the last of the boats were preparing to sail for Pingaree -that Nikobob, who had been of great service in getting them ready, came -to Inga in a thoughtful mood and said: - -[Illustration] - -"Your Highness, my wife and my daughter Zella have been urging me to -leave Regos and settle down in your island, in a new home. From what -your people have told me, Pingaree is a better place to live than -Regos, and there are no cruel warriors or savage beasts there to keep -one in constant fear for the safety of those he loves. Therefore, I have -come to ask to go with my family in one of the boats." - -Inga was much pleased with this proposal and not only granted Nikobob -permission to go to Pingaree to live, but instructed him to take with -him sufficient goods to furnish his new home in a comfortable manner. In -addition to this, he appointed Nikobob general manager of the buildings -and of the pearl fisheries, until his father or he himself arrived, and -the people approved this order because they liked Nikobob and knew him -to be just and honest. - -As soon as the last boat of the great flotilla had disappeared from the -view of those left at Regos, Inga and Rinkitink prepared to leave the -island themselves. The boy was anxious to overtake the boat of King Gos, -if possible, and Rinkitink had no desire to remain in Regos. - -Buzzub and the warriors stood silently on the shore and watched the -black boat with its silver lining depart, and I am sure they were as -glad to be rid of their unwelcome visitors as Inga and Rinkitink and -Bilbil were to leave. - -The boy asked the White Pearl what direction the boat of King Gos had -taken and then he followed after it, rowing hard and steadily for eight -days without becoming at all weary. But, although the black boat moved -very swiftly, it failed to overtake the barge which was rowed by Queen -Cor's forty picked oarsmen. - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Nome King - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 17 - - -The Kingdom of the Nomes does not border on the Nonestic Ocean, from -which it is separated by the Kingdom of Rinkitink and the Country of the -Wheelers, which is a part of the Land of Ev. Rinkitink's country is -separated from the country of the Nomes by a row of high and steep -mountains, from which it extends to the sea. The Country of the Wheelers -is a sandy waste that is open on one side to the Nonestic Ocean and on -the other side has no barrier to separate it from the Nome Country, -therefore it was on the coast of the Wheelers that King Gos landed--in a -spot quite deserted by any of the curious inhabitants of that country. - -The Nome Country is very large in extent, and is only separated from the -Land of Oz, on its eastern borders, by a Deadly Desert that cannot be -crossed by mortals, unless they are aided by the fairies or by magic. - -The nomes are a numerous and mischievous people, living in underground -caverns of wide extent, connected one with another by arches and -passages. The word "nome" means "one who knows," and these people are so -called because they know where all the gold and silver and precious -stones are hidden in the earth--a knowledge that no other living -creatures share with them. The nomes are busy people, constantly digging -up gold in one place and taking it to another place, where they secretly -bury it, and perhaps this is the reason they alone know where to find -it. The nomes were ruled, at the time of which I write, by a King named -Kaliko. - -King Gos had expected to be pursued by Inga in his magic boat, so he -made all the haste possible, urging his forty rowers to their best -efforts night and day. To his joy he was not overtaken but landed on -the sandy beach of the Wheelers on the morning of the eighth day. - -The forty rowers were left with the boat, while Queen Cor and King Gos, -with their royal prisoners, who were still chained, began the journey to -the Nome King. - -It was not long before they passed the sands and reached the rocky -country belonging to the nomes, but they were still a long way from the -entrance to the underground caverns in which lived the Nome King. There -was a dim path, winding between stones and boulders, over which the -walking was quite difficult, especially as the path led up hills that -were small mountains, and then down steep and abrupt slopes where any -misstep might mean a broken leg. Therefore it was the second day of -their journey before they climbed halfway up a rugged mountain and found -themselves at the entrance of the Nome King's caverns. - -On their arrival, the entrance seemed free and unguarded, but Gos and -Cor had been there before, and they were too wise to attempt to enter -without announcing themselves, for the passage to the caves was full of -traps and pitfalls. So King Gos stood still and shouted, and in an -instant they were surrounded by a group of crooked nomes, who seemed to -have sprung from the ground. - -[Illustration] - -One of these had very long ears and was called The Long-Eared Hearer. He -said: "I heard you coming early this morning." - -Another had eyes that looked in different directions at the same time -and were curiously bright and penetrating. He could look over a hill or -around a corner and was called The Lookout. Said he: "I saw you coming -yesterday." - -"Then," said King Gos, "perhaps King Kaliko is expecting us." - -"It is true," replied another nome, who wore a gold collar around his -neck and carried a bunch of golden keys. "The mighty Nome King expects -you, and bids you follow me to his presence." - -With this he led the way into the caverns and Gos and Cor followed, -dragging their weary prisoners with them, for poor King Kitticut and his -gentle Queen had been obliged to carry, all through the tedious journey, -the bags of gold and jewels which were to bribe the Nome King to accept -them as slaves. - -Through several long passages the guide led them and at last they -entered a small cavern which was beautifully decorated and set with rare -jewels that flashed from every part of the wall, floor and ceiling. This -was a waiting-room for visitors, and there their guide left them while -he went to inform King Kaliko of their arrival. - -Before long they were ushered into a great domed chamber, cut from the -solid rock and so magnificent that all of them--the King and Queen of -Pingaree and the King and Queen of Regos and Coregos--drew long breaths -of astonishment and opened their eyes as wide as they could. - -In an ivory throne sat a little round man who had a pointed beard and -hair that rose to a tall curl on top of his head. He was dressed in -silken robes, richly embroidered, which had large buttons of cut rubies. -On his head was a diamond crown and in his hand he held a golden sceptre -with a big jeweled ball at one end of it. This was Kaliko, the King and -ruler of all the nomes. He nodded pleasantly enough to his visitors and -said in a cheery voice: - -"Well, Your Majesties, what can I do for you?" - -"It is my desire," answered King Gos, respectfully, "to place in your -care two prisoners, whom you now see before you. They must be carefully -guarded, to prevent them from escaping, for they have the cunning of -foxes and are not to be trusted. In return for the favor I am asking you -to grant, I have brought Your Majesty valuable presents of gold and -precious gems." - -He then commanded Kitticut and Garee to lay before the Nome King the -bags of gold and jewels, and they obeyed, being helpless. - -"Very good," said King Kaliko, nodding approval, for like all the nomes -he loved treasures of gold and jewels. "But who are the prisoners you -have brought here, and why do you place them in my charge instead of -guarding them yourself? They seem gentle enough, I'm sure." - -"The prisoners," returned King Gos, "are the King and Queen of Pingaree, -a small island north of here. They are very evil people and came to our -islands of Regos and Coregos to conquer them and slay our poor people. -Also they intended to plunder us of all our riches, but by good fortune -we were able to defeat and capture them. However, they have a son who is -a terrible wizard and who by magic art is trying to find this awful King -and Queen of Pingaree, and to set them free, that they may continue -their wicked deeds. Therefore, as we have no magic to defend ourselves -with, we have brought the prisoners to you for safe keeping." - -"Your Majesty," spoke up King Kitticut, addressing the Nome King with -great indignation, "do not believe this tale, I implore you. It is all a -lie!" - -"I know it," said Kaliko. "I consider it a clever lie, though, because -it is woven without a thread of truth. However, that is none of my -business. The fact remains that my good friend King Gos wishes to put -you in my underground caverns, so that you will be unable to escape. And -why should I not please him in this little matter? Gos is a mighty King -and a great warrior, while your island of Pingaree is desolated and your -people scattered. In my heart, King Kitticut, I sympathize with you, but -as a matter of business policy we powerful Kings must stand together and -trample the weaker ones under our feet." - -King Kitticut was surprised to find the King of the nomes so candid and -so well informed, and he tried to argue that he and his gentle wife did -not deserve their cruel fate and that it would be wiser for Kaliko to -side with them than with the evil King of Regos. But Kaliko only shook -his head and smiled, saying: - -[Illustration] - -"The fact that you are a prisoner, my poor Kitticut, is evidence that -you are weaker than King Gos, and I prefer to deal with the strong. By -the way," he added, turning to the King of Regos, "have these prisoners -any connection with the Land of Oz?" - -"Why do you ask?" said Gos. - -"Because I dare not offend the Oz people," was the reply. "I am very -powerful, as you know, but Ozma of Oz is far more powerful than I; -therefore, if this King and Queen of Pingaree happened to be under -Ozma's protection, I would have nothing to do with them." - -"I assure Your Majesty that the prisoners have nothing to do with the Oz -people," Gos hastened to say. And Kitticut, being questioned, admitted -that this was true. - -"But how about that wizard you mentioned?" asked the Nome King. - -"Oh, he is merely a boy; but he is very