"So I see," said the King.

Mary Louise gave a giggle and, forgetting her embarrassment, exclaimed,
"And just as we were safe on board, after the Polar Bear porter had
told us to 'watch our step,' there was an awful explosion, and we
found ourselves floating about in the midst of a lot of cracked ice."

"Indeed," exclaimed King Seaphus, "this is the second time in the last
month we've had an accident on the Sea Bottom Subway. I must call
in my Prime Minister and have an investigation begun at once."

Pulling vigorously on a beautifully braided sea-grass rope, he awaited
the coming of a page. Little Mary Louise heard the far-off tinkle
of the bell, and presently the Mer-bell-boy appeared.

"Summon his most excellent self, the Prime Minister," commanded King
Seaphus.

The Mer-boy page glided away and presently appeared, deferentially
escorting the Prime Minister. The latter was a very distinguished
looking person. His long, white beard was parted gracefully in the
center, no doubt by the action of the water as he swam up to where
the King sat. As befitted so important an official, he was clad in
a long, red robe, which reached nearly to the end of his fin-tail.
His head was adorned with a crimson cap and tassel made of the softest
velvet sea-grass.

"What is your majesty's command?" he asked, bending low before King
Seaphus. The King did not reply for a moment. He was a wise King,
and thought for several minutes before he spoke. This made the Prime