suddenly becoming grave, he added, "How about my rheumatics, ma'am?
Ain't I likely to get stiffened up with all this dampness?"

"No indeed," Aquareine answered. "There is no such thing as
rheumatism in all our dominions. I promise no evil result shall
follow this visit to us, so please be as happy and contented as
possible."






THE SEA-SERPENT

CHAPTER 5





Just then Trot happened to look up at the glass roof and saw a
startling sight. A big head with a face surrounded by stubby gray
whiskers was poised just over them, and the head was connected with
a long, curved body that looked much like a sewer pipe.

"Oh, there is King Anko," said the Queen, following the child's
gaze. "Open a door and let him in, Clia, for I suppose our old
friend is anxious to see the earth people."