" never more happy," said he with sigh, "than when eating "

Toward evening the sky became overcast and soon great storm began to rage Prince Inga and King Rinkitink took refuge shelter room they had fitted up and there Bilbil joined them The goat King were somewhat disturbed violence storm, but Inga mind it, being pleased evidence White Pearl relied upon

All night the wind shrieked around the island; thunder rolled, lightning flashed and rain came down in torrents But with morning the storm abated and sun arose no sign tempest remained save few fallen trees

Chapter Six

The Magic Boat

Prince Inga was up sun and, accompanied by Bilbil, began walking along the shore in search boat which the White Pearl had promised him Never for an instant did he doubt that find it and before he had walked any great distance dark object water's edge caught his eye

" boat, Bilbil ! " he cried joyfully, and running down , indeed, large and roomy boat Although stranded beach, in perfect order and had suffered in no way storm

Inga stood for some moments gazing handsome craft and wondering where it come from Certainly unlike any boat he had ever seen outside painted lustrous black, without color to relieve it; but all the inside boat was lined with pure silver, polished so highly surface resembled mirror and glinted brilliantly rays sun The seats had white velvet cushions upon them cushions were splendidly embroidered with threads of gold At one end, beneath the broad seat, was small barrel with silver hoops, which the boy found was filled with fresh, sweet water great chest of sandalwood, bound and ornamented with silver, stood other end boat Inga raised the lid and discovered the chest filled with sea-biscuits, cakes, tinned meats and ripe, juicy melons; enough good and wholesome food to last the party

Lying bottom boat were two shining oars, and overhead, but rolled back now, was canopy of silver cloth to ward off the heat sun

no wonder the boy was delighted appearance beautiful boat; but on reflection he feared too large for him to row any great distance Unless, indeed, the Blue Pearl gave him unusual strength

While considering , King Rinkitink came waddling him and said:

"Well, well, well, my Prince, your words have come true ! boat, for certainty, yet how it came here -- and how it would come -- are puzzles that mystify me question our good fortune, however, and my heart is bubbling with joy, for boat return at once to my City of Gilgad, remained absent altogether too long time "

" wish to Gilgad," said Inga

" too bad, my friend, for very welcome But remain island, ," continued Rinkitink, "and when I get home send some people to rescue you "

" my boat, Your Majesty," said Inga quietly

" , ," careless answer, "but King of great country, while boy Prince without any kingdom of Therefore, being of greater importance than you, just and right that I take, your boat and return to my own country "

" sorry to differ from Your Majesty's views," said Inga, "but instead of going to Gilgad I consider it of greater importance that we go islands of Regos and Coregos "

"Hey ? What ! " cried the astounded King "To Regos and Coregos ! slaves barbarians, like the King, your father ? No, no, my boy ! Your Uncle Rinki an empty noddle, as Bilbil claims, but far too wise his head lion's mouth It's no fun slave "

"The people of Regos and Coregos will not enslave us," declared Inga " contrary, my intention to set free my dear parents, as all my people, and to bring them back again to Pingaree "

"Cheek-eek-eek-eek-eek ! How funny ! " chuckled Rinkitink, winking goat, which scowled in return "Your audacity takes my breath away, Inga, but the adventure has its charm, , confess Were I not so fat, I'd agree to your plan at once, and could probably conquer that horde of fierce warriors without any assistance at all -- any at all -- eh, Bilbil ? But I grieve that fat, and not in good fighting trim As for your determination what I admit 't do, Inga, you forget that only boy, and rather small "

"No, forget that," was Inga's reply

"Then please consider that you and I and Bilbil strong enough, as an army, to conquer powerful nation of skilled warriors attempt it, , but too young to die, while too old Come with me to my City of Gilgad, where greatly honored I'll have my professors teach you how good Eh ? What say ? "

Inga was little embarrassed how to reply arguments, which King Rinkitink considered were wise; so, after period of thought, :

" make bargain with Your Majesty, for wish to fail in respect to so worthy man and so great King as yourself This boat is mine, as said, and in my father's absence become my guest; therefore I claim that entitled to some consideration, "

" of it," agreed Rinkitink " the bargain you propose, Inga ? "

" both get boat, and you shall first try to row us to Gilgad succeed, accompany you right willingly; but should you fail, then row the boat to Regos, and come with me without further protest "

"A fair and just bargain ! " cried the King, highly pleased "Yet, although man of mighty deeds, relish the prospect of rowing so big boat all the way to Gilgad But do my best and abide result "

The matter being thus peaceably settled, they prepared to embark further supply of fruits was placed boat and Inga also raked up quantity delicious oysters that abounded coast of Pingaree but which he had before been unable to reach for lack of boat This suggestion ever-hungry Rinkitink, and oysters stowed in their shells behind the water barrel and plentiful supply of grass brought aboard for Bilbil, they decided they were ready to start on their voyage

It proved no easy task Bilbil boat, for remarkably clumsy goat and once, when Rinkitink gave him push, he tumbled water and nearly drowned could get him out again But no thought of leaving the quaint animal behind His power of speech made him seem almost human eyes boy, fat King was so accustomed surly companion that nothing induced him to part Finally Bilbil fell sprawling bottom boat, and Inga helped him front end, where enough space for him to lie down

Rinkitink now took his seat silver-lined craft boy came last, pushing off the boat as he sprang aboard, so floated freely water

"Well, here we go for Gilgad ! " exclaimed the King, picking up the oars and placing them row-locks Then he began to row as hard as , singing same time an odd sort of song that ran like this

"The way to Gilgad isn't bad For stout old King and brave young lad, For cross old goat with dripping coat, And silver boat to float So our hearts are merry, light and glad speed away to fair Gilgad ! "

"Don't, Rinkitink; please don't ! It makes me seasick," growled Bilbil

Rinkitink stopped rowing, for all out of breath round face was covered with big drops of perspiration And when he looked over his shoulder dismay boat had scarcely moved foot from its former position

Inga said nothing and appeared not to notice the King's failure So now Rinkitink, with serious look fat, red face, took off his purple robe and rolled up the sleeves tunic and tried again

However, he succeeded no better than before and when he heard Bilbil give gruff laugh and saw smile boy Prince's face, Rinkitink suddenly dropped the oars and began shouting with laughter at his own defeat As he wiped his brow with yellow silk handkerchief he sang in merry voice:

"A sailor bold am I, I hold, But boldness will not row boat So I confess I'm in distress And just as useless goat "

"Please leave me out of your verses," said Bilbil with snort of anger

"When I make fool of myself, Bilbil, I'm goat," replied Rinkitink

"Not so," insisted Bilbil "Nothing could make you member superior race "

"Superior ? Why, Bilbil, goat is but beast, while King ! "

"I claim that superiority lies in intelligence," said the goat

Rinkitink paid no attention remark, but turning to Inga :

" get back shore, boat is too heavy to row to Gilgad or anywhere else Indeed, hard to reach land again "