g Queen known that Inga had lost all
his magic, she would not have devoted so much time to the simple matter
of capturing him, but like all others she was impressed by the marvelous
exhibition of power he had shown in capturing Regos, and had no reason
to believe the boy was less powerful now.

One morning Queen Cor boldly entered a boat, and, taking four men with
her as an escort and bodyguard, was rowed across the narrow channel to
Regos. Prince Inga was sitting in the palace playing checkers with King
Rinkitink when a servant came to him, saying that Queen Cor had arrived
and desired an audience with him.

With many misgivings lest the wicked Queen discover that he had now lost
his magic powers, the boy ordered her to be admitted, and she soon
entered the room and bowed low before him, in mock respect.

Cor was a big woman, almost as tall as King Gos. She had flashing black
eyes and the dark complexion you see on gypsies. Her temper, when
irritated, was something dreadful, and her face wore an evil expression
which she tried to cover by smiling sweetly--often when she meant the
most mischief.

"I have come," said she in a low voice, "to render homage to the noble
Prince of Pingaree. I am told that Your Highness is the strongest person
in the world, and invincible in battle, and therefore I wish you to
become my friend, rather than my enemy."

Now Inga did not know how to reply to this speech. He disliked the
appearance of the woman and was afraid of her and he was unused to
deception and did not know how to mask his real feelings. So he took
time to think over his answer, Which he finally made in these words:

"I have no quarrel with Your Majesty, and my only reason for coming
here is to liberate my father and mother, and my people, whom you and
your husband have made your slaves, and to recover the goods King Gos
has plundered from the Island of Pingaree. This I hope soon to
accomplish, and if you really wish to be my friend, you can assist me
greatly."

While he was speaking Queen Cor had been studying the boy's face
stealthily, from the corners of her eyes, and she said to herself: "He
is so small and innocent that I believe I can capture him alone, and
with ease. He does not seem very terrible and I suspect that King Gos
and his warriors were frightened at nothing." Then, aloud, she said to
Inga:

"I wish to invite you, mighty Prince, and your friend, the great King of
Gilgad, to visit my poor palace at