special to see that I can make out."

"That is true, sir," replied the Princess. "We have purposely led
you through the mid-water hoping you would see nothing to alarm you
until you get more accustomed to our ocean life. Moreover, we are
able to travel more swiftly here. How far do you think we have
already come, Cap'n?"

"Oh, 'bout two mile," he answered.

"Well, we are now hundreds of miles from the cave where we started,"
she told him.

"You don't mean it!" he exclaimed in wonder.

"Then there's magic in it," announced Trot soberly.

"True, my dear. To avoid tiring you and to save time, we have used a
little of our fairy power," said Clia. "The result is that we are
nearing our home. Let us go downward a bit, now, for you must know
that the mermaid palaces are at the very bottom of the ocean, and in
its deepest part."






THE PALACE OF QUEEN AQUAREINE