In the side of the rocky wall facing the
entrance the traveler noticed a hollow, like the mouth of a cave,
across which was placed an iron gate. And above the gateway was
painted in red letters on the gray stone the following words:
WUL-TAKIM
KING OF THIEVES
------
HIS TREASURE HOUSE
KEEP OUT
Prince Marvel laughed on reading this, and after getting down from his
saddle he advanced to the iron gate and peered through its heavy bars.
"I have no idea who this Wul-Takim is," he said, "for I know nothing
at all of the ways of men outside the forest in which I have always
dwelt. But thieves are bad people, I am quite sure, and since
Wul-Takim is the king of thieves he must be by far the worst man on
this island."
Then he saw, through the bars of the gate, that a great cavern lay
beyond, in which were stacked treasures of all sorts: rich cloths,
golden dishes and ornaments, gemmed coronets and bracelets, cleverly
forged armor, shields and battle-axes. Also there were casks and
bales of merchandise of every sort.
The gate appeared to have no lock, so Prince Marvel opened it and
walked in.
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