body,
which filled all of the space at the bottom of the immense circular
room. It reminded them of a great coil of garden hose, only it was
so much bigger around and very much longer.

Except for the astonishing size of the Ocean King, the sight was not
an especially interesting one, but they told old Anko that they were
pleased to see him, because it was evident he was very fond of his
figure. Then the cloth descended again and covered all but the head,
after which they bade the king goodbye and thanked him for all his
kindness to them.

"I used to think sea serpents were horrid creatures," said Trot,
"but now I know they are good and--and--and--"

"And big," added Cap'n Bill, realizing his little friend could not
find another word that was complimentary.

CHAPTER 21

KING JOE

As they swam out of Anko's palace and the doll-faced fishes left
them, Aquareine asked:

"Would you rather go back to our mermaid home for a time and rest
yourselves or would you prefer to start for Giant's Cave at once?"

"I guess we'd better go back home," decided Trot. "To our own home,
I mean. We've been away quite a while, and King Anko seemed to think
it was best."

"Very well," replied the Queen. "Let us turn in this direction,
then."

"You can say goodbye to Merla for us," continued Trot. "She was very
nice to us, an' 'specially to Cap'n Bill."

"So she was, mate," agreed the sailor, "an' a prettier lady I never
knew, even if she is a mermaid, beggin' your pardon, ma'am."

"Are we going anywhere near Zog's castle?" asked the girl.

"Our way leads directly past the opening in the dome," said
Aquareine.

"Then let's stop and see what Sacho and the others are doing,"
suggested Trot. "They can't be slaves any longer, you know, 'cause
they haven't any master. I wonder if they're any happier than they
were before?"

"They seemed to be pretty happy as it was," remarked Cap'n Bill.

"It will do no harm to pay them a brief visit," said Princess Clia.
"All danger disappeared from the cavern with the destruction of
Zog."

"I really ought to say goodbye to Brother Joe," observed the sailor
man. "I won't see him again, you know, and I don't want to seem
unbrotherly."

"Very well," said the Queen, "we will reenter the cavern, for I,
too, am anxious to know what will be the fate of the poor slaves of
the magician."

When they came to the hole in the top of the dome, they dropped
through it and swam leisurely down t