Colin and the Magic Bookmark (10 page)

Then he said, “My Lord High Emperor, may I speak on behalf of my friend Si-Thru? “

The Emperor nodded slightly.

“Your daughter Orange Blossom and my friend Si-Thru love each other and therefore wish to be married to each other. This is well known by all. What you may not be aware of are the great advantages that this young man would bring to you and your great country.” The bookmark was glowing encouragingly. “You say that he is only a window salesman. I see that he is much more than that. He is honest, faithful, courageous, and he will bring you greater wealth than you have ever dreamed of. I have told him about a system of windows called double-glazing. Much money could be made by selling these windows, which keep houses warmer. Just declare that all dwellings in your land must have them. Then you could even put a tax on them. The people would be poorer but much warmer in the harsh cold winters and would probably be very grateful to you.”

The Emperor suddenly stood up. “I accept,” he said. “My daughter Orange Blossom and Lord Si-Thru will be married tomorrow. As from this very moment Si-Thru is my Minister of Double Glazing.”

Orange Blossom and Si-Thru embraced. The crowd cheered. Meanwhile Sammy and the dragon had raced off to play on the huge lawns of the royal palace gardens.

The princess ran to hug Colin and his friends. “You are of course invited to the wedding. You will all be guests of honour, and I don't think three of you will be palace guards any longer. Si-Thru wants you to be his assistants. Oh, and could you all meet me again this afternoon at the same place and same time as yesterday?”

 

So it was the next morning, again a bright and sunny one, that the wedding ceremony took place. Instead of his usual frown the Emperor had a beaming smile on his face especially when he looked at Si-Thru. He was no doubt thinking of the huge profits his new son-in-law was already bringing him. The feast seemed unending to Colin, as more and more dishes of delicious food were brought to the table. Music played. Wine and laughter added to the high spirits of everyone. At the end of the meal the Emperor summoned Colin to speak to him and thanked him for what he had done. The newlyweds also came across to thank Fah, Pong, Dung and Colin, who were wearing the bright red silk outfits that Orange Blossom had given them the previous day at sundown in the summerhouse. Colin thought that they looked like expensive red pyjamas.

He still thought so, when he found himself once more in his armchair wearing them. The straw hat was still on his head. He was thinking to himself that it pays to treat people, and even dragons, fairly, even if you are the ruler of a huge country.

“Hi, Sammy,” he said, stroking the little dog. “What's this attached to your collar?

Oh, you've got a souvenir as well!” It was a bright green dragon's scale. Yes, Sammy and the dragon had been sad to part, but Orange Blossom had found another little dog to be the dragon's friend and her father had made a solemn promise not to eat it. It was sad saying goodbye to Si-Thru and his bride and to the three brothers, but Colin had explained, “I am from another place and another time.” He did not bother to say goodbye to Glo-Bagg, also known as Glum-Pi, who anyway was probably still asleep on his kang.

“Well, well,” Colin thought. “These adventures get better and better! I wonder what's in store for us next?” The bookmark was still there, glowing mysteriously in his pocket.

But, once again, that is another story.