could now have
their savings as they needed them, they wept for joy, and falling on
their knees vowed undying allegiance to her, and begged her to be their
queen, as they were sure Queen Amy was dead.

The Duchess refused this honor, as she told them her niece was still
alive, and Daimur then came forward and related what Princess Helda had
told them of Queen Amy's capture and that he was going to rescue her
and bring her back, and in the meantime that the Duchess would act as
Queen Regent.

CHAPTER XXII

Only waiting to see the Duchess settled in the palace with a few
servants and enough furniture to make her comfortable, Daimur prepared
for his voyage to the Island of Despair. Prince Redmond insisted upon
accompanying him, and little Princess Helda begged to be allowed to go
too, as she was sure she could help them, and she wished so much to see
her parents even if they were stones.

The Duchess at last consented to her going, and sent an old friend,
Lady Clara Rosered, to look after her. By this time the Princess
looked like a real Princess, for the Duchess had bought her the most
beautiful new clothes, and since she was getting enough to eat for the
first time in years she was beginning to look very pretty.

Prince Redmond was head over heels in love with her and would have
asked her to marry him at once if he had had a kingdom to offer her, or
any prospects at all.

Early one bright morning they set sail, and after sailing all day came
within a few miles of the Island of Despair, when Daimur donned his cap
and spectacles in order to steer the ship into the harbor in safety.
They lay in the lee of a high cliff until dark, and then when the wind
was strong enough ran the ship up into the small sheltered cove beside
the Magician's house, and made it fast to the wharf with as little
noise as possible.

There was nobody in sight as they cautiously crept up the path, and
Redmond remarked that the witch must be away on some errand of mischief.

After waiting for an hour and seeing no one, the three adventurers went
up the steps to the door of the house. They tried the handle, but it
was locked.

Only then did Daimur remember that he had left his magic key in the box
of magic tablets on the window sill the night they made their escape.
So much had happened he had not once thought of it since, and it gave
him a great shock to realize how careless he had been, for now he
needed it again.

The Princess