ferocious and obstinate and he -is assisted by a little fat sorcerer called Rinkitink and a talking -goat." - -"Oho! A talking goat, do you say? That certainly sounds like magic; and -it also sounds like the Land of Oz, where all the animals talk," said -Kaliko, with a doubtful expression. - -But King Gos assured him the talking goat had never been to Oz. - -"As for Rinkitink, whom you call a sorcerer," continued the Nome King, -"he is a neighbor of mine, you must know, but as we are cut off from -each other by high mountains beneath which a powerful river runs, I have -never yet met King Rinkitink. But I have heard of him, and from all -reports he is a jolly rogue, and perfectly harmless. However, in spite -of your false statements and misrepresentations, I will earn the -treasure you have brought me, by keeping your prisoners safe in my -caverns." - -"Make them work," advised Queen Cor. "They are rather delicate, and to -make them work will make them suffer delightfully." - -"I'll do as I please about that," said the Nome King sternly. "Be -content that I agree to keep them safe." - -The bargain being thus made and concluded, Kaliko first examined the -gold and jewels and then sent it away to his royal storehouse, which was -well filled with like treasure. Next the captives were sent away in -charge of the nome with the golden collar and keys, whose name was Klik, -and he escorted them to a small cavern and gave them a good supper. - -"I shall lock your door," said Klik, "so there is no need of your -wearing those heavy chains any longer." He therefore removed the chains -and left King Kitticut and his Queen alone. This was the first time -since the Northmen had carried them away from Pingaree that the good -King and Queen had been alone together and free of all bonds, and as -they embraced lovingly and mingled their tears over their sad fate they -were also grateful that they had passed from the control of the -heartless King Gos into the more considerate care of King Kaliko. They -were still captives but they believed they would be happier in the -underground caverns of the nomes than in Regos and Coregos. - -Meantime, in the King's royal cavern a great feast had been spread. King -Gos and Queen Cor, having triumphed in their plot, were so well pleased -that they held high revelry with the jolly Nome King until a late hour -that night. And the next morning, having cautioned Kaliko not to release -the prisoners under any consideration without their orders, the King and -Queen of Regos and Coregos left the caverns of the nomes to return to -the shore of the ocean where they had left their boat. - - - - -Inga Parts With His Pink Pearl - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 18 - - -The White Pearl guided Inga truly in his pursuit of the boat of King -Gos, but the boy had been so delayed in sending his people home to -Pingaree that it was a full day after Gos and Cor landed on the shore of -the Wheeler Country that Inga's boat arrived at the same place. - -There he found the forty rowers guarding the barge of Queen Cor, and -although they would not or could not tell the boy where the King and -Queen had taken his father and mother, the White Pearl advised him to -follow the path to the country and the caverns of the nomes. - -Rinkitink didn't like to undertake the rocky and mountainous journey, -even with Bilbil to carry him, but he would not desert Inga, even though -his own kingdom lay just beyond a range of mountains which could be seen -towering southwest of them. So the King bravely mounted the goat, who -always grumbled but always obeyed his master, and the three set off at -once for the caverns of the nomes. - -They traveled just as slowly as Queen Cor and King Gos had done, so when -they were about halfway they discovered the King and Queen coming back -to their boat. The fact that Gos and Cor were now alone proved that they -had left Inga's father and mother behind them; so, at the suggestion of -Rinkitink, the three hid behind a high rock until the King of Regos and -the Queen of Coregos, who had not observed them, had passed them by. -Then they continued their journey, glad that they had not again been -forced to fight or quarrel with their wicked enemies. - -"We might have asked them, however, what they had done with your poor -parents," said Rinkitink. - -"Never mind," answered Inga. "I am sure the White Pearl will guide us -aright." - -For a time they proceeded in silence and then Rinkitink began to chuckle -with laughter in the pleasant way he was wont to do before his -misfortunes came upon him. - -"What amuses Your Majesty?" inquired the boy. - -"The thought of how surprised my dear subjects would be if they realized -how near to them I am, and yet how far away. I have always wanted to -visit the Nome Country, which is full of mystery and magic and all sorts -of adventures, but my devoted subjects forbade me to think of such a -thing, fearing I would get hurt or enchanted." - -"Are you afraid, now that you are here?" asked Inga. - -"A little, but not much, for they say the new Nome King is not as wicked -as the old King used to be. Still, we are undertaking a dangerous -journey and I think you ought to protect me by lending me one of your -pearls." - -Inga thought this over and it seemed a reasonable request. - -"Which pearl would you like to have?" asked the boy. - -"Well, let us see," returned Rinkitink; "you may need strength to -liberate your captive parents, so you must keep the Blue Pearl. And you -will need the advice of the White Pearl, so you had best keep that also. -But in case we should be separated I would have nothing to protect me -from harm, so you ought to lend me the Pink Pearl." - -"Very well," agreed Inga, and sitting down upon a rock he removed his -right shoe and after withdrawing the cloth from the pointed toe took out -the Pink Pearl--the one which protected from any harm the person who -carried it. - -"Where can you put it, to keep it safely?" he asked. - -"In my vest pocket," replied the King. "The pocket has a flap to it and -I can pin it down in such a way that the pearl cannot get out and become -lost. As for robbery, no one with evil intent can touch my person while -I have the pearl." - -So Inga gave Rinkitink the Pink Pearl and the little King placed it in -the pocket of his red-and-green brocaded velvet vest, pinning the flap -of the pocket down tightly. - -[Illustration] - -They now resumed their journey and finally reached the entrance to the -Nome King's caverns. Placing the White Pearl to his ear, Inga asked: -"What shall I do now?" and the Voice of the Pearl replied: "Clap your -hands together four times and call aloud the word 'Klik.' Then allow -yourselves to be conducted to the Nome King, who is now holding your -father and mother captive." - -Inga followed these instructions and when Klik appeared in answer to his -summons the boy requested an audience of the Nome King. So Klik led them -into the presence of King Kaliko, who was suffering from a severe -headache, due to his revelry the night before, and therefore was -unusually cross and grumpy. - -"I know what you've come for," said he, before Inga could speak. "You -want to get the captives from Regos away from me; but you can't do it, -so you'd best go away again." - -"The captives are my father and mother, and I intend to liberate them," -said the boy firmly. - -The King stared hard at Inga, wondering at his audacity. Then he turned -to look at King Rinkitink and said: - -"I suppose you are the King of Gilgad, which is in the Kingdom of -Rinkitink." - -"You've guessed it the first time," replied Rinkitink. - -"How round and fat you are!" exclaimed Kaliko. - -"I was just thinking how fat and round _you_ are," said Rinkitink. -"Really, King Kaliko, we ought to be friends, we're so much alike in -everything but disposition and intelligence." - -Then he began to chuckle, while Kaliko stared hard at him, not knowing -whether to accept his speech as a compliment or not. And now the nome's -eyes wandered to Bilbil, and he asked: - -"Is that your talking goat?" - -Bilbil met the Nome King's glowering look with a gaze equally surly and -defiant, while Rinkitink answered: "It is, Your Majesty." - -"Can he really talk?" asked Kaliko, curiously. - -"He can. But the best thing he does is to scold. Talk to His Majesty, -Bilbil." - -But Bilbil remained silent and would not speak. - -"Do you always ride upon his back?" continued Kaliko, questioning -Rinkitink. - -"Yes," was the answer, "because it is difficult for a fat man to walk -far, as perhaps you know from experience." - -"That is true," said Kaliko. "Get off the goat's back and let me ride -him a while, to see how I like it. Perhaps I'll take him away from you, -to ride through my caverns." - -Rinkitink chuckled softly as he heard this, but at once got off Bilbil's -back and let Kaliko get on. The Nome King was a little awkward, but when -he was firmly astride the saddle he called in a loud voice: "Giddap!" - -When Bilbil paid no attention to the command and refused to stir, Kaliko -kicked his heels viciously against the goat's body, and then Bilbil made -a sudden start. He ran swiftly across the great cavern, until he had -almost reached the opposite wall, when he stopped so abruptly that King -Kaliko sailed over his head and bumped against the jeweled wall. He -bumped so hard that the points of his crown were all mashed out of shape -and his head was driven far into the diamond-studded band of the crown, -so that it covered one eye and a part of his nose. Perhaps this saved -Kaliko's head from being cracked against the rock wall, but it was hard -on the crown. - -Bilbil was highly pleased at the success of his feat and Rinkitink -laughed merrily at the Nome King's comical appearance; but Kaliko was -muttering and growling as he picked himself up and struggled to pull the -battered crown from his head, and it was evident that he was not in the -least amused. Indeed, Inga could see that the King was very angry, and -the boy knew that the incident was likely to turn Kaliko against the -entire party. - -[Illustration] - -The Nome King sent Klik for another crown and ordered his workmen to -repair the one that was damaged. While he waited for the new crown he -sat regarding his visitors with a scowling face, and this made Inga more -uneasy than ever. Finally, when the new crown