The children walked in a slow parade toward the castle.
They were sure that they had stepped into a fairy tale.
At last they arrived in a large hall filled with wooden benches and tables.
Suits of armor and old flags stood against the walls.
"Wait here," said the princess.
"And don't talk while I'm gone.
This castle is full of magic.
I don't know what will happen if you talk."
Jimmy wanted to say that he didn't think anything would happen.
But he didn't.
The princess returned, carrying a tray.
"I could only find bread and cheese and water, but it doesn't matter.
They'll turn into anything you like—unless you have some dreadful secret fault.
What would you like to eat?"
"Roast chicken," said Kathleen.
She watched as the princess cut some bread and laid it on a plate.
"Green peas?" The princess cut a piece of cheese and laid it beside the bread.
Then she handed the plate to Kathleen.
The boys asked for roast beef and cabbage.
Kathleen cut the bread as if she was eating roast chicken.
But it still looked and tasted like bread.
She wondered what her secret fault was as she watched the boys eat their food.
"This is a game, isn't it?" said Jimmy.
"Pretending we're eating roast beef."
"But it is beef. Look at it."
The princess opened her eyes very wide.
"Of course," said Jimmy weakly. "I was just joking."
Everyone was very hungry.
They ate and drank and felt much better.
"Now if you're finished," said the princess, "I'll show you my treasures."
They followed her down a long hall to some steps.
Underneath the steps was a door hidden by a tapestry.
"This door leads to my private apartments," said the princess.
She guided them through a dark corridor until they came to a room.
The princess went in first and threw open the shutters.
The small domed room was filled with light.
Its blue ceiling was painted with gold stars.
But the room was empty.
"Where are the treasures?" Kathleen asked politely.
"Don't you see them?" said the princess.
"No," said Jimmy.
"And don't try fooling us again.
There's nothing here."
"Then I guess I'll have to say the charm," said the princess.
"Close your eyes, please."
The princess chanted some nonsense words.
There was a creaking, rustling sound.
"Open your eyes now."
The children could not believe their eyes.
Silver dishes, gold cups, and diamond crowns lined shelves around the room.
All around were piles of necklaces, rings, and bracelets.
"Oh my!" Gerald whispered.
"Now do you believe I can do magic?" asked the princess.
"Yes!" said Kathleen. "May we touch?"
"Go ahead."
The children had great fun playing with the treasures.
Suddenly Kathleen had a thought.
"Do your parents know you're awake?"
"Oh . . . uh . . . yes," said the princess.
"I told them when I got the bread and cheese.
They're busy right now.
Here, try this bracelet."
"What's this old stuff over here?" asked Jimmy.
"Those are all magic things!" said the princess.
"What does this ring do?" asked Gerald.
"It makes you invisible."
"I'd like to try that," said Jimmy.
"No, I'm the only one who can touch these things.
If anyone else tries, they'll lose their magic.
Close your eyes and I'll demonstrate the ring."
The children closed their eyes.
"Now count to fifty."
Gerald counted aloud.
Everyone could hear a creaking, rustling sound. ". . . 49, 50."
The children opened their eyes.
The jewels had vanished, and so had the princess.