It is all a lie!" "I know it," said Kaliko.

"I consider it a clever lie, though, because it is woven without a thread of truth.

However, that is none of my business.

The fact remains that my good friend King Gos wishes to put you in my underground caverns, so that you will be unable to escape.
And why should I not please him in this little matter?
Gos is a mighty King and a great warrior, while your island of Pingaree is desolated and your people scattered.

In my heart, King Kitticut, I sympathize with you, but as a matter of business policy we powerful Kings must stand together and trample the weaker ones under our feet." King Kitticut was surprised to find the King of the nomes so candid and so well informed, and he tried to argue that he and his gentle wife did not deserve their cruel fate and that it would be wiser for Kaliko to side with them than with the evil King of Regos.