was placed upon his head, -King Kaliko said: "Follow me, strangers!" and led the way to a small -door at one end of the cavern. - -Inga and Rinkitink followed him through the doorway and found themselves -standing on a balcony that overlooked an enormous domed cave--so -extensive that it seemed miles to the other side of it. All around this -circular cave, which was brilliantly lighted from an unknown source, -were arches connected with other caverns. - -Kaliko took a gold whistle from his pocket and blew a shrill note that -echoed through every part of the cave. Instantly nomes began to pour in -through the side arches in great numbers, until the immense space was -packed with them as far as the eye could reach. All were armed with -glittering weapons of polished silver and gold, and Inga was amazed that -any King could command so great an army. - -They began marching and countermarching in very orderly array until -another blast of the gold whistle sent them scurrying away as quickly as -they had appeared. And as soon as the great cave was again empty Kaliko -returned with his visitors to his own royal chamber, where he once more -seated himself upon his ivory throne. - -"I have shown you," said he to Inga, "a part of my bodyguard. The royal -armies, of which this is only a part, are as numerous as the sands of -the ocean, and live in many thousands of my underground caverns. You -have come here thinking to force me to give up the captives of King Gos -and Queen Cor, and I wanted to convince you that my power is too mighty -for anyone to oppose. I am told that you are a wizard, and depend upon -magic to aid you; but you must know that the nomes are not mortals, and -understand magic pretty well themselves, so if we are obliged to fight -magic with magic the chances are that we are a hundred times more -powerful than you can be. Think this over carefully, my boy, and try to -realize that you are in my power. I do not believe you can force me to -liberate King Kitticut and Queen Garee, and I know that you cannot coax -me to do so, for I have given my promise to King Gos. Therefore, as I -do not wish to hurt you, I ask you to go away peaceably and let me -alone." - -"Forgive me if I do not agree with you, King Kaliko," answered the boy. -"However difficult and dangerous my task may be, I cannot leave your -dominions until every effort to release my parents has failed and left -me completely discouraged." - -"Very well," said the King, evidently displeased. "I have warned you, -and now if evil overtakes you it is your own fault. I've a headache -to-day, so I cannot entertain you properly, according to your rank; but -Klik will attend you to my guest chambers and to-morrow I will talk with -you again." - -This seemed a fair and courteous way to treat one's declared enemies, so -they politely expressed the wish that Kaliko's headache would be better, -and followed their guide, Klik, down a well-lighted passage and through -several archways until they finally reached three nicely furnished -bedchambers which were cut from solid gray rock and well lighted and -aired by some mysterious method known to the nomes. - -The first of these rooms was given King Rinkitink, the second was Inga's -and the third was assigned to Bilbil the goat. There was a swinging rock -door between the third and second rooms and another between the second -and first, which also had a door that opened upon the passage. -Rinkitink's room was the largest, so it was here that an excellent -dinner was spread by some of the nome servants, who, in spite of their -crooked shapes, proved to be well trained and competent. - -"You are not prisoners, you know," said Klik; "neither are you welcome -guests, having declared your purpose to oppose our mighty King and all -his hosts. But we bear you no ill will, and you are to be well fed and -cared for as long as you remain in our caverns. Eat hearty, sleep tight, -and pleasant dreams to you." - -Saying this, he left them alone and at once Rinkitink and Inga began to -counsel together as to the best means to liberate King Kitticut and -Queen Garee. The White Pearl's advice was rather unsatisfactory to the -boy, just now, for all that the Voice said in answer to his questions -was: "Be patient, brave and determined." - -Rinkitink suggested that they try to discover in what part of the series -of underground caverns Inga's parents had been confined, as that -knowledge was necessary before they could take any action; so together -they started out, leaving Bilbil asleep in his room, and made their way -unopposed through many corridors and caverns. - -In some places were great furnaces, where gold dust was being melted -into bricks. In other rooms workmen were fashioning the gold into -various articles and ornaments. In one cavern immense wheels revolved -which polished precious gems, and they found many caverns used as -storerooms, where treasure of every sort was piled high. Also they came -to the barracks of the army and the great kitchens. - -There were nomes everywhere--countless thousands of them--but none paid -the slightest heed to the visitors from the earth's surface. Yet, -although Inga and Rinkitink walked until they were weary, they were -unable to locate the place where the boy's father and mother had been -confined, and when they tried to return to their own rooms they found -that they had hopelessly lost themselves amid the labyrinth of passages. -However, Klik presently came to them, laughing at their discomfiture, -and led them back to their bedchambers. - -Before they went to sleep they carefully barred the door from -Rinkitink's room to the corridor, but the doors that connected the three -rooms one with another were left wide open. - -In the night Inga was awakened by a soft grating sound that filled him -with anxiety because he could not account for it. It was dark in his -room, the light having disappeared as soon as he got into bed, but he -managed to feel his way to the door that led to Rinkitink's room and -found it tightly closed and immovable. Then he made his way to the -opposite door, leading to Bilbil's room, to discover that also had been -closed and fastened. - -The boy had a curious sensation that all of his room--the walls, floor -and ceiling--was slowly whirling as if on a pivot, and it was such an -uncomfortable feeling that he got into bed again, not knowing what else -to do. And as the grating noise had ceased and the room now seemed -stationary, he soon fell asleep again. - -When the boy wakened, after many hours, he found the room again light. -So he dressed himself and discovered that a small table, containing a -breakfast that was smoking hot, had suddenly appeared in the center of -his room. He tried the two doors, but finding that he could not open -them he ate some breakfast, thoughtfully wondering who had locked him in -and why he had been made a prisoner. Then he again went to the door -which he thought led to Rinkitink's chamber and to his surprise the -latch lifted easily and the door swung open. - -Before him was a rude corridor hewn in the rock and dimly lighted. It -did not look inviting, so Inga closed the door, puzzled to know what had -become of Rinkitink's room and the King, and went to the opposite door. -Opening this, he found a solid wall of rock confronting him, which -effectually prevented his escape in that direction. - -The boy now realized that King Kaliko had tricked him, and while -professing to receive him as a guest had plotted to separate him from -his comrades. One way had been left, however, by which he might escape -and he decided to see where it led to. - -So, going to the first door, he opened it and ventured slowly into the -dimly lighted corridor. When he had advanced a few steps he heard the -door of his room slam shut behind him. He ran back at once, but the door -of rock fitted so closely into the wall that he found it impossible to -open it again. That did not matter so much, however, for the room was a -prison and the only way of escape seemed ahead of him. - -[Illustration] - -Along the corridor he crept until, turning a corner, he found himself in -a large domed cavern that was empty and deserted. Here also was a dim -light that permitted him to see another corridor at the opposite side; -so he crossed the rocky floor of the cavern and entered a second -corridor. This one twisted and turned in every direction but was not -very long, so soon the boy reached a second cavern, not so large as the -first. This he found vacant also, but it had another corridor leading -out of it, so Inga entered that. It was straight and short and beyond -was a third cavern, which differed little from the others except that it -had a strong iron grating at one side of it. - -All three of these caverns had been roughly hewn from the rock and it -seemed they had never been put to use, as had all the other caverns of -the nomes he had visited. Standing in the third cavern, Inga saw what he -thought was still another corridor at its farther side, so he walked -toward it. This opening was dark, and that fact, and the solemn silence -all around him, made him hesitate for a while to enter it. Upon -reflection, however, he realized that unless he explored the place to -the very end he could not hope to escape from it, so he boldly entered -the dark corridor and felt his way cautiously as he moved forward. - -Scarcely had he taken two paces when a crash resounded back of him and a -heavy sheet of steel closed the opening into the cavern from which he -had just come. He paused a moment, but it still seemed best to proceed, -and as Inga advanced in the dark, holding his hands outstretched before -him to feel his way, handcuffs fell upon his wrists and locked -themselves with a sharp click, and an instant later he found he was -chained to a stout iron post set firmly in the rock floor. - -The chains were long enough to permit him to move a yard or so in any -direction and by feeling the walls he found he was in a small circular -room that had no outlet except the passage by which he had entered, and -that was now closed by the door of steel. This was the end of the series -of caverns and corridors. - -It was now that the horror of his situation occurred to the boy with -full force. But he resolved not to submit to his fate without a -struggle, and realizing that he possessed the Blue Pearl, which