," replied Ghip-Ghisizzle.

"Then I'll bet you four buttonholes they don't. I've a suspicion that
once they enter the Great Blue Grotto that's the last of them."

Ghip-Ghisizzle went away quite sad and unhappy. He did not approve the
way the strangers were being treated and thought it was wicked and
cruel to try to destroy them.

During his absence, the prisoners had been talking together very
earnestly. "We must get away from here somehow 'r other," said Cap'n
Bill, "but o' course we can't stir a step without the Magic Umbrel."

"No, I must surely manage to get my umbrella first," said Button-Bright.

"Do it quick, then," urged Trot, "for I can't stand those snubnoses
much longer."

"I'll do it tonight," said the boy.

"The sooner, the better, my lad," remarked the sailor, "but seein' as
the Blue Boolooroo has locked it up in his Treasure Chamber, it mayn't
be easy to get hold of."

"No, it won't be easy," Button-Bright admitted. "But it has to be done,
Cap'n Bill, and there's no use waiting any longer. No one here likes
us, and in a few days they may make an end of us."

"Oh, Button-Bright! There's a Blue Wolf in the Treasure Chamber!"
exclaimed Trot.

"Yes, I know."

"An' a patched man on guard outside," Cap'n Bill reminded him.

"I know," repeated Button-Bright.

"And the key's in the King's own pocket," added Trot despairingly.

The boy nodded. He didn't say how he would overcome all these
difficulties, so the little girl feared they would never see the Magic
Umbrella again. But their present position was a very serious one, and
even Cap'n Bill dared not advise Button-Bright to give up the desperate
attempt.

When Ghip-Ghisizzle returned, he said, "You must be very careful not to
anger the Boolooroo, or he may do you a mischief. I think the little
girl had better keep away from the Princesses for tonight unless they
demand her presence. The boy must go for the King's shoes and blue them
and polish them and then take them back to the Royal Bedchamber. Cap'n
Bill won't have anything to do, for I've ordered Tiggle to mix the
nectar."

"Thank 'e, friend Sizzle," said Cap'n Bill.

"Now follow me, and I will take you to your rooms."

He led them to the rear of the palace, where he gave them three small
rooms on the ground floor, each having a bed in it. Cap'n Bill's room
had a small door leading out into the street of the City, but Ghip
Ghisizzle advised him to keep this door locked, as the city pe