one
of the High Ki twins walked in upon them.

She was as sweet and fair to look upon as when she occupied one of the
beautiful thrones, but at first no one could tell which of the High Ki
she was--their friend or their enemy. Even the Ki were puzzled and
anxious, until the girl said:

"My other half and I have completely separated, for we have agreed to
disagree for all time. And she has gone to ask the Ki-Ki to assist
her, for war is declared between us. And hereafter her color is to be
the green and mine the yellow, and we intend to fight until one of us
conquers and overthrows the other."

This announcement was interesting to Marvel and Nerle, but greatly
shocked the aged Ki, who asked:

"What is to become of our kingdom? Half of a High Ki can not rule it.
It is against the law."

"I will make my own laws when I have won the fight," returned the girl,
with a lovely smile; "so do not let that bother you. And now tell me,
will you help me to fight my battles?"

"Willingly!" exclaimed Nerle and Prince Marvel, almost as if they had
been twins of Twi. And the Ki rubbed their bald heads a moment, and
then sneezed together and wiped their eyes on faded yellow
handkerchiefs, and finally declared they would "stick to her Supreme
Highness through thick and thin!"

"Then go over the wall to the cities, at once, and get together all the
soldiers to fight for me and my cause," commanded the girl.

The twin Ki at once left the room, and the High Ki sat down and began
to ask questions of Prince Marvel and Nerle about the big outside world
from whence they came. Nerle was rather shy and bashful before the
dainty little maiden, whose yellow robe contrasted delightfully with
her pink cheeks and blue eyes and brown flowing locks; but Prince
Marvel did not mind girls at all, so he talked with her freely, and she
in return allowed him to examine the pretty gold crown she wore upon
her brow.

By and by the Ki came back with both faces sad and gloomy.

"Your Highness," they announced, "we have bad news for you. The other
High Ki, who is wearing a green gown, has been more prompt in action
than yourself. She and the Ki-Ki have secured the silver steps and
will allow no others to use them; and already they have sent for the
soldiers of the royal armies to come and aid them. So we are unable to
leave the garden, and presently the army will be here to destroy us."

Then the girl showed her good courage; for she laughe