this way. The night would be the best time, when all are asleep, and
surely it will be quicker to reach the ocean through this hole in
the roof than by means of the long, winding passages by which we
entered."

"But we will have to break out of the castle in some way," observed
Cap'n Bill.

"That will not be difficult," answered Aquareine. "It will be no
trouble for me to shatter one of these panes of glass, allowing us
to pass out and swim straight up to the top of the dome."

"Let's do it now!" said Trot eagerly.

"No, my dear, we must wait for a good opportunity when we are not
watched closely. We do not wish the terrible Zog to thwart our
plan," answered the Queen gently.

Presently two sailor boys entered bearing trays of food, which they
placed upon a large table. They were cheery-faced young fellows with
gills at their throats, but had laughing eyes, and Trot was
astonished not to find any of the slaves of Zog weeping or
miserable. Instead, they were as jolly and good-natured as could be
and seemed to like their life under the water. Cap'n Bill asked one
of the boys how many slaves were in the castle, and the youth
replied that he would try to count them and let him know.

Tom Atto had, they found, prepared for them an excellent meal, and
they ate heartily because they were really hungry. After luncheon
Cap'n Bill smoked his pipe contentedly, and they renewed their