lowered lids, her rich red lips curled scornfully, one hand half raised to warn Milo to open the great door slowly.

“Well, Sancho, art better prepared for the greater treasures yet to be seen?” smiled Dolores. The pirate’s blazing eye seemed to dart flames as the door slowly rose to Milo’s touch.

“Sultana!” he gasped, and his speech would do no more for him.

“Enter, friend. This is thy great hour!”

The queen pushed him gently inside, following herself, and Milo let fall the door again, standing mute and motionless on the inside while his mistress led the pirate to the center of the great chamber and waited until his dazzled eye adjusted itself to the subtle lighting effects.