, bound, tied up in sacking, and hidden away in a cellar
until night, when we were brought out here and left on the shore, more
dead than alive. Here we have been for four years, living in a state
of enchantment, until now Prince Daimur has come to bring us the hope
of freedom."

Everybody sympathized with King Cyril and the Queen and Princess, and
Daimur assured him that as soon as he had taken his own kingdom from
his wicked uncle he would go with him and help him to win back his
country from his brother and witch of a sister-in-law.

Then as it was quite dark Daimur took his shovel and went off to get as
many potatoes as he could before going to bed.

CHAPTER VIII

The next night after everyone was inside and supper was over, it was
decided to be Prince Redmond's turn to tell his story. He accordingly
began, everyone listening attentively:

"I am the youngest of three brothers. My father was King of Laurels
and loved us very dearly. I cannot remember my mother, as she died
when I was quite young.

"My eldest brother Tasmir was a fearless fellow, who did a great deal
of riding, and was always on the lookout for adventure. I was very
fond of him and often went with him, as I liked riding and adventure
too, while my second brother Sadna, who detested any kind of outdoor
exercise, stayed at home holding receptions and going to balls. He was
a vain fellow, fond of fine clothes and flattery, and we used to laugh
at him.

"Sometimes he would say 'Oh, never mind, my good brothers, I shall get
ahead of you both one of these days,' which answer we always took
good-naturedly.

"It so happened when my father was quite advanced in years that he
slipped one day and fell, and was so badly injured that he became an
invalid and could only sit in a chair and be wheeled about.

"He was very fond of flowers, and we had an immense conservatory where
he spent most of his time. It was his wish to possess a flowering
plant from every part of the world. Each ship which came in brought
some new specimen, until there remained but a single little spot on
earth which had not contributed a plant. As this place was surrounded
by a desert which no one would venture across, it did not seem as if my
father would get the 'Wonder Plant' as it was called. He was very
anxious to possess it and offered a large sum of money to anyone who
would find it and bring it back, but in vain.

"Then Tasmir asked permission to go and seek