"If ever you see it, you will scream with terror." He touched a bell beside him, and the girl was surprised to find how clearly its tones rang out through the water.
In an instant the boy Sacho appeared and bowed low before his dreadful master.

"Take the mermaids and the child to the Rose Chamber," commanded Zog, "and take the old man-fish to the Peony Room." Sacho turned to obey.

"Are the outer passages well guarded ?" asked the monster.
"Yes, as you have commanded," said the boy.
"Then you may allow the prisoners to roam at will throughout the castle.

Now, go!" The prisoners followed Sacho from the room, glad to get away.

The presence of this evil being had grown oppressive to them, and Zog had himself seemed ill at ease during the last few minutes.