Page:St. Nicholas, vol. 40.1 (1912-1913).djvu/260

168 he did not stop until he had grown as small as the wooden sailor.

“And now,” said Billy, turning the ring three times on his finger, and speaking aloud, “I wish that the wooden sailor may come alive.”

No sooner said than done. The wooden sailor began to move his legs and arms, and presently he took off his cap and made Billy a bow.

“Very good,” said Billy; “you are a proper sailor. I shall call you Peter. I am Captain Billy Bowline, and this is my ship. You will be my mate and fellow-adventurer.”

“Aye, aye, sir,’ said Peter; “will you come aboard?”

So Billy went aboard, and he and Peter set sail on their voyage over the Very Wet Sea. And they sailed for sixty days and sixty nights, over blue water and green, through hurricanes and fair weather, till they came to a tropical island.

When they reached the island, Billy said to his mate:

“This, no doubt, is the place of our adventures. Let us go ashore and explore the island.”

“Very well,” said Peter; “but first let us eat and drink.”

So they took out of the bag all manner of good things, and they ate and drank their fill.

Then they set out to explore the island.

The first live creature they met was a Mouse.

“Good day, Mistress Mouse,” said Billy, with a bow, while the Mouse regarded them kindly.

“Good day,” said the Mouse; “and who might you be?”

“Two sailors are we in search of adventure.”

“In search of adventure!” said the Mouse. “Then you can do no better than to follow your noses till you come to the place where the Rat lives. He is himself a bold adventurer, but I advise you to keep clear of him. He is big and fierce and terrible, and will surely do you harm.”

“I am not afraid,’ said Billy; “an adventurer is never afraid. I have a mind to meet him.”

“Pray do nothing so rash,” urged the Mouse; “he will surely eat you.”

“I am determined to meet him,” said Billy; “I am not afraid.”

So Billy and Peter went on their way till they came to the place where the Rat lived. And the Rat stood in his doorway, pulling his long whiskers.

“Good day, Mister Rat,” said Billy.

“Good day,” said the Rat; “and who might you be?”

“Two sailors in search of adventure.”

“Adventure?” said the Rat, with a little smile; “Pirates or Lost Princesses?”

“Pirates,” said Billy. “Are there any hereabouts?”

“A few,” said the Rat. “I am somewhat of a Pirate myself.”

“I have no doubt of it,’ said Billy. “But are there men about who search for gold and hidden treasure?”

“There are a few of those also,” said the Rat. “They do not greatly interest me,—I have adventures in plenty of my own.”

“But I should like to see these men,” said Billy. “Will you not carry us thither?”

“I think my ears deceive me,” said the Rat; “for I almost thought I heard you ask me to carry you,—and that, of course, could not be.”

“Yes, but I did,’ said Billy; “and I will pay you well. I will give you this long gold chain which I wear on my neck.” And Billy unwound the chain and held it up before the Rat.

“You are a bold lad,” said the Rat; “but I had rather carry you in my stomach than on my back.” And he threw back his head, opened his mouth, and laughed a wicked laugh.

But Billy did not flinch; he only stood holding up the gold chain in both hands.

Then the Rat looked down at Billy, and saw with surprise that Billy showed no fear.

“Ho, ho,’ said the Rat, “are you not afraid? Then I will make you afraid.”