It was surrounded on every side by high turreted walls, and contained beds of flowers, fountains and walks of many colored marbles which were matched together in quaint designs.

In an open space near the middle of the court they saw a group of courtiers and their ladies, who surrounded a lean man who wore upon his head a jeweled crown.

His face was hard and sullen and through the slits of his half-closed eyelids the eyes glowed like coals of fire.

He was dressed in brilliant satins and velvets and was seated in a golden throne-chair.
This personage was King Krewl, and as soon as Cap'n Bill saw him the old sailor knew at once that he was not going to like the King of Jinxland.
"Hello! who's here ?" said his Majesty, with a deep scowl.
"Strangers, Sire," answered the soldier, bowing so low that his forehead touched the marble tiles.
"Strangers, eh?
Well, well; what an unexpected visit! Advance, strangers, and give an account of yourselves." The King's voice was as harsh as his features.

Trot shuddered a little but Cap'n Bill calmly replied: "There ain't much for us to say, 'cept as we've arrived to look over your country an' see how we like it.