They nodded, and the waiter bustled off. Looking around, they saw a man and a woman buying balloons. Bob recognized them as the same couple who had stood behind them looking at the portrait of Prince Paul that morning. And he felt sure it was they who had been doing the following.

Slowly, the two strolled over and selected the table next to the boys. They ordered ice cream and coffee, then leaned back and smiled at Pete, Bob and Jupiter.

“Aren’t you boys Americans?” the woman asked, in a rather husky voice.

“Yes, ma’am,” Jupiter answered. “Are you Americans, too?”

“We certainly are,” the woman said. “From California, just like you.”

Jupe stiffened. How did the couple know they were from California? The man said quickly, “You are from California, aren’t you? Anyway, you’re wearing California-style sport shirts.”

“Yes, sir,” Jupiter said, “We’re from California. We just arrived last night.”

“We saw you this morning in the relic room at the castle,” the woman said. “Dear me, wasn’t that Prince Djaro himself who was with you?”

Jupiter nodded. “Yes, he was showing us around.” Then he turned to Bob and Pete. “I think we ought to wash up before the waiter brings our lunch,” he said.

“I saw a sign pointing to the washroom, over beyond the tumblers.”

He turned to the couple at the next table.

“We’re going to wash up,” he told them. “I wonder if you’d watch our cameras for us while we’re gone.”

“Sure thing, sonny.” The man gave him a big smile. “Don’t worry, we won’t let them get stolen.”

“Thank you, sir.” Jupiter rose, not giving Bob or Pete a chance to say anything, and started off in the direction of the washroom. The other two hastily followed him.