Two men who stood near the throne disappeared at her command. They drew the red curtain a little way aside. We waited in suspense for their return.
"I suppose the chopping block's in there," whispered the Skipper to me. "I wonder what poor little Cynthy 'll do!"
This thought nearly unmanned me.
"For Heaven's sake, do try to keep up your courage some other way than by jesting, Captain," said I. "This matter is really serious."
"God knows it is!" said he.
"Of what are the prisoners talking?" demanded the Senior Papaloi, frowning angrily.
"The young prince was admiring the jewels of the gracious Mamanloi," answered our mysterious friend with much readiness.
This answer had a good effect upon the Mamanloi, for she sent to me from the throne one of those dreadful looks which gave me a nausea as I stood there.
"I hope you've got something," said my friend. "Some credentials or something. There'll be the devil to pay if you haven't. You are being treated with the greatest consideration. I never knew 'em to wait so——"
And then turning to the throne: