it was half in the sky. We've been told it's a very pretty island,
and a few people live there and keep cows and goats and fish for a
living. There are woods and pastures and springs of clear water, and
I'm sure we would find it a fine place for a picnic."

"If anything happened on the way," observed Cap'n Bill, "we'd drop
in the water."

"Of course," said Trot, "and if anything happened while we were
flyin' over the land, we'd drop there. But nothing's goin' to
happen, Cap'n. Didn't Button-Bright come safe all the way from
Philydelfy?"

"I think I'd like to go to Sky Island," said the boy. "I've always
flown above the land so far, and it will be something new to fly
over the ocean."

"All right, I'm agree'ble," decided Cap'n Bill. "But afore we starts
on such a long journey, s'pose we make a little trial trip along the
coast. I want to see if the new seat fits me an' make certain the
umbrel will carry all three of us."

"Very well," said Button-Bright. "Where shall we go?"

"Let's go as far as Smuggler's Cove an' then turn 'round an' come
back. If all's right an' shipshape, then we can start for the
island."

They put the broad double seat on the ground, and then the boy and
girl sat in their places and Button-Bright spread open the Magic