The Under Folk
terous movement they took off the magic jackets, and with another they removed the useful tails. The Princess and the four children stood upon the table on their own ten feet.
"What funny little things," said the King, not unkindly.
"Hush," said the Queen, "perhaps they can understand what you say—and at any rate that Mer-girl can."
The children were furious to hear their Princess so disrespectfully spoken of. But she herself remained beautifully calm.
"Now," said the Queen, "before we destroy your memories, will you answer questions?"
"Some questions, yes—others, no," said the Princess.
"Are these human children?"
"Yes."
"How do they come under the sea?"
"Mer-magic. You wouldn't understand," said the Princess haughtily.
"Were they fighting against us?"
"Yes," cried Bernard and Mavis before the Princess answered.
"And lucky to do it," Francis added.
"If you will tell us the fighting strength of the Merlanders, your tails and coats shall be restored to you and you shall go free. Will you tell?"
"Is it likely?" the Princess answered. "I am a Mer-woman, and a Princess of the Royal House. Such do not betray their country."
"No, I suppose not," said the Queen. And she paused a moment before she said, "Administer the cup of forgetfulness."
The cup of forgetfulness was exceedingly pleasant. It tasted of toffee and coconuts, and pineapple ices, and plum cake, and roast chicken, with a faint underflavor of lavender, rose leaves and the very best eau de cologne.
The children had tasted cider-cup and champagne-cup at par-
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