AND
IV. THE DESIRE OF HIS HEART
V. THE STRANGER
VI. MAN TO MAN
VII. THE MESSENGER
VIII. ARREST
IX. VALPRE AGAIN
X. THE INDESTRUCTIBLE
XI. THE END OF THE VOYAGE
XII. THE PROCESSION UNDER THE WINDOWS

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER I

THE KNIGHT OF THE MAGIC CAVE

When Cinders began to dig a hole no power on earth, except brute force,
could ever stop him till he sank exhausted. Not even the sight of a crab
could divert his thoughts from this entrancing occupation, much less his
mistress's shrill whistle; and this was strange, for on all other
occasions it was his custom to display the most exemplary obedience.

Of a cheerful disposition was Cinders, deeply interested in all things
living, despising nothing however trivial, constantly seeking, and very
often finding, treasures of supreme value in his own estimation. It was
probably this passion for investigation that induced him to dig with such
energy and perseverance, but he was not an interesting companion when the
digging mood was upon him. It was, in fact, advisable to keep at a
distance, for he created a miniature sand-storm in his immediate vicinity
that spoiled the amusement of all except himself and successfully checked
all intrusive sympathy.

"It really is too bad of him," said Chris, as she sat on a rock at twelve
yards' distance and dried her feet in melancholy preoccupation. "It's the
third day running, and I'm so tired of having nobody to talk to and
nothing to do--not even a crab-hunt."

There was some pleasure to be extracted from crab-hunting under Cinders'
ardent leadership, but alone it held no fascinations. It really was just
a little selfish of Cinders.

She glanced towards him, and saw that the sand-storm had temporarily
abated. He was working away the heap that had collected beneath him in
preparation for more extensive operations.

"Cinders!" she called, in the forlorn hope of attracting his attention.
"Cinders!" Then, with a sudden spurt of animation, "Cinders darling, just
come and see what I've found!"

But Cinders was not so easily deceived. He stood a moment with his stubby
little body tensely poised, then plunged afresh with feverish eagerness
to his task.

The sand-storm recommenced, and Chris turned with a sigh to contemplate
the blue horizon. A large steamer was travelling slowly across it. She
watched it enviously.

"Lucky people!" she said. "Lucky, lucky people!"

The wind caught her red-brown ha