he had put on the Shoe and laced it up he opened the bag and took
out the Pink Pearl. "This will protect me from danger," said Inga, and
removing the shoe from his left foot he carefully placed the pearl in
the hollow toe. This, also, he secured in place by means of a strip
torn from his handkerchief.

Having put on the second shoe and laced it up, the boy drew from the
silken bag the third pearl--that which was pure white--and holding it
to his ear he asked.

"Will you advise me what to do, in this my hour of misfortune?"

Clearly the small voice of the pearl made answer:

"I advise you to go to the Islands of Regos and Coregos, where you may
liberate your parents from slavery."

"How could I do that?" exclaimed Prince Inga, amazed at receiving such
advice.

"To-night," spoke the voice of the pearl, "there will be a storm, and
in the morning a boat will strand upon the shore. Take this boat and
row to Regos and Coregos."

"How can I, a weak boy, pull the boat so far?" he inquired, doubting
the possibility.

"The Blue Pearl will give you strength," was the reply.

"But I may be shipwrecked and drowned, before ever I reach Regos and
Coregos," protested the boy.

"The Pink Pearl will protect you from harm," murmured the voice, soft
and low but very distinct.

"Then I shall act as you advise me," declared Inga, speaking firmly
because this promise gave him courage, and as he removed the pearl from
his ear it whispered:

"The wise and fearless are sure to win success."

Restoring the White Pearl to the depths of the silken bag, Inga
fastened it securely around his neck and buttoned his waist above it to
hide the treasure from all prying eyes. Then he slowly climbed down
from the tree and returned to the room where King Rinkitink still slept.

The goat was browsing upon the grass but looked cross and surly. When
the boy said good morning as he passed, Bilbil made no response
whatever. As Inga entered the room the King awoke and asked:

"What is that mysterious secret of yours? I've been dreaming about it,
and I haven't got my breath yet from tugging at those heavy blocks.
Tell me the secret."

"A secret told is no longer a secret," replied Inga, with a laugh.
"Besides, this is a family secret, which it is proper I should keep to
myself. But I may tell you one thing, at least: We are going to leave
this island to-morrow morning."

The King seemed puzzled' by this statement.

"I'm not much of a swimmer