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

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

While he was considering this matter, King Rinkitink came waddling up to
him and said:

"Well, well, well, my Prince, your words have come true! Here is the
boat, for a certainty, yet how it came here--and how you knew it would
come to us--are puzzles that mystify me. I do not question our good
fortune, however, and my heart is bubbling with joy, for in this boat I
will return at once to my City of Gilgad, from which I have remained
absent altogether too long a time."

"I do not wish to go to Gilgad," said Inga.

"That is too bad, my friend, for you would be very welcome. But you may
remain upon this island, if you wish," continued Rinkitink, "and when I
get home I will send some of my people to rescue you."

"It is my boat, Your Majesty," said Inga quietly.

"May be, may be," was the careless answer, "but I am King of a great
country, while you are a boy Prince without any kingdom to speak of.
Therefore, being of greater importance than you, it is just and right
that I take your boat and return to my own country in it."

"I am 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 to the islands of Regos and Coregos."

"Hey? What!" cried the astounded King. "To Regos and Coregos! To become
slaves of the barbarians, like the King, your father? No, no, my boy!
Your Uncle Rinki may have an empty noddle, as Bilbil claims, but he is
far too wise to put his head in the lion's mouth. It's no fun to be a
slave."

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

"Cheek-eek-eek-eek-eek! How funny!" chuckled Rinkitink, winking at the
goat, which scowled in return. "Your audacity takes my breath away,
Inga, but the adventure has its charm, I must 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 griev