The cave at night now was full of chattering and whispering, and Daimur had put up a great many more branches for them to sleep on.
He had plenty to do, for there was now a large number of doves to provide for, and they ate a surprising quantity of food, and for fear the Magician should see him he had to go for potatoes and other provisions at night.
It was thought best for the birds to fly through the island occasionally in the day time, so that the Magician might not be suspicious.
The first night, after they were all inside and had finished supper, Daimur told them of the ship which was anchored at the Magician's door, and they immediately cried out, "It is the one he stole from Prince Redmond," and Prince Redmond, a big black dove with a huge red ruff and red crest, nodded, and said he knew it must be his.
Then they talked about the magic tablets, and Daimur told them he felt sure his little key would open the glass box.
Now Daimur was naturally very much interested to know who these doves were and from which of the islands they came, so they decided that each should tell his own story.
King Cyril was the first one called upon, and after Daimur had stirred up the fire he began:
"I am, as most of you know, Cyril, King of the Island of Shells.
"My father was a kind, gentle man, who was more interested in study than in governing his kingdom. He had only two sons, my brother Arnolde and myself, and we grew up together and were the greatest friends until I married.
"As my father was getting very old, and I was the elder son, I soon had to devote a good deal of my time to the management of the kingdom, and my brother, who was three years younger than I, and who took absolutely no interest in matters of state, was now left very much to himself.