PRINCE RICARDO. — 209

 

herself back ina moment. By the way, where
is Jaqueline ?”’

He rang the bell, and asked the servant to
look for the princess.

Semiramis tried to come in, but was caught
and shut up downstairs.

After doing this, the man replied that her
Royal Highness had not been in the palace all
day.

The king rushed to the crystal ball, looked
all the world over; but no princess! He
became very nervous, and at that moment
Dick lighted on the crystal ball, and put
his claw on the very hill where Jaqueline
had disappeared. Then he cocked his little
eye at the king.

*“Nay,. she is somewhere in the unknown
centre of South America,” said his Majesty;
*“somewhere behind Mount Roraima, where
nobody has ever been. I must look into this.”

Then he put on the Wishing Cap, and wished
that the bird would assume his natural shape if
he was under enchantment, as there seemed
too good reason to believe.

Instantly Dick stood before him.

“Ricardo!” cried the king in horror; “‘and
in this disguise! Where have you been? What
have you done with Jaqueline? Where are the
Seven-league Boots? Where is the Sword of
Sharpness? Speak! Get up!” for Dick was
kneeling and weeping bitterly at the royal feet.