gave him -marvelous strength, he quickly broke the chains and set himself free of -the handcuffs. Next he twisted the steel door from its hinges, and -creeping along the short passage, found himself in the third cave. - -But now the dim light, which had before guided him, had vanished; yet on -peering into the gloom of the cave he saw what appeared to be two round -disks of flame, which cast a subdued glow over the floor and walls. By -this dull glow he made out the form of an enormous man, seated in the -center of the cave, and he saw that the iron grating had been removed, -permitting the man to enter. - -The giant was unclothed and its limbs were thickly covered with coarse -red hair. The round disks of flame were its two eyes and when it opened -its mouth to yawn Inga saw that its jaws were wide enough to crush a -dozen men between the great rows of teeth. - -Presently the giant looked up and perceived the boy crouching at the -other side of the cavern, so he called out in a hoarse, rude voice: - -"Come hither, my pretty one. We will wrestle together, you and I, and if -you succeed in throwing me I will let you pass through my cave." - -The boy made no reply to the challenge. He realized he was in dire peril -and regretted that he had lent the Pink Pearl to King Rinkitink. But it -was now too late for vain regrets, although he feared that even his -great strength would avail him little against this hairy monster. For -his arms were not long enough to span a fourth of the giant's huge -body, while the monster's powerful limbs would be likely to crush out -Inga's life before he could gain the mastery. - -[Illustration] - -Therefore the Prince resolved to employ other means to combat this foe, -who had doubtless been placed there to bar his return. Retreating -through the passage he reached the room where he had been chained and -wrenched the iron post from its socket. It was a foot thick and four -feet long, and being of solid iron was so heavy that three ordinary men -would have found it hard to lift. - -Returning to the cavern, the boy swung the great bar above his head and -dashed it with mighty force full at the giant. The end of the bar struck -the monster upon its forehead, and with a single groan it fell full -length upon the floor and lay still. - -When the giant fell, the glow from its eyes faded away, and all was -dark. Cautiously, for Inga was not sure the giant was dead, the boy felt -his way toward the opening that led to the middle cavern. The entrance -was narrow and the darkness was intense, but, feeling braver now, the -boy stepped boldly forward. Instantly the floor began to sink beneath -him and in great alarm he turned and made a leap that enabled him to -grasp the rocky sides of the wall and regain a footing in the passage -through which he had just come. - -Scarcely had he obtained this place of refuge when a mighty crash -resounded throughout the cavern and the sound of a rushing torrent came -from far below. Inga felt in his pocket and found several matches, one -of which he lighted and held before him. While it flickered he saw that -the entire floor of the cavern had fallen away, and knew that had he not -instantly regained his footing in the passage he would have plunged into -the abyss that lay beneath him. - -By the light of another match he saw the opening at the other side of -the cave and the thought came to him that possibly he might leap across -the gulf. Of course, this could never be accomplished without the -marvelous strength lent him by the Blue Pearl, but Inga had the feeling -that one powerful spring might carry him over the chasm into safety. He -could not stay where he was, that was certain, so he resolved to make -the attempt. - -He took a long run through the first cave and the short corridor; then, -exerting all his strength, he launched himself over the black gulf of -the second cave. Swiftly he flew and, although his heart stood still -with fear, only a few seconds elapsed before his feet touched the ledge -of the opposite passageway and he knew he had safely accomplished the -wonderful feat. - -Only pausing to draw one long breath of relief, Inga quickly traversed -the crooked corridor that led to the last cavern of the three. But when -he came in sight of it he paused abruptly, his eyes nearly blinded by a -glare of strong light which burst upon them. Covering his face with his -hands, Inga retreated behind a projecting corner of rock and by -gradually getting his eyes used to the light he was finally able to gaze -without blinking upon the strange glare that had so quickly changed the -condition of the cavern. When he had passed through this vault it had -been entirely empty. Now the flat floor of rock was covered everywhere -with a bed of glowing coals, which shot up little tongues of red and -white flames. Indeed, the entire cave was one monster furnace and the -heat that came from it was fearful. - -[Illustration] - -Inga's heart sank within him as he realized the terrible obstacle placed -by the cunning Nome King between him and the safety of the other -caverns. There was no turning back, for it would be impossible for him -again to leap over the gulf of the second cave, the corridor at this -side being so crooked that he could get no run before he jumped. Neither -could he leap over the glowing coals of the cavern that faced him, for -it was much larger than the middle cavern. In this dilemma he feared his -great strength would avail him nothing and he bitterly reproached -himself for parting with the Pink Pearl, which would have preserved him -from injury. - -However, it was not in the nature of Prince Inga to despair for long, -his past adventures having taught him confidence and courage, sharpened -his wits and given him the genius of invention. He sat down and thought -earnestly on the means of escape from his danger and at last a clever -idea came to his mind. This is the way to get ideas: never to let -adverse circumstances discourage you, but to believe there is a way out -of every difficulty, which may be found by earnest thought. - -[Illustration] - -There were many points and projections of rock in the walls of the -crooked corridor in which Inga stood and some of these rocks had become -cracked and loosened, although still clinging to their places. The boy -picked out one large piece, and, exerting all his strength, tore it away -from the wall. He then carried it to the cavern and tossed it upon -the burning coals, about ten feet away from the end of the passage. Then -he returned for another fragment of rock, and wrenching it free from its -place, he threw it ten feet beyond the first one, toward the opposite -side of the cave. The boy continued this work until he had made a series -of stepping-stones reaching straight across the cavern to the dark -passageway beyond, which he hoped would lead him back to safety if not -to liberty. - -When his work had been completed, Inga did not long hesitate to take -advantage of his stepping-stones, for he knew his best chance of escape -lay in his crossing the bed of coals before the rocks became so heated -that they would burn his feet. So he leaped to the first rock and from -there began jumping from one to the other in quick succession. A -withering wave of heat at once enveloped him, and for a time he feared -he would suffocate before he could cross the cavern; but he held his -breath, to keep the hot air from his lungs, and maintained his leaps -with desperate resolve. - -Then, before he realized it, his feet were pressing the cooler rocks of -the passage beyond and he rolled helpless upon the floor, gasping for -breath. His skin was so red that it resembled the shell of a boiled -lobster, but his swift motion had prevented his being burned, and his -shoes had thick soles, which saved his feet. - -After resting a few minutes, the boy felt strong enough to go on. He -went to the end of the passage and found that the rock door by which he -had left his room was still closed, so he returned to about the middle -of the corridor and was thinking what he should do next, when suddenly -the solid rock before him began to move and an opening appeared through -which shone a brilliant light. Shielding his eyes, which were somewhat -dazzled, Inga sprang through the opening and found himself in one of the -Nome King's inhabited caverns, where before him stood King Kaliko, with -a broad grin upon his features, and Klik, the King's chamberlain, who -looked surprised, and King Rinkitink seated astride Bilbil the goat, -both of whom seemed pleased that Inga had rejoined them. - -[Illustration] - - - - -Rinkitink Chuckles - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 19 - - -We will now relate what happened to Rinkitink and Bilbil that morning, -while Inga was undergoing his trying experiences in escaping the fearful -dangers of the three caverns. - -The King of Gilgad wakened to find the door of Inga's room fast shut and -locked, but he had no trouble in opening his own door into the corridor, -for it seems that the boy's room, which was the middle one, whirled -around on a pivot, while the adjoining rooms occupied by Bilbil and -Rinkitink remained stationary. The little King also found a breakfast -magically served in his room, and while he was eating it, Klik came to -him and stated that His Majesty, King Kaliko, desired his presence in -the royal cavern. - -So Rinkitink, having first made sure that the Pink Pearl was still in -his vest pocket, willingly followed Klik, who ran on some distance -ahead. But no sooner had Rinkitink set foot in the passage than a great -rock, weighing at least a ton, became dislodged and dropped from the -roof directly over his head. Of course, it could not harm him, protected -as he was by the Pink Pearl, and it bounded aside and crashed upon the -floor, where it was shattered by its own weight. - -"How careless!" exclaimed the little King, and waddled after Klik, who -seemed amazed at his escape. - -Presently another rock above Rinkitink plunged downward, and then -another, but none touched his body. Klik seemed much perplexed at these -continued escapes and certainly Kaliko was surprised when Rinkitink, -safe and sound, entered the royal cavern. - -"Good morning," said the King of Gilgad. "Your rocks are getting loose, -Kaliko, and you'd better have them glued in place before they hurt -someone." Then he began to chuckle: "Hoo, hoo, hoo-hee, hee-heek, keek, -eek!" and Kaliko sat and frowned because he realized that the little fat -King was poking fun at him. - -"I asked Your Majesty to come here," said the Nome King, "to show you a -curious skein of golden thread which my workmen have made. If it pleases -you, I will make you a present of it." - -With this he held out a small skein of glittering gold twine, which was -really pretty and curious. Rinkitink took it in his hand and at once the -golden thread began to unwind--so swiftly that the eye could not follow -its motion. And, as it unwound, it coiled itself around Rinkitink's -body, at the same time weaving itself into a net, until it had enveloped -the little King from head to foot and placed him in a prison of gold. - -"Aha!" cried Kaliko; "_this_ magic worked all right, it seems." - -"Oh, did it?" replied Rinkitink, and stepping forward he walked right -through the golden net, which fell to the floor in a tangled mass. - -Kaliko rubbed his chin thoughtfully and stared hard at Rinkitink. - -"I understand a good bit of magic," said he, "but Your Majesty has a -sort of magic that greatly puzzles me, because it is unlike anything of -the sort that I ever met with before." - -"Now, see here, Kaliko," said Rinkitink; "if you are trying to harm me -or my companions, give it up, for you will never succeed. We're -harm-proof, so to speak, and you are merely wasting your time trying to -injure us." - -"You may be right, and I hope I am not so impolite as to argue with a -guest," returned the Nome King. "But you will pardon me if I am not yet -satisfied that you are stronger than my famous magic. However, I beg you -to believe that I bear you no ill will, King Rinkitink; but it is my -duty to destroy you, if possible, because you and that insignificant boy -Prince have openly threatened to take away my captives and have -positively refused to go back to the earth's surface and let me alone. -I'm very tender-hearted, as a matter of fact, and I like you immensely -and would enjoy having you as a friend, but--" Here he pressed a button -on the arm of his throne chair and the section of the floor where -Rinkitink stood suddenly opened and disclosed a black pit beneath, which -was a part of the terrible Bottomless Gulf. - -[Illustration] - -But Rinkitink did not fall into the pit; his body remained suspended -in the air until he put out his foot and stepped to the solid floor, -when the opening suddenly closed again. - -"I appreciate Your Majesty's friendship," remarked Rinkitink, as calmly -as if nothing had happened, "but I am getting tired with standing. Will -you kindly send for my goat, Bilbil, that I may sit upon his back to -rest?" - -"Indeed I will!" promised Kaliko. "I have not yet completed my test of -your magic, and as I owe that goat a slight grudge for bumping my head -and smashing my second-best crown, I will be glad to discover if the -beast can also escape my delightful little sorceries." - -So Klik was sent to fetch Bilbil and presently returned with the goat, -which was very cross this morning because it had not slept well in the -underground caverns. - -Rinkitink lost no time in getting upon the red velvet saddle which the -goat constantly wore, for he feared the Nome King would try to destroy -Bilbil and knew that as long as his body touched that of the goat the -Pink Pearl would protect them both; whereas, if Bilbil stood alone, -there was no magic to save him. - -Bilbil glared wickedly at King Kaliko, who moved uneasily in his ivory -throne. Then the Nome King whispered a moment in the ear of Klik, who -nodded and left the room. - -"Please make yourselves at home here for a few minutes, while I attend -to an errand," said the Nome King, getting up from the throne. "I shall -return pretty soon, when I hope to find you pieceful--ha, ha, -ha!--that's a joke you can't appreciate now but will later. Be -pieceful--that's the idea. Ho, ho, ho! How funny." Then he waddled from -the cavern, closing the door behind him. - -"Well, why didn't you laugh when Kaliko laughed?" demanded the goat, -when they were left alone in the cavern. - -"Because he means mischief of some sort," replied Rinkitink, "and we'll -laugh after the danger is over, Bilbil. There's an old adage that says: -'He laughs best who laughs last,' and the only way to laugh last is to -give the other fellow a chance. Where did that knife come from, I -wonder." - -For a long, sharp knife suddenly appeared in the air near them, twisting -and turning from side to side and darting here and there in a dangerous -manner, without any support whatever. Then another knife became -visible--and another and another--until all the space in the royal -cavern seemed filled with them. Their sharp points and edges darted -toward Rinkitink and Bilbil perpetually and nothing could have saved -them from being cut to pieces except the protecting power of the Pink -Pearl. As it was, not a knife touched them and even Bilbil gave a gruff -laugh at the failure of Kaliko's clever magic. - -The goat wandered here and there in the cavern, carrying Rinkitink upon -his back, and neither of them paid the slightest heed to the whirring -knives, although the glitter of the hundreds of polished blades was -rather trying to their eyes. Perhaps for ten minutes the knives darted -about them in bewildering fury; then they disappeared as suddenly as -they had appeared. - -Kaliko cautiously stuck his head through the doorway and found the goat -chewing the embroidery of his royal cloak, which he had left lying over -the throne, while Rinkitink was reading his manuscript on "How to be -Good" and chuckling over its advice. The Nome King seemed greatly -disappointed as he came in and resumed his seat on the throne. Said -Rinkitink with a chuckle: - -"We've really had a peaceful time, Kaliko, although not the pieceful -time you expected. Forgive me if I indulge in a laugh--hoo, hoo, -hoo-hee, heek-keek-eek! And now, tell me; aren't you getting tired of -trying to injure us?" - -"Eh-heh," said the Nome King. "I see now that your magic can protect you -from all my arts. But is the boy Inga as well protected as Your Majesty -and the goat?" - -"Why do you ask?" inquired Rinkitink, uneasy at the question because he -remembered he had not seen the little Prince of Pingaree that morning. - -"Because," said Kaliko, "the boy has been undergoing trials far greater -and more dangerous than any you have encountered, and it has been -hundreds of years since anyone has been able to escape alive from the -perils of my Three Trick Caverns." - -King Rinkitink was much alarmed at hearing this, for although he knew -that Inga possessed the Blue Pearl, that would only give to him -marvelous strength, and perhaps strength alone would not enable him to -escape from danger. But he would not let Kaliko see the fear he felt for -Inga's safety, so he said in a careless way: - -"You're a mighty poor magician, Kaliko, and I'll give you my crown if -Inga hasn't escaped any danger you have threatened him with." - -"Your whole crown is not worth one of the valuable diamonds in my -crown," answered the Nome King, "but I'll take it. Let us go at once, -therefore, and see what has become of the boy Prince, for if he is not -destroyed by this time I will admit he cannot be injured by any of the -magic arts which I have at my command." - -He left the room, accompanied by Klik, who had now rejoined his master, -and by Rinkitink riding upon Bilbil. After traversing several of the -huge caverns they entered one that was somewhat more bright and cheerful -than the others, where the Nome King paused before a wall of rock. Then -Klik pressed a secret spring and a section of the wall opened and -disclosed the corridor where Prince Inga stood facing them. - -"Tarts and tadpoles!" cried Kaliko in surprise. "The boy is still -alive!" - - - - -Dorothy to the Rescue - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 20 - - -One day when Princess Dorothy of Oz was visiting Glinda the Good, who is -Ozma's Royal Sorceress, she was looking through Glinda's Great Book of -Records--wherein is inscribed all important events that happen in every -part of the world--when she came upon the record of the destruction of -Pingaree, the capture of King Kitticut and Queen Garee and all their -people, and the curious escape of Inga, the boy Prince, and of King -Rinkitink and the talking goat. Turning over some of the following -pages, Dorothy read how Inga had found the Magic Pearls and was rowing -the silver-lined boat to Regos to try to rescue his parents. - -The little girl was much interested to know how well Inga succeeded, but -she returned to the palace of Ozma at the Emerald City of Oz the next -day and other events made her forget the boy Prince of Pingaree for a -time. However, she was one day idly looking at Ozma's Magic Picture, -which shows any scene you may wish to see, when the girl thought of Inga -and commanded the Magic Picture to show what the boy was doing at that -moment. - -It was the time when Inga and Rinkitink had followed the King of Regos -and Queen of Coregos to the Nome King's country and she saw them hiding -behind the rock as Cor and Gos passed them by after having placed the -King and Queen of Pingaree in the keeping of the Nome King. From that -time Dorothy followed, by means of the Magic Picture, the adventures of -Inga and his friends in the Nome King's caverns, and the danger and -helplessness of the poor boy aroused the little girl's pity and -indignation. - -So she went to Ozma and told the lovely girl Ruler of Oz all about Inga -and Rinkitink. - -"I think Kaliko is treating them dreadfully mean," declared Dorothy, -"and I wish you'd let me go to the Nome Country and help them out of -their troubles." - -"Go, my dear, if you wish to," replied Ozma, "but I think it would be -best for you to take the Wizard with you." - -"Oh, I'm not afraid of the nomes," said Dorothy, "but I'll be glad to -take the Wizard, for company. And may we use your Magic Carpet, Ozma?" - -"Of course. Put the Magic Carpet in the Red Wagon and have the Sawhorse -take you and the Wizard to the edge of the desert. While you are gone, -Dorothy, I'll watch you in the Magic Picture, and if any danger -threatens you I'll see you are not harmed." - -Dorothy thanked the Ruler of Oz and kissed her good-bye, for she was -determined to start at once. She found the Wizard of Oz, who was -planting shoe-trees in the garden, and when she told him Inga's story he -willingly agreed to accompany the little girl to the Nome King's -caverns. They had both been there before and had conquered the nomes -with ease, so they were not at all afraid. - -The Wizard, who was a cheery little man with a bald head and a winning -smile, harnessed the Wooden Sawhorse to the Red Wagon and loaded on -Ozma's Magic Carpet. Then he and Dorothy climbed to the seat and the -Sawhorse started off and carried them swiftly through the beautiful Land -of Oz to the edge of the Deadly Desert that separated their fairyland -from the Nome Country. - -Even Dorothy and the clever Wizard would not have dared to cross this -desert without the aid of the Magic Carpet, for it would have quickly -destroyed them; but when the roll of carpet had been placed upon the -edge of the sands, leaving just enough lying flat for them to stand -upon, the carpet straightway began to unroll before them and as they -walked on it continued to unroll, until they had safely passed over the -stretch of Deadly Desert and were on the border of the Nome King's -dominions. - -This journey had been accomplished in a few minutes, although such a -distance would have required several days' travel had they not been -walking on the Magic Carpet. On arriving they at once walked toward the -entrance to the caverns of the nomes. - -The Wizard carried a little black bag containing his tools of wizardry, -while Dorothy carried over her arm a covered basket in which she had -placed a dozen eggs, with which to conquer the nomes if she had any -trouble with them. - -[Illustration] - -Eggs may seem to you to be a queer weapon with which to fight, but the -little girl well knew their value. The nomes are immortal; that is, they -do not perish, as mortals do, _unless they happen to come in contact -with an egg_. If an egg touches them--either the outer shell or the -inside of the egg--the nomes lose their charm of perpetual life and -thereafter are liable to die through accident or old age, just as all -humans are. - -For this reason the sight of an egg fills a nome with terror and he will -do anything to prevent an egg from touching him, even for an instant. -So, when Dorothy took her basket of eggs with her, she knew that she was -more powerfully armed than if she had a regiment of soldiers at her -back. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Wizard Finds an Enchantment - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 21 - - -After Kaliko had failed in his attempts to destroy his guests, as has -been related, the Nome King did nothing more to injure them but treated -them in a friendly manner. He refused, however, to permit Inga to see or -to speak with his father and mother, or even to know in what part of the -underground caverns they were confined. - -"You are able to protect your lives and persons, I freely admit," said -Kaliko; "but I firmly believe you have no power, either of magic or -otherwise, to take from me the captives I have agreed to keep for King -Gos." - -Inga would not agree to this. He determined not to leave the caverns -until he had liberated his father and mother, although he did not then -know how that could be accomplished. As for Rinkitink, the jolly King -was well fed and had a good bed to sleep upon, so he was not worrying -about anything and seemed in no hurry to go away. - -Kaliko and Rinkitink were engaged in pitching a game with solid gold -quoits, on the floor of the royal chamber, and Inga and Bilbil were -watching them, when Klik came running in, his hair standing on end with -excitement, and cried out that the Wizard of Oz and Dorothy were -approaching. - -Kaliko turned pale on hearing this unwelcome news and, abandoning his -game, went to sit in his ivory throne and try to think what had brought -these fearful visitors to his domain. - -"Who is Dorothy?" asked Inga. - -"She is a little girl who once lived in Kansas," replied Klik, with a -shudder, "but she now lives in Ozma's palace at the Emerald City and is -a Princess of Oz--which means that she is a terrible foe to deal with." - -"Doesn't she like the nomes?" inquired the boy. - -"It isn't that," said King Kaliko, with a groan, "but she insists on the -nomes being goody-goody, which is contrary to their natures. Dorothy -gets angry if I do the least thing that is wicked, and tries to make me -stop it, and that naturally makes me downhearted. I can't imagine why -she has come here just now, for I've been behaving very well lately. As -for that Wizard of Oz, he's chock-full of magic that I can't overcome, -for he learned it from Glinda, who is the most powerful sorceress in the -world. Woe is me! Why didn't Dorothy and the Wizard stay in Oz, where -they belong?" - -Inga and Rinkitink listened to this with much joy, for at once the idea -came to them both to plead with Dorothy to help them. Even Bilbil -pricked up his ears when he heard the Wizard of Oz mentioned, and the -goat seemed much less surly, and more thoughtful than usual. - -A few minutes later a nome came to say that Dorothy and the Wizard had -arrived and demanded admittance, so Klik was sent to usher them into the -royal presence of the Nome King. - -As soon as she came in the little girl ran up to the boy Prince and -seized both his hands. - -"Oh, Inga!" she exclaimed, "I'm so glad to find you alive and well." - -Inga was astonished at so warm a greeting. Making a low bow he said: - -"I don't think we have met before, Princess." - -"No, indeed," replied Dorothy, "but I know all about you and I've come -to help you and King Rinkitink out of your troubles." Then she turned to -the Nome King and continued: "You ought to be ashamed of yourself, King -Kaliko, to treat an honest Prince and an honest King so badly." - -"I haven't done anything to them," whined Kaliko, trembling as her eyes -flashed upon him. - -"No; but you tried to, an' that's just as bad, if not worse," said -Dorothy, who was very indignant. "And now I want you to send for the -King and Queen of Pingaree and have them brought here _immejitly_!" - -"I won't," said Kaliko. - -"Yes, you will!" cried Dorothy, stamping her foot at him. "I won't have -those poor people made unhappy any longer, or separated from their -little boy. Why, it's _dreadful_, Kaliko, an' I'm su'prised at you. You -must be more wicked than I thought you were." - -[Illustration] - -"I can't do it, Dorothy," said the Nome King, almost weeping with -despair. "I promised King Gos I'd keep them captives. You wouldn't ask -me to break my promise, would you?" - -"King Gos was a robber and an outlaw," she said, "and p'r'aps you don't -know that a storm at sea wrecked his boat, while he was going back to -Regos, and that he and Queen Cor were both drowned." - -"Dear me!" exclaimed Kaliko. "Is that so?" - -"I saw it in Glinda's Record Book," said Dorothy. "So now you trot out -the King and Queen of Pingaree as quick as you can." - -"No," persisted the contrary Nome King, shaking his head, "I won't do -it. Ask me anything else and I'll try to please you, but I can't allow -these friendly enemies to triumph over me." - -"In that case," said Dorothy, beginning to remove the cover from her -basket, "I'll show you some eggs." - -"Eggs!" screamed the Nome King in horror. "Have you eggs in that -basket?" - -"A dozen of 'em," replied Dorothy. - -"Then keep them there--I beg--I implore you!--and I'll do anything you -say," pleaded Kaliko, his teeth chattering so that he could hardly -speak. - -"Send for the King and Queen of Pingaree," said Dorothy. - -"Go, Klik," commanded the Nome King, and Klik ran away in great haste, -for he was almost as much frightened as his master. - -It was an affecting scene when the unfortunate King and Queen of -Pingaree entered the chamber and with sobs and tears of joy embraced -their brave and adventurous son. All the others stood silent until -greetings and kisses had been exchanged and Inga had told his parents in -a few words of his vain struggles to rescue them and how Princess -Dorothy had finally come to his assistance. - -Then King Kitticut shook the hands of his friend King Rinkitink and -thanked him for so loyally supporting his son Inga, and Queen Garee -kissed little Dorothy's forehead and blessed her for restoring her -husband and herself to freedom. - -The Wizard had been standing near Bilbil the goat and now he was -surprised to hear the animal say: - -"Joyful reunion, isn't it? But it makes me tired to see grown people cry -like children." - -"Oho!" exclaimed the Wizard. "How does it happen, Mr. Goat, that you, -who have never been to the Land of Oz, are able to talk?" - -"That's my business," returned Bilbil in a surly tone. - -The Wizard stooped down and gazed fixedly into the animal's eyes. Then -he said, with a pitying sigh: "I see; you are under an enchantment. -Indeed, I believe you to be Prince Bobo of Boboland." - -Bilbil made no reply but dropped his head as if ashamed. - -"This is a great discovery," said the Wizard, addressing Dorothy and the -others of the party. "A good many years ago a cruel magician transformed -the gallant Prince of Boboland into a talking goat, and this goat, being -ashamed of his condition, ran away and was never after seen in Boboland, -which is a country far to the south of here but bordering on the Deadly -Desert, opposite the Land of Oz. I heard of this story long ago and know -that a diligent search has been made for the enchanted Prince, without -result. But I am well assured that, in the animal you call Bilbil, I -have discovered the unhappy Prince of Boboland." - -"Dear me, Bilbil," said Rinkitink, "why have you never told me this?" - -"What would be the use?" asked Bilbil in a low voice and still refusing -to look up. - -"The use?" repeated Rinkitink, puzzled. - -[Illustration] - -"Yes, that's the trouble," said the Wizard. "It is one of the most -powerful enchantments ever accomplished, and the magician is now dead -and the secret of the anti-charm lost. Even I, with all my skill, cannot -restore Prince Bobo to his proper form. But I think Glinda might be able -to do so and if you will all return with Dorothy and me to the Land of -Oz, where Ozma will make you welcome, I will ask Glinda to try to break -this enchantment." - -This was willingly agreed to, for they