The king drew a long breath . `` Stupidity has saved the world , '' he said ; and , with only strength to draw back one step from the abyss , he fell down , hiding his face in his hands . But Jaqueline 's arms were round his neck , and the maidens brought him water from an ice-cold spring ; and soon King Prigio was himself again , and ready for anything . But afterwards he used to say that the moment when the Earthquaker stirred was the most dreadful in his life . Now , in Manoa , where all the firm foundations of the city had trembled once , when the sun just touched the Earthquaker , the people , seeing that the shadow of the sacred column had crept to its foot , and yet Manoa stood firm again , and the Temple of the Sun was not overthrown , raised such a cry that it echoed even through the halls within the hollow hill . Who shall describe the joy of the maidens , and how often Jaqueline and Ricardo kissed each other ? `` You have saved me ! '' she cried to the king , throwing her arms round him again . `` You have saved Manoa ! '' `` And you have saved the Hope of Pantouflia , not once or twice , '' said his Majesty , grandly . And he told Dick how much he had owed to Jaqueline , in the fight with the Yellow Dwarf , and the fight with the Giant , for he did not think it necessary to mention the affair at Rome . Then Dick kissed Jaqueline again , and all the maidens kissed each other , and they quite cried for gladness . `` But we keep his Majesty the Inca waiting , '' said Prigio . `` Punctuality is the courtesy of kings . You ladies will excuse me , I am sure , if I remove first from the dungeon her whom we call the Princess Jaqueline . The Inca , her father , has a claim on us to this preference . '' Then placing Jaqueline on the saddle , and leaving Dick to comfort the other young ladies , who were still rather nervous , the king flew off to Manoa , for the wind , of course , died with the death of the Earthquaker . I can not tell you the delight of all Manoa , and of the Inca , when they saw the Flying Horse returning , and recognised their long-lost princess , who rushed into the arms of her father . They beat the serpent drums , for they had no bells , on the tops of the temples . They went quite mad with delight : enemies kissed in the streets ; and all the parents , without exception , allowed all the young people who happened to be in love to be married that very day .
Then Prigio brought back all the maidens , one after the other , and Dick last ; and he fell at the Inca 's feet , and requested leave XXXXX marry Jaqueline .
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