sensitive that the poor nome howled with pain.
Finally the King said:

"There's no help for it; we must drop these
audacious invaders down the Hollow Tube."

Kaliko gave a jump, at this, and looked at his
master wonderingly.

"If you do that, Your Majesty," he said, "you
will make Tititi-Hoochoo very angry."

"Never mind that," retorted Ruggedo. "Tititi-
Hoochoo lives on the other side of the world, so
what do I care for his anger?"

Kaliko shuddered and uttered a little groan.

"Remember his terrible powers," he pleaded, "and
remember that he warned you, the last time you
slid people through the Hollow Tube, that if you
did it again he would take vengeance upon you."

The Metal Monarch walked up and down in silence,
thinking deeply.

"Of two dangers," said he, "it is wise to choose
the least. What do you suppose these invaders
want?"