all welcomed the chance to visit -the famous Land of Oz. So they bade good-bye to King Kaliko, whom -Dorothy warned not to be wicked any more if he could help it, and the -entire party returned over the Magic Carpet to the Land of Oz. They -filled the Red Wagon, which was still waiting for them, pretty full; but -the Sawhorse didn't mind that and with wonderful speed carried them -safely to the Emerald City. - -[Illustration] - - - - -Ozma's Banquet - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 22 - - -Ozma had seen in her Magic Picture the liberation of Inga's parents and -the departure of the entire party for the Emerald City, so with her -usual hospitality she ordered a splendid banquet prepared and invited -all her quaint friends who were then in the Emerald City to be present -that evening to meet the strangers who were to become her guests. - -Glinda, also, in her wonderful Record Book had learned of the events -that had taken place in the caverns of the Nome King and she became -especially interested in the enchantment of the Prince of Boboland. So -she hastily prepared several of her most powerful charms and then -summoned her flock of sixteen white storks, which swiftly bore her to -Ozma's palace. She arrived there before the Red Wagon did and was warmly -greeted by the girl Ruler. - -Realizing that the costume of Queen Garee of Pingaree must have become -sadly worn and frayed, owing to her hardships and adventures, Ozma -ordered a royal outfit prepared for the good Queen and had it laid in -her chamber ready for her to put on as soon as she arrived, so she would -not be shamed at the banquet. New costumes were also provided for King -Kitticut and King Rinkitink and Prince Inga, all cut and made and -embellished in the elaborate and becoming style then prevalent in the -Land of Oz, and as soon as the party arrived at the palace Ozma's guests -were escorted by her servants to their rooms, that they might bathe and -dress themselves. - -Glinda the Sorceress and the Wizard of Oz took charge of Bilbil the goat -and went to a private room where they were not likely to be interrupted. -Glinda first questioned Bilbil long and earnestly about the manner of -his enchantment and the ceremony that had been used by the magician who -enchanted him. At first Bilbil protested that he did not want to be -restored to his natural shape, saying that he had been forever disgraced -in the eyes of his people and of the entire world by being obliged to -exist as a scrawny, scraggly goat. But Glinda pointed out that any -person who incurred the enmity of a wicked magician was liable to suffer -a similar fate, and assured him that his misfortune would make him -better beloved by his subjects when he returned to them freed from his -dire enchantment. - -Bilbil was finally convinced of the truth of this assertion and agreed -to submit to the experiments of Glinda and the Wizard, who knew they had -a hard task before them and were not at all sure they could succeed. We -know that Glinda is the most complete mistress of magic who has ever -existed, and she was wise enough to guess that the clever but evil -magician who had enchanted Prince Bobo had used a spell that would -puzzle any ordinary wizard or sorcerer to break; therefore she had given -the matter much shrewd thought and hoped she had conceived a plan that -would succeed. But because she was not positive of success she would -have no one present at the incantation except her assistant, the Wizard -of Oz. - -[Illustration: GOAT LAMB OSTRICH] - -First she transformed Bilbil the goat into a lamb, and this was done -quite easily. Next she transformed the lamb into an ostrich, giving it -two legs and feet instead of four. Then she tried to transform the -ostrich into the original Prince Bobo, but this incantation was an utter -failure. Glinda was not discouraged, however, but by a powerful spell -transformed the ostrich into a tottenhot--which is a lower form of a -man. Then the tottenhot was transformed into a mifket, which was a great -step in advance and, finally, Glinda transformed the mifket into a -handsome young man, tall and shapely, who fell on his knees before the -great Sorceress and gratefully kissed her hand, admitting that he had -now recovered his proper shape and was indeed Prince Bobo of Boboland. - -[Illustration: MIFKET PRINCE] - -This process of magic, successful though it was in the end, had required -so much time that the banquet was now awaiting their presence. Bobo was -already dressed in princely raiment and although he seemed very much -humbled by his recent lowly condition, they finally persuaded him to -join the festivities. - -When Rinkitink saw that his goat had now become a Prince, he did not -know whether to be sorry or glad, for he felt that he would miss the -companionship of the quarrelsome animal he had so long been accustomed -to ride upon, while at the same time he rejoiced that poor Bilbil had -come to his own again. - -[Illustration: BETSY TROT] - -Prince Bobo humbly begged Rinkitink's forgiveness for having been so -disagreeable to him, at times, saying that the nature of a goat had -influenced him and the surly disposition he had shown was a part of his -enchantment. But the jolly King assured the Prince that he had really -enjoyed Bilbil's grumpy speeches and forgave him readily. Indeed, they -all discovered the young Prince Bobo to be an exceedingly courteous and -pleasant person, although he was somewhat reserved and dignified. - -[Illustration: OZMA DOROTHY] - -Ah, but it was a great feast that Ozma served in her gorgeous banquet -hall that night and everyone was as happy as could be. The Shaggy Man -was there, and so was Jack Pumpkinhead and the Tin Woodman and Cap'n -Bill. Beside Princess Dorothy sat Tiny Trot and Betsy Bobbin, and the -three little girls were almost as sweet to look upon as was Ozma, who -sat at the head of her table and outshone all her guests in loveliness. - -King Rinkitink was delighted with the quaint people of Oz and laughed -and joked with the tin man and the pumpkin-headed man and found Cap'n -Bill a very agreeable companion. But what amused the jolly King most -were the animal guests, which Ozma always invited to her banquets and -seated at a table by themselves, where they talked and chatted together -as people do but were served the sort of food their natures required. -The Hungry Tiger and Cowardly Lion and the Glass Cat were much admired -by Rinkitink, but when he met a mule named Hank, which Betsy Robbin had -brought to Oz, the King found the creature so comical that he laughed -and chuckled until his friends thought he would choke. Then while the -banquet was still in progress, Rinkitink composed and sang a song to the -mule and they all joined in the chorus, which was something like this: - - "It's very queer how big an ear - Is worn by Mr. Donkey; - And yet I fear he could not hear - If it were on a monkey. - 'Tis thick and strong and broad and long - And also very hairy; - It's quite becoming to our Hank - But might disgrace a fairy!" - -[Illustration] - -This song was received with so much enthusiasm that Rinkitink was -prevailed upon to sing another. They gave him a little time to compose -the rhyme, which he declared would be better if he could devote a month -or two to its composition, but the sentiment he expressed was so -admirable that no one criticized the song or the manner in which the -jolly little King sang it. - -Dorothy wrote down the words on a piece of paper, and here they are: - - "We're merry comrades all, to-night, -Because we've won a gallant fight - And conquered all our foes. -We're not afraid of anything, -So let us gayly laugh and sing - Until we seek repose. - - "We've all our grateful hearts can wish; -King Gos has gone to feed the fish, - Queen Cor has gone, as well; -King Kitticut has found his own, -Prince Bobo soon will have a throne - Relieved of magic spell. - - "So let's forget the horrid strife -That fell upon our peaceful life - And caused distress and pain; -For very soon across the sea -We'll all be sailing merrily - To Pingaree again." - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Pearl Kingdom - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 23 - - -It was unfortunate that the famous Scarecrow--the most popular person in -all Oz, next to Ozma--was absent at the time of the banquet, for he -happened just then to be making one of his trips through the country; -but the Scarecrow had a chance later to meet Rinkitink and Inga and the -King and Queen of Pingaree and Prince Bobo, for the party remained -several weeks at the Emerald City, where they were royally entertained, -and where both the gentle Queen Garee and the noble King Kitticut -recovered much of their good spirits and composure and tried to forget -their dreadful experiences. - -At last, however, the King and Queen desired to return to their own -Pingaree, as they longed to be with their people again and see how well -they had rebuilt their homes. Inga also was anxious to return, although -he had been very happy in Oz, and King Rinkitink, who was happy anywhere -except at Gilgad, decided to go with his former friends to Pingaree. As -for Prince Bobo, he had become so greatly attached to King Rinkitink -that he was loth to leave him. - -On a certain day they all bade good-bye to Ozma and Dorothy and Glinda -and the Wizard and all their good friends in Oz, and were driven in the -Red Wagon to the edge of the Deadly Desert, which they crossed safely on -the Magic Carpet. They then made their way across the Nome Kingdom and -the Wheeler Country, where no one molested them, to the shores of the -Nonestic Ocean. There they found the boat with the silver lining still -lying undisturbed on the beach. - -There were no important adventures during the trip and on their arrival -at the pearl kingdom they were amazed at the beautiful appearance of the -island they had left in ruins. All the houses of the people had been -rebuilt and were prettier than before, with green lawns before them and -flower gardens in the back yards. The marble towers of King Kitticut's -new palace were very striking and impressive, while the palace itself -proved far more magnificent than it had been before the warriors from -Regos destroyed it. - -Nikobob had been very active and skillful in directing all this work, -and he had also built a pretty cottage for himself, not far from the -King's palace, and there Inga found Zella, who was living very happy and -contented in her new home. Not only had Nikobob accomplished all this in -a comparatively brief space of time, but he had started the pearl -fisheries again and when King Kitticut returned to Pingaree he found a -quantity of fine pearls already in the royal treasury. - -So pleased was Kitticut with the good judgment, industry and honesty of -the former charcoal-burner of Regos, that he made Nikobob his Lord High -Chamberlain and put him in charge of the pearl fisheries and all the -business matters of the island kingdom. - -They all settled down very comfortably in the new palace and the Queen -gathered her maids about her once more and set them to work embroidering -new draperies for the royal throne. Inga placed the three Magic Pearls -in their silken bag and again deposited them in the secret cavity under -the tiled flooring of the banquet hall, where they could be quickly -secured if danger ever threatened the now prosperous island. - -King Rinkitink occupied a royal guest chamber built especially for his -use and seemed in no hurry to leave his friends in Pingaree. The fat -little King had to walk wherever he went and so missed Bilbil more and -more; but he seldom walked far and he was so fond of Prince Bobo that he -never regretted Bilbil's disenchantment. - -Indeed, the jolly monarch was welcome to remain forever in Pingaree, if -he wished to, for his merry disposition set smiles on the faces of all -his friends and made everyone near him as jolly as he was himself. When -King Kitticut was not too busy with affairs of state he loved to join -his guest and listen to his brother monarch's songs and stories. For he -found Rinkitink to be, with all his careless disposition, a shrewd -philosopher, and in talking over their adventures one day the King of -Gilgad said: - -"The beauty of life is its sudden changes. No one knows what is going to -happen next, and so we are constantly being surprised and entertained. -The many ups and downs should not discourage us, for if we are down, we -know that a change is coming and we will go up again; while those who -are up are almost certain to go down. My grandfather had a song which -well expresses this and if you will listen I will sing it." - -[Illustration] - -"Of course I will listen to your song," returned Kitticut, "for it would -be impolite not to." - -So Rinkitink sang his grandfather's song: - - "A mighty King once ruled the land-- - But now he's baking pies. - A pauper, on the other hand, - Is ruling, strong and wise. - - A tiger once in jungles raged-- - But now he's in a zoo; - A lion, captive-born and caged, - Now roams the forest through - - A man once slapped a poor boy's pate - And made him weep and wail. - The boy became a magistrate - And put the man in jail. - - A sunny day succeeds the night; - It's summer--then it snows! - Right oft goes wrong and wrong comes right, - As ev'ry wise man knows." - - - - -The Captive King - -[Illustration] - -CHAPTER 24 - - -One morning, just as the royal party was finishing breakfast, a servant -came running to say that a great fleet of boats was approaching the -island from the south. King Kitticut sprang up at once, in great alarm, -for he had much cause to fear strange boats. The others quickly followed -him to the shore to see what invasion might be coming upon them. - -Inga was there with the first, and Nikobob and Zella soon joined the -watchers. And presently, while all were gazing eagerly at the -approaching fleet, King Rinkitink suddenly cried out: - -"Get your pearls, Prince Inga--get them quick!" - -"Are these our enemies, then?" asked the boy, looking with surprise upon -the fat little King, who had begun to tremble violently. - -"They are my people of Gilgad!" answered Rinkitink, wiping a tear from -his eye. "I recognize my royal standards flying from the boats. So, -please, dear Inga, get out your pearls to protect me!" - -"What can you fear at the hands of your own subjects?" asked Kitticut, -astonished. - -But before his frightened guest could answer the question Prince Bobo, -who was standing beside his friend, gave an amused laugh and said: - -"You are caught at last, dear Rinkitink. Your people will take you home -again and oblige you to reign as King." - -Rinkitink groaned aloud and clasped his hands together with a gesture of -despair, an attitude so comical that the others could scarcely forbear -laughing. - -But now the boats were landing upon the beach. They were fifty in -number, beautifully decorated and upholstered and rowed by men clad in -the gay uniforms of the King of Gilgad. One splendid boat had a throne -of gold in the center, over which was draped the King's royal robe of -purple velvet, embroidered with gold buttercups. - -Rinkitink shuddered when he saw this throne; but now a tall man, -handsomely dressed, approached and knelt upon the grass before his King, -while all the other occupants of the boats shouted joyfully and waved -their plumed hats in the air. - -"Thanks to our good fortune," said the man who kneeled, "we have found -Your Majesty at last!" - -"Pinkerbloo," answered Rinkitink sternly, "I must have you hanged, for -thus finding me against my will." - -"You think so now, Your Majesty, but you will never do it," returned -Pinkerbloo, rising and kissing the King's hand. - -"Why won't I?" asked Rinkitink. - -"Because you are much too tender-hearted, Your Majesty." - -"It may be--it may be," agreed Rinkitink, sadly. "It is one of my -greatest failings. But what chance brought you here, my Lord -Pinkerbloo?" - -"We have searched for you everywhere, sire, and all the people of Gilgad -have been in despair since you so mysteriously disappeared. We could not -appoint a new King, because we did not know but that you still lived; -so we set out to find you, dead or alive. After visiting many islands of -the Nonestic Ocean we at last thought of Pingaree, from where come the -precious pearls; and now our faithful quest has been rewarded." - -"And what now?" asked Rinkitink. - -"Now, Your Majesty, you must come home with us, like a good and dutiful -King, and rule over your people," declared the man in a firm voice. - -"I will not." - -"But you must--begging Your Majesty's pardon for the contradiction." - -"Kitticut," cried poor Rinkitink, "you must save me from being captured -by these, my subjects. What! must I return to Gilgad and be forced to -reign in splendid state when I much prefer to eat and sleep and sing in -my own quiet way? They will make me sit in a throne three hours a day -and listen to dry and tedious affairs of state; and I must stand up for -hours at the court receptions, till I get corns on my heels; and forever -must I listen to tiresome speeches and endless petitions and -complaints!" - -"But someone must do this, Your Majesty," said Pinkerbloo respectfully, -"and since you were born to be our King you cannot escape your duty." - -[Illustration] - -"'Tis a horrid fate!" moaned Rinkitink. "I would die willingly, rather -than be a King--if it did not hurt so terribly to die." - -"You will find it much more comfortable to reign than to die, although I -fully appreciate Your Majesty's difficult position and am truly sorry -for you," said Pinkerbloo. - -King Kitticut had listened to this conversation thoughtfully, so now he -said to his friend: - -"The man is right, dear Rinkitink. It is your duty to reign, since fate -has made you a King, and I see no honorable escape for you. I shall -grieve to lose your companionship, but I feel the separation cannot be -avoided." - -Rinkitink sighed. - -"Then," said he, turning to Lord Pinkerbloo, "in three days I will -depart with you for Gilgad; but during those three days I propose to -feast and make merry with my good friend King Kitticut." - -Then all the people of Gilgad shouted with delight and eagerly scrambled -ashore to take their part in the festival. - -Those three days were long remembered in Pingaree, for never--before nor -since--has such feasting and jollity been known upon that island. -Rinkitink made the most of his time and everyone laughed and sang with -him by day and by night. - -Then, at last, the hour of parting arrived and the King of Gilgad and -Ruler of the Dominion of Rinkitink was escorted by a grand procession to -his boat and seated upon his golden throne. The rowers of the fifty -boats paused, with their glittering oars pointed into the air like -gigantic uplifted sabres, while the people of Pingaree--men, women and -children--stood upon the shore shouting a royal farewell to the jolly -King. - -Then came a sudden hush, while Rinkitink stood up and, with a bow to -those assembled to witness his departure, sang the following song, which -he had just composed for the occasion. - - "Farewell, dear Isle of Pingaree-- - The fairest land in all the sea! - No living mortals, kings or churls, - Would scorn to wear thy precious pearls. - - "King Kitticut, 'tis with regret - I'm forced to say farewell; and yet - Abroad no longer can I roam - When fifty boats would drag me home. - - "Good-bye, my Prince of Pingaree; - A noble King some time you'll be - And long and wisely may you reign - And never face a foe again!" - -[Illustration] - -They cheered him from the shore; they cheered him from the boats; and -then all the oars of the fifty boats swept downward with a single motion -and dipped their blades into the purple-hued waters of the Nonestic -Ocean. - -As the boats shot swiftly over the ripples of the sea Rinkitink turned -to Prince Bobo, who had decided not to desert his former master and his -present friend, and asked anxiously: - -"How did you like that song, Bilbil--I mean Bobo? Is it a masterpiece, -do you think?" - -And Bobo replied with a smile: - -"Like all your songs, dear Rinkitink, the sentiment far excels the -poetry." - -[Illustration] - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Rinkitink in Oz, by L. Frank Baum - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RINKITINK IN OZ *** - -***** This file should be named 25581.txt or 25581.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/2/5/5/8/25581/ - -Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper, Greg Bergquist -and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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