Just after the sun had risen the ship touched the wharf at Daimur's
native city, and Daimur, who was the first ashore, stood by to assist
the ladies to land and to welcome them to his kingdom.
There was not a soul in sight as they formed a double line, with Prince
Redmond's sailors as guards, and marched towards the palace, which was
only a few blocks distant.
As they neared the gates they saw that nobody was astir but a few of
the Royal bodyguard, who as soon as they caught sight of Prince Daimur
at the head of this strange procession rushed towards him and threw
themselves at his feet with exclamations of astonishment and joy that
he was still alive.
They told Daimur that his wicked uncle had already been crowned king,
having proved by the aid of false witnesses that Daimur had fallen from
a precipice while out riding and been instantly killed, and that his
body was washed away in the swift-flowing river at the bottom.
At the conclusion of the tale Daimur called out all the guards and
ordered them to arrest his uncle and his followers immediately, and
convey them to a strong prison in the interior of the kingdom.
Before they could move to obey him, however, Daimur's uncle himself
appeared with a few of his friends. They had been aroused from their
sleep by the sound of voices and had dressed hastily.
"What is the meaning of this commotion?" roared the false King,
addressing the guards. "Back to your posts immediately."
He turned as he spoke and his eye fell on Daimur and his little
company, whose guns were all pointed directly at him, as, strange to
say, were those of the Palace guard. He glanced in every direction,
but everywhere he saw hard unsympathetic faces, and the round muzzles
of guns.
He grew pale and his knees knocked together as he looked about in vain
for a means of escape. Then suddenly his face cleared, and he drew a
whistle from a cord at his neck and blew three loud blasts upon it.
Daimur, who still wore his cap and spectacles, turned to his company.
"That is to summon the Magician," he explained. They all laughed, and
Daimur announced to his uncle that it was of no use calling or help
from the Evil Magician, as he was dead and gone.
This of course his uncle declared quite impossible, and it was not
until King Cyril, the Princess, and indeed the whole party had assured
him it was the truth, added to the fact that the Magician did not seem
to be coming to his aid, that he believed it.
After that he was very humble. He cringed before Daimur and hoped he
would spare his old uncle's life. This Daimur said he was willing to
do, but that he would have to go with his fine friends to the state
prison farm as a laborer for the rest of his days. His uncle seemed so
relieved that he was not to lose his head that he went away with the
guards quietly enough.
Now that he was rid of his uncle Daimur proceeded into the Palace,
where he was welcomed with the greatest enthusiasm and loyalty by the
servants, and his guests were soon enjoying a splendid breakfast.
Prince Daimur begged them to remain with him until he had been crowned
king and had made arrangements to accompany them to their respective
homes.
This they consented to do, and soon great preparations were under way
for the coronation.
Daimur told his story throughout the kingdom, and his people flocked
about him wherever he went, declaring their allegiance, and rejoicing
greatly that he had delivered them all from the Evil Magician's
influence.
At last the day of the coronation came, and all who were rich enough to
travel were present.
Never before had so many distinguished guests graced a coronation
ceremony in the Kingdom of Sunne. Daimur's subjects felt highly
honored as they gazed upon the noble King Cyril, Queen Emily, and the
young Princess of Shells, the distinguished Duchess of Rose Petals, and
the two splendid Princes of Laurels. All the other kingdoms were here
represented.
They made a very magnificent appearance, for Daimur had insisted upon
the Court dressmakers and tailors making each of them a proper
wardrobe, as, of course, they had no clothes with them for the occasion.
After the coronation ceremony there was a great feast and when all the
company were assembled Daimur told them of his plans for accompanying
his guests to their respective kingdoms. His subjects were willing
that he should go and promised to defend the kingdom against any
possible enemies while he was away, and they agreed upon a very old and
wise friend of Daimur's to act as Regent until his return.
In a few days the preparations for his going were complete, and King
Daimur's largest warship lay at anchor in the harbor in readiness to
sail.
The bands played and a great crowd stood on the wharf as Daimur and his
royal guests drove down and boarded the ship, and they sailed out of
the harbor amid many cheers and wishes for a safe and speedy voyage.