are acting they seem determined to drive us toward the Devil Caves,
which I wished to avoid."

This admission on the part of their powerful protector, the fairy
mermaid, sent a chill to the hearts of the earth people. Neither
spoke for a time, but finally Cap'n Bill asked in a timid voice:

"Hadn't we better go back, ma'am?"

"Yes," decided Aquareine after a moment's thought. "I think it will
be wise to retreat. The sea devils are evidently aware of our
movements and wish to annoy us. For my part, I have no fear of them,
but I do not care to have you meet such creatures."

But when they turned around to abandon their journey, another inky
cloud was to be seen behind them. They really had no choice but to
swim in the only streak of clear water they could find, and the
mermaids well knew this would lead them nearer and nearer to the
caves of their enemies.

But Aquareine led the way, moving very slowly, and the others
followed her. In every other direction they were hemmed in by the
black waters, and they did not dare to halt, because the inky fluid
crept swiftly up behind them and drove them on.

The queen and the princess had now become silent and grave. They
swam on either side of their guests as if to better protect them.

"Don't look up," whispered Clia, pressing close to the little girl's
side.