had enjoyed undisturbed the possession of his
stolen throne; but as Desire grew taller and stronger every year,
Garabin began to fear the day when he would be compelled to resign in
favor of his nephew.

When the Prince reached his twentieth year, Garabin would certainly have
killed him openly had he dared; but, fearing the people, he resolved to
use secret methods, and bribed a cruel magician to afflict poor Desire
with a deadly and mysterious malady. Of this malady, Desire was slowly
dying, for no medicine could cure him or even give him any relief from
his constant pain. Every morning the cruel Garabin, in the hope of
finding his nephew dead, would go to the sick room; and you may be sure
that his wicked heart rejoiced when he found the Prince weaker and more
feverish.

Garabin had just returned from a visit to the Prince, who was rapidly
failing, when the Captain of the Castle Guard came to him with the news
that the wonderful Marianna had arrived in the kingdom. The King gave
orders that she be brought before him. So Marianna, walking between two
halberdiers and followed across the courtyard by crowds of curious
people, was led before the King. The little yellow bird sat on
Marianna's shoulder, and never did maiden appear lovelier or more
gentle.

Scarcely had Garabin set eyes on Marianna, when he caught sight of the
golden locket which she wore about her neck. Had he not been very old
and crafty, he would have started from his golden throne, for he knew
that the little golden heart set with diamonds had been one of the crown
jewels, and that therefore Marianna must be the missing Princess, and
rightful queen of the kingdom.

What was he to do? If he refused to let Marianna help the Prince, the
people might begin to suspect him, and start a revolution which would
thrust him from his throne; if he allowed Marianna to cure the Prince,
the Prince would certainly demand the kingdom on his twenty-first
birthday. What was he to do with Marianna, whose right to the throne was
superior even to his nephew's? Perplexed, and with fear in his heart,
the King sought the cruel magician who had cast the spell on Desire.

The magician lived in a gloomy tower, and had an enchanted black dog
that he fed with flaming coals. He listened to Garabin's story, stirring
a great cauldron all the while, and said, "Do not fear. I will destroy
both claimants to the throne at once."

Garabin rubbed his hands together with glee.

"To-ni