CHAPTER 12





All at once it grew dark around them. Neither Cap'n Bill nor Trot
liked this gloom, for it made them nervous not to be able to see
their enemies.

"We must be near a sea cavern, if not within one," whispered
Princess Clia, and even as she spoke the network of scarlet arms
parted before them, leaving an avenue for them to swim out of the
cage. There was brighter water ahead, too, so the queen said without
hesitation:

"Come along, dear friends; but let us clasp hands and keep close
together."

They obeyed her commands and swam swiftly out of their prison and
into the clear water before them, glad to put a distance between
themselves and the loathesome sea devils. The monsters made no
attempt to follow them, but they burst into a chorus of harsh
laughter which warned our friends that they had not yet accomplished
their escape.

The four now found themselves in a broad, rocky passage, which was
dimly lighted from some unknown source. The walls overhead, below
them and at the sides all glistened as if made of silver, and in
places were set small statues of birds, beasts and fishes, occupying