human
Hello,
gpt
Why, I'd like to, replied the boy, with a laugh,
human
We're not glad, observed the girl;
gpt
You'll get over that, declared the boy, smilingly.
human
People lose a lot of time being afraid. Once I was myself afraid, but I found it was no fun, so I gave it up.
gpt
Why were we brought here?
human
I can't say, madam, being a mere slave, replied the boy.
gpt
But, you have reminded me of my errand. I am sent to inform you all that Zog the Forsaken, who hates all the world and is hated by all the world, commands your presence in his den.
human
Do you hate Zog, too?
gpt
Oh, no, answered the boy.
human
People lose a lot of time in hating others, and there's no fun in it at all. Zog may be hateful, but I'm not going to waste time hating him. You may do so, if you like.
gpt
You are a queer child, remarked the Mermaid Queen, looking at him attentively.
human
Will you tell us who you are?
gpt
Once, I was Prince Sacho of Sacharhineolaland, which is a sweet country, but hard to pronounce, he answered.
human
But in this domain I have but one title and one name, and that is 'Slave.'
gpt
How came you to be Zog's slave?
human
The funniest adventure you ever heard of, asserted the boy, with eager pride.
gpt
I sailed in a ship that went to pieces in a storm. All on board were drowned but me--and I came mighty near it, to tell the truth. I went down deep, deep into the sea, and at the bottom was Zog, watching the people drown. I tumbled on his head and he grabbed and saved me, saying I would make a useful slave. By his magic power he made me able to live under water, as the fishes live, and he brought me to this castle and taught me to wait upon him, as his other slaves do.
human
Isn't it a dreadful, lonely life?
gpt
No, indeed, said Sacho;
human
Are there many others in the castle besides you and Zog?
gpt
Dozens of us. Perhaps hundreds. I've never counted them, said the boy.
human
But Zog is the only master; all the rest of us are in the same class, so there is no jealousy among the slaves.
gpt
What is Zog like?
human
If I could tell you what Zog is like it would take me a year, was the reply.
gpt
But I can't tell you. Every one has a different idea of what he's like, and soon you will see him yourselves.
human
Are you fond of him?
gpt
If I said yes, I'd get a good whipping, declared Sacho.
human
I am commanded to hate Zog, and being a good servant I try to obey. If anyone dared to like Zog I am sure he'd be instantly fed to the turtles; so I advise you not to like him.
gpt
Oh, we won't,
human
But we're keeping the master waiting, and that is also a dangerous thing to do, continued the boy.
gpt
If we don't hurry up Zog will begin to smile, and when he smiles there is trouble brewing.
human
Lead the way, Sacho, she said.
gpt
We will follow.