human
Please excuse this little interruption, said Zog.
gpt
I knew very well the marble blocks could not hurt you. But the play is over for a time. You may now retire to your rooms, and when I again invite you to my presence I shall have found some better way to entertain you.
human
Zog is making a great mistake, said Sacho, with a laugh.
gpt
He has no time for vengeance, but the great magician does not know that.
human
What is he trying to do, anyway?
gpt
He does not tell me his secrets, but I've an idea he wants to kill you, replied Sacho.
human
How absurd it is to be plotting such a thing, when he might spend his time in laughing and being jolly! Isn't it, now?
gpt
Zog is a wicked, wicked, creature!
human
But he has his good points, replied Sacho, cheerfully.
gpt
There is no one in all the world so bad that there is nothing good about him.
human
I'm not so sure of that, said Cap'n Bill.
gpt
What are Zog's good points?
human
All his slaves were saved from drowning, and he is kind to them,
gpt
That is merely the kindness of selfishness, said Aquareine.
human
Tell me, my lad, is the opening in the great dome outside guarded?
gpt
Yes, indeed, was the reply.
human
You cannot hope to escape in that way, for the prince of the sea devils, who is the largest and fiercest of his race, lies crouched over the opening, night and day, and none can pass his network of curling legs.
gpt
Is there no avenue that is not guarded?
human
None at all, your Majesty. Zog is always careful to be well guarded, for he fears the approach of an enemy. What this enemy can be, to terrify the powerful magician, I do not know; but Zog is always afraid and never leaves an entrance unguarded. Besides, it is an enchanted castle, you know, and none in the ocean can see it unless Zog wishes him to. So it will be very hard for his enemy to find him.
gpt
We wish to escape, said Clia.
human
Will you help us, Sacho?
gpt
In any way I can,
human
If we succeed, we will take you with us,
gpt
I would indeed like to see you escape Zog's vengeance, said he,
human
We were able to escape Zog's attacks to-day, but I am quite sure he will plan more powerful ways to destroy us. He has shown that he knows some clever magic and perhaps I shall not be able to foil it. So it will be well for us to escape to-night, if possible.
gpt
Can you fight and conquer the big sea devil up in the dome?
human
I can't abide them devil critters, an' I hopes, for my part, we won't be called on to tackle 'em. You see, Trot, we're in consider'ble of a bad mess, an' if we ever live to tell the tale--
gpt
Why not, Cap'n? asked the child.
human
We're safe enough, so far. Can't you trust to our good friend the queen?
gpt
She don't seem plumb sure o' things herself, remarked the sailor.
human
The mermaids is all right an' friendly, mate, but this 'ere magic maker--ol' Zog--is a bad one, out 'n' out, an' means to kill us, if he can.
gpt
But he can't!
human
I hope you're right, dear. I wouldn't want to bet on Zog's chances, jes' yet, an' at the same time it would be riskin' money to bet on our chances. Seems to me it's a case of luck which wins.
gpt
Don't worry, friend, said the Queen.
human
I have a plan to save us. Let us wait patiently until nightfall.