Fog Bank forfeit the six hundred years allowed them to live and are
liable to die at any time. Here we do not die, you know; we merely
pass away."

"How's that?" asked the sailor. "Isn't 'pass'n' away' jus' the same
as dyin'?"

"No indeed. When our six hundred years are ended, we march into the
Great Blue Grotto, through the Arch of Phinis, and are never seen
again."

"That's queer," said Button-Bright. "What would happen if you didn't
march through the Arch?"

"I do not know, for no one has ever refused to do so. It is the Law,
and we all obey it."

"It saves funeral expenses, anyhow," remarked Cap'n Bill. "Where is
this Arch?"

"Just outside the gates of the City. There is a mountain in the
center of the Blue land, and the entrance to the Great Blue Grotto
is at the foot of the mountain. According to our figures, the
Boolooroo ought to march into this Grotto a hundred years from next
Thursday, but he is trying to steal a hundred years and so perhaps
he won't enter the Arch of Phinis. Therefore, if you will please be
patient for about a hundred years, you will discover what happens to
one who breaks the Law."

"Thank'e," remarked Cap'n Bill. "I don't expect to be very curious a