"See here, Pylea; I cannot stand this sort of arrangement. Poor images as King Sotu and the other objects are; this is playing it too rough on them, and on us also. The stakes are too heavy. As a good chum, give us your advice." "Her majesty has snared you, my friends," replied Pylea, sadly. "Whether you win or lose, she will keep to her purpose; for she never changes. If you conquer her tomorrow, it will be all the same as if she conquered you, for she has promised nothing. The king is doomed." "Then we must escape at once. Will you help us?" Pylea sat silent for a long time, looking at her comrades, then she said-- "The queen is immovable, but King Sotu is crafty, and may help us for his own sake. I dare not aid you by day, and no one can leave the city at night without an order from the queen, backed by her signet ring. Now, Sotu is his wife's secretary, and he alone dare approach her when she sleeps. Perhaps he will write this order and steal the ring. I shall go and see him while the queen is resting after her journey." "Good. Meantime see that your chariots are ready and your leopards well fed, and we will pack up!" cried Ned. "Do not stir from here till I come. If I can, I shall bring the king with me." They had to wait a weary time before Pylea returned with her terror-stricken and dejected male monarch. As soon as Ned saw him he trailed him inside the hall and poured out a flagon of wine for him. This the king swallowed at a gulp, then he sank on a couch with a hollow groan. "Pluck up, your majesty! If you help us to clear out tonight you'll live to compose many epics, odes, roundelays, and couplets yet. It only wants an effort, and a little wit." "It requires more than all these to outwit Isori. I can write out the order--nay, it is here. I may also steal the ring while she sleeps if I can only keep sober enough. But 'tis of this I fear; how can I keep so, having to give a feast? Why did you come here to trouble me? Oh, that fatal epic! It has been my ruin." "You must resist the amber and ruby for this once if you wish to have many more bowls. Let me tie this rope round your neck, and it will remind you of your doom if you swallow one cup too much." "No, thanks!" cried Sotu, shrinking back. "I shall go to the feast," said Pylea, quietly, "and guard you as much as I can. The queen will retire early. You must leave the feast immediately she goes; for a time, then I shall walk you about in the gardens till you are quite sober. After you get me the ring you may return to the table and enjoy yourself." "And what about tomorrow?" asked the king, fearfully. "If you do not get the ring tonight, sire, tomorrow you will be dead," answered Pylea, impressively. "But who will take the blame?"