"But we can't!" protested Trot.

"Swim straight ahead," whispered the boy in soft tones. "There is no
real barrier before you. Your eyes are merely deceived by magic."

"Ah, I understand," said Aquareine, nodding her pretty head. And
then she took Mayre's hand and swam boldly forward, while Cap'n Bill
followed holding the hand of Clia. And behold! the marble wall
melted away before them, and they found themselves in a chamber more
splendid than even the fairy mermaids had ever seen before.






PRISONERS OF THE SEA MONSTER

CHAPTER 13





The room in the enchanted castle which Zog called the "den" and in
which the wicked sea monster passed most of his time was a perfectly
shaped dome of solid gold. The upper part of this dome was thickly
set with precious jewels--diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds,
which sparkled beautifully through the crystal water. The lower
walls were as thickly studded with pearls, all being of perfect