ing excitedly to
the cave, so anxious were they to seize any chance that might set them
free.

The very stupid ones were harder to rouse, but by dint of coaxing and
driving they managed to get them all into the cave, where pure food and
fresh water soon began to clear their poisoned brains, and in a few
days' time they were nearly all as bright and wide awake as when they
came to the island.

The cave at night now was full of chattering and whispering, and Daimur
had put up a great many more branches for them to sleep on.

He had plenty to do, for there was now a large number of doves to
provide for, and they ate a surprising quantity of food, and for fear
the Magician should see him he had to go for potatoes and other
provisions at night.

It was thought best for the birds to fly through the island
occasionally in the day time, so that the Magician might not be
suspicious.

The first night, after they were all inside and had finished supper,
Daimur told them of the ship which was anchored at the Magician's door,
and they immediately cried out, "It is the one he stole from Prince
Redmond," and Prince Redmond, a big black dove with a huge red ruff and
red crest, nodded, and said he knew it must be his.

Then they talked about the magic tablets, and Daimur told them he felt
sure his little key would open the glass box.

Now Daimur was naturally very much interested to know who these doves
were and from which of the islands they came, so they decided that each
should tell his own story.

King Cyril was the first one called upon, and after Daimur had stirred
up the fire he began:

"I am, as most of you know, Cyril, King of the Island of Shells.

"My father was a kind, gentle man, who was more interested in study
than in governing his kingdom. He had only two sons, my brother
Arnolde and myself, and we grew up together and were the greatest
friends until I married.

"As my father was getting very old, and I was the elder son, I soon had
to devote a good deal of my time to the management of the kingdom, and
my brother, who was three years younger than I, and who took absolutely
no interest in matters of state, was now left very much to himself.

"One day he announced to my father that he was about to marry a
charming young lady who was living with her aunt, a duchess, in another
part of the kingdom. My father was naturally displeased that he should
have chosen for his wife some one who was not very high in r