before us is to me like it. Whether I live or die, it is all one--take
me with you. I am helpless now as a child!"




CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.

HUGGERMUGGER LEAVES HIS ISLAND


Zebedee Nabbum could not help thinking how easily he had obtained
permission of his giant. There was nothing to do but to make room for
him in the ship, and lay in