Trot did not answer this queer speech, for just then they came to a
flight of stairs, and Sacho climbed up them while the others swam.
And now they were in a lofty, broad corridor having many doors hung
with seaweed draperies. At one of these doorways Sacho stopped and
said, "Here is the Rose Chamber where the master commands you to
live until you die. You may wander anywhere in the castle as you
please; to leave it is impossible. Whenever you return to the Rose
Chamber, you will know it by this design of roses sewn in pearls
upon the hangings. The Peony Room where the man-fish is to live is
the next one farther on."

"Thank you," replied Queen Aquareine. "Are we to be fed?"

"Meals will be served in your rooms. If you desire anything, ring
the bell and some of the slaves will be sure to answer it. I am
mostly in attendance upon my master, but whenever I am at liberty I
will look after your comfort myself."

Again they thanked the strange boy, and he turned and left them.
They could hear him whistle and sing as he returned along the
passage. Then Princess Clia parted the curtains that her queen and
companions might enter the Rose Chamber.






CAP'N JOE AND CAP'N BILL