iffer 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 grieve to say that I am fat, and not in good fighting
trim. As for your determination to do what I admit I can't do, Inga, I
fear you forget that you are only a boy, and rather small at that."

"No, I do not forget that," was Inga's reply.

"Then please consider that you and I and Bilbil are not strong enough,
as an army, to conquer a powerful nation of skilled warriors. We could
attempt it, of course, but you are too young to die, while I am too
old. Come with me to my City of Gilgad, where you will be greatly
honored. I'll have my professors teach you how to be good. Eh? What do
you say?"

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

"I will make a bargain with Your Majesty, for I do not wish to fail in
respect to so worthy a man and so great a King as yourself. This boat
is mine, as I have said, and in my father's absence you have become my
guest; therefore I claim that I am entitled to some consideration, as
well as you."

"No doubt of it," agreed Rinkitink. "What is the bargain you propose,
Inga?"

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

"A fair and just bargain!" cried the King, highly please