stranded upon
the beach, it was in perfect order and had suffered in no way from the
storm.

Inga stood for some moments gazing upon the handsome craft and
wondering where it could have come from. Certainly it was unlike any
boat he had ever seen. On the outside it was painted a lustrous black,
without any other color to relieve it; but all the inside of the boat
was lined with pure silver, polished so highly that the surface
resembled a mirror and glinted brilliantly in the rays of the sun. The
seats had white velvet cushions upon them and the cushions were
splendidly embroidered with threads of gold. At one end, beneath the
broad seat, was a small barrel with silver hoops, which the boy found
was filled with fresh, sweet water. A great chest of sandalwood, bound
and ornamented with silver, stood in the other end of the 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 a long time.

Lying upon 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 d