called upon the High Ki the next morning they found
the two maids again dressed exactly alike in yellow robes, with strings
of sparkling emeralds for ornament. And not even Prince Marvel could
now tell one of the High Ki from the other.

As for the maids themselves, it seemed difficult to imagine they had
ever existed apart for a single moment.

They were very pleasant and agreeable to their new friends, and when
they heard that Prince Marvel was about to leave them to seek new
adventures they said:

"Please take us with you! It seems to us that we ought to know
something of the big outside world from whence you came. If we see
other kingdoms and people we shall be better able to rule our own
wisely."

"That seems reasonable," answered Marvel, "and I shall be very glad to
have you accompany me. But who will rule the Land of Twi in your
absence?"

"The Ki-Ki shall be the rulers," answered the High Ki, "and we will
take the Ki with us."

"Then I will delay my departure until to-morrow morning," said the
prince, "in order that your Highnesses may have time to prepare for the
journey."

And then he went back to the palaces of the other rulers, where the Ki
expressed themselves greatly pleased at the idea of traveling, and the
new Ki-Ki were proud to learn they should rule for some time the Land
of Twi.

Wul-Takim also begged to join the party, and so also did King Terribus,
who had never before been outside of his own Kingdom of Spor; so Prince
Marvel willingly consented.

The fifty-eight reformed thieves, led by Gunder, returned to their
cave, where they were living comfortably on the treasure Prince Marvel
had given them; and the Gray Men and giants and dwarfs of Spor departed
for their own country.

In the morning Prince Marvel led his own gay cavalcade through the hole
in the hedge, and they rode merrily away in search of adventure.

By his side were the High Ki, mounted upon twin chestnut ponies that
had remarkably slender limbs and graceful, arched necks. The ponies
moved with exactly the same steps, and shook their manes and swished
their tails at exactly the same time. Behind the prince and the High
Ki were King Terribus, riding his great white charger, and Wul-Takim on
a stout horse of jet-black color. The two ancient Ki and Nerle, being
of lesser rank than the others, brought up the rear.

"When we return to our Land of Twi," said the High Ki, "we shall close
up for all time the hole you m