"But who are the prisoners you have brought here, and why do you place them in my charge instead of guarding them, yourself?
They seem gentle enough, I'm sure." "The prisoners," returned King Gos, "are the King and Queen of Pingaree, a small island north of here.

They are very evil people and came to our islands of Regos and Coregos to conquer them and slay our poor people.

Also they intended to plunder us of all our riches, but by good fortune we were able to defeat and capture them.

However, they have a son who is a terrible wizard and who by magic art is trying to find this awful King and Queen of Pingaree, and to set them free, that they may continue their wicked deeds.

Therefore, as we have no magic to defend ourselves with, we have brought the prisoners to you for safe keeping." "Your Majesty," spoke up King Kitticut, addressing the Nome King with great indignation, "do not believe this tale, I implore you.