e right.

CHAPTER XVII

The next day was spent in flying thoroughly over the island to see that
no dove had been overlooked, as they did not want to leave anyone
behind.

Only one old grey one was found sleeping in a tree, which Prince
Redmond identified as an old sailor who had been one of his crew. He
seemed willing to go to the cave at once, and towards night he began to
revive.

Immediately after dark they heard a great wind sighing about the
island, which Daimur, who had on his cap and spectacles said was the
Magician leaving his castle for the Island of Sunne, where he was going
to search for the very treasures that Daimur then wore.

Soon Daimur announced that he could see the witch going out to find her
cat, and when he knew she was well away they all fluttered out of the
cave and led by Daimur, Prince Redmond and King Cyril, made their way
to where the Magician's wall crossed the sea sand. Here Daimur again
dug a hole under the wall and all passed through safely, Tasmir
remaining behind for a moment to fill up the gap again with sand.

They went forward very quietly until they came to the steps of the
Magician's castle.

"Wait here," said Daimur, "while the Princess and I go inside and find
the tablets."

The door was not locked, and Daimur pushed it open softly, and led by
Princess Maya walked through the kitchen to the room where the glass
box was kept.

This he picked up carefully and carried outside, taking care to shut
the door behind him.

By the dim light of the moon half hidden behind clouds he drew forth
his little key and tried it in the lock. The doves were grouped in
front of him, and every eye was fixed on the key as he turned it
carefully. Would it really fit? Around it went. Up sprang the lid,
and there behold! were the wonderful big pellets which might break the
enchantment.

[Illustration: Up sprang the lid, and there behold! were the wonderful
big pellets.]

Daimur passed the box, first to the Queen, Princess Maya, and the
Duchess, and the other royal personages, and then around to everybody.

In a moment a strange assemblage of people stood where but a few
seconds before had been only a flock of doves.

What a murmur of delight arose! King Cyril embraced his wife and
daughter, the Duchess clung to Daimur in a spasm of joy, Prince Redmond
and his brother wept in each other's arms, while Prince Redmond's fifty
sailors all crowded around them, swearing they woul