Orondo piloted his party to where there was a sheltered cocoa-palm tree. This was a very unusual tree, for on more than one occasion a vegetable pearl had been found among its branches. Such an one was given to Kerœcia, and she was also allowed the choice of opals taken from the joints of bamboo reeds. “If thou art willing,” said Alcamayn, “I will cut the seven pointed star of Jupiter in this gem at the polishing, and then thou wilt have an amulet against disease.” “By so doing, thou wilt give great pleasure, and, if agreeable I desire a bracelet made of this vegetable ivory,” she answered. “Why not put the pearl in the center and an opal on each side?” suggested Ildiko. “Here is a perfect match for the one thou hast chosen. Why not have the sign of Jupiter cut on one and his star on the other? This will surely bring good fortune.” While they were selecting the ivory and discussing the details of ornament, Orondo busied himself with a tiny filigree silver cage containing a couple of giant fire-flies. “Am I in an enchanted garden?” laughingly inquired Kerœcia when she was tolled off to a shady nook to inspect these wonderful insects. Orondo covered the cage with a black cloth, and instantly a ruddy glow proceeded from two glandular spots between the eyes and under each wing of the fire-flies. Soon the rays changed to a golden yellow, equal to a candle in brightness. “To protect thee from genii,” said Orondo, “are a pair of racket-tailed humming-birds. These little fellows are booted and spurred like regular warriors, and are competent to fight any size or condition of feather-wearer.” The cage, rich in carving, was made of sandal-wood. From the pagoda-like roof hung four small triangular-shaped banners. “It were a gentle soul which planned these kind remembrances,” murmured Kerœcia, softly. “These come from one who has been deeply moved by the simplicity of thy ministrations,” gallantly responded Orondo. Kerœcia unwittingly led the way toward a swampy-looking inclosure fenced by poison-ivy and climbing sumac which she did not dare touch. “Thou art wandering into forbidden domains,” remonstrated Orondo, hastening to her side. “Nature broods her deadliest poisons in this company. Here the carrot, parsnip, and celery families are undergoing regeneration. In time, I shall have them suitable for food. That pretty lily thou art admiring is the deadly hemlock; and here are the foxglove, the henbane, and the jimson-weed——” “Surely I need no reminder of murderous quality here,” rejoined Kerœcia. She was gazing at a cluster of aconite. “My people have used this with terrible effect on themselves and on their enemies.” She had reference to the poisoned arrows employed by the Monbas in their expeditions against the Ians. A swift-footed runner, wearing state livery, approached, and prostrating himself before Kerœcia, said: