ined three
great pearls, each one as big around as a marble. One had a blue tint
and one was of a delicate rose color, but the third was pure white.

[Illustration]

"These three pearls," said the King, speaking in a solemn, impressive
voice, "are the most wonderful the world has ever known. They were gifts
to one of my ancestors from the Mermaid Queen, a powerful fairy whom he
once had the good fortune to rescue from her enemies. In gratitude for
this favor she presented him with these pearls. Each of the three
possesses an astonishing power, and whoever is their owner may count
himself a fortunate man. This one having the blue tint will give to
the person who carries it a strength so great that no power can resist
him. The one with the pink glow will protect its owner from all dangers
that may threaten him, no matter from what source they may come. The
third pearl--this one of pure white--can speak, and its words are always
wise and helpful."

"What is this, my father!" exclaimed the Prince, amazed; "do you tell me
that a pearl can speak? It sounds impossible."

"Your doubt is due to your ignorance of fairy powers," returned the
King, gravely. "Listen, my son, and you will know that I speak the
truth."

He held the white pearl to Inga's ear and the Prince heard a small voice
say distinctly: "Your father is right. Never question the truth of what
you fail to understand, for the world is filled with wonders."

"I crave your pardon, dear father," said the Prince, "for clearly I
heard the pearl speak, and its words were full of wisdom."

"The powers of the other pearls are even greater," resumed the King.
"Were I poor in all else, these gems would make me richer than any other
monarch the world holds."

"I believe that," replied Inga, looking at the beautiful pearls with
much awe. "But tell me, my father, why do you fear the warriors of Regos
and Coregos when these marvelous powers are yours?"

"The powers are mine only while I have the pearls upon my person,"
answered King Kitticut, "and I dare not carry them constantly for fear
they might be lost. Therefore, I keep them safely hidden in this recess.
My only danger lies in the chance that my watchmen might fail to
discover the approach of our enemies and allow the warrior invaders to
seize me before I could secure the pearls. I should, in that case, be
quite powerless to resist. My father owned the magic pearls at the time
of the Great Fight, of which you have