was not to be starved, at all events, and return to Prince
Ricardo, whom we left fluttering about as a little golden-crested wren.
He followed the Giant and Jaqueline into the whirlpool of air as far as
he dared, and when he saw her vanish down the cone of the hill, he flew
straight back to Pantouflia.

CHAPTER IX.
Prigio has an Idea.

{Ricardo and Semiramis: p165.jpg}

A weary and way-worn little bird was Prince Ricardo when he fluttered
into the royal study window, in the palace of Pantouflia. The king was
out at a council meeting; knowing that Ricardo had the right things, all
in good order, he was not in the least anxious about him. The king was
out, but Semiramis was in--Semiramis, the great grey cat, sitting on a
big book on the top of the library steps. Now Semiramis was very fond of
birds, and no sooner did Ricardo enter and flutter on to a table than
Semiramis gathered herself together and made one fell spring at him. She
just caught his tail feather. In all his adventures the prince had never
been in greater danger. He escaped, but no more, and went flying round
the ceiling, looking for a safe place. Finally he perched on a
chandelier that hung from the roof. Here he was safe; and so weary was
he, that he put his head under his wing and fell fast asleep. He was
awakened by the return of the king, who threw himself on a sofa and
exclaimed:

"Oh, that Prime Minister! his dulness is as heavy as lead; much heavier,
in fact!"

Then his Majesty lit a cigar and took up a volume; he certainly was a sad
bookworm.

Dick now began to fly about the room, brushing the king's face and trying
to attract his notice.

"Poor little thing!" said his Majesty.

And Dick alighted, and nestled in his breast.

On seeing this, Semiramis began to growl, as cats do when they are angry,
and slowly approached his Majesty.

"Get out, Semiramis!" said the king; and lifting her by the neck, he put
her out of the room and shut the door, at which she remained scratching
and mewing.

Dick now crept out of the royal waistcoat, flew to the king's ear,
twittered, pointed out of the window with one claw, and, lying down on
his back, pretended to be dead. Then he got up again, twittered afresh,
pointed to the Wishing Cap, and, finally, convinced the king that this
was no common fowl.

"An enchanted prince or princess," said Prigio, "such as I have often
read of. Who can it be? Not Jaqueline; she could change hers