c pretty well themselves, so if we are obliged to fight
magic with magic the chances are that we are a hundred times more
powerful than you can be. Think this over carefully, my boy, and try to
realize that you are in my power. I do not believe you can force me to
liberate King Kitticut and Queen Garee, and I know that you cannot coax
me to do so, for I have given my promise to King Gos. Therefore, as I
do not wish to hurt you, I ask you to go away peaceably and let me
alone."

"Forgive me if I do not agree with you, King Kaliko," answered the boy.
"However difficult and dangerous my task may be, I cannot leave your
dominions until every effort to release my parents has failed and left
me completely discouraged."

"Very well," said the King, evidently displeased. "I have warned you,
and now if evil overtakes you it is your own fault. I've a headache
to-day, so I cannot entertain you properly, according to your rank; but
Klik will attend you to my guest chambers and to-morrow I will talk
with you again."

This seemed a fair and courteous way to treat one's declared enemies,
so they politely expressed the wish that Kaliko's headache would be
better, and followed their guide, Klik, down a well-lighted passage and
through several archways until they finally reached three nicely
furnished bedchambers which were cut from solid gray rock and well
lighted and aired by some mysterious method known to the nomes.

The first of these rooms was given King Rinkitink, the second was
Inga's and the third was assigned to Bilbil the goat. There was a
swinging rock door between the third and second rooms and another
between the second and first, which also had a door that opened upon
the passage. Rinkitink's room was the largest, so it was here that an
excellent dinner was spread by some of the nome servants, who, in spite
of their crooked shapes, proved to be well trained and competent.

"You are not prisoners, you know," said Klik; "neither are you welcome
guests, having declared your purpose to oppose our mighty King and all
his hosts. But we bear you no ill will, and you are to be well fed and
cared for as long as you remain in our caverns. Eat hearty, sleep
tight, and pleasant dreams to you."

Saying this, he left them alone and at once Rinkitink and Inga began to
counsel together as to the best means to liberate King Kitticut and
Queen Garee. The White Pearl's advice was rather unsatisfactory to the
boy, just now, for all tha