prisoners have nothing to do with the Oz
people," Gos hastened to say. And Kitticut, being questioned, admitted
that this was true.

"But how about that wizard you mentioned?" asked the Nome King.

"Oh, he is merely a boy; but he is very ferocious and obstinate and he
is assisted by a little fat sorcerer called Rinkitink and a talking
goat."

"Oho! A talking goat, do you say? That certainly sounds like magic; and
it also sounds like the Land of Oz, where all the animals talk," said
Kaliko, with a doubtful expression.

But King Gos assured him the talking goat had never been to Oz.

"As for Rinkitink, whom you call a sorcerer," continued the Nome King,
"he is a neighbor of mine, you must know, but as we are cut off from
each other by high mountains beneath which a powerful river runs, I have
never yet met King Rinkitink. But I have heard of him, and from all
reports he is a jolly rogue, and perfectly harmless. However, in spite
of your false statements and misrepresentations, I will earn the
treasure you have brought me, by keeping your prisoners safe in my
caverns."

"Make them work," advised Queen Cor. "They are rather delicate, and to
make them work will make them suffer delightfully."

"I'll do as I please about that," said the Nome King sternly. "Be
content that I agree to keep them safe."

The bargain being thus made and concluded, Kaliko first examined the
gold and jewels and then sent it away to his royal storehouse, which was
well filled with like treasure. Next the captives were sent away in
charge of the nome with the golden collar and keys, whose name was Klik,
and he escorted them to a small cavern and gave them a good supper.

"I shall lock your door," said Klik, "so there is no need of your
wearing those heavy chains any longer." He therefore removed the chains
and left King Kitticut and his Queen alone. This was the first time
since the Northmen had carried them away from Pingaree that the good
King and Queen had been alone together and free of all bonds, and as
they embraced lovingly and mingled their tears over their sad fate they
were also grateful that they had passed from the control of the
heartless King Gos into the more considerate care of King Kaliko. They
were still captives but they believed they would be happier in the
underground caverns of the nomes than in Regos and Coregos.

Meantime, in the King's royal cavern a great feast had been spread. King
Gos and Queen Cor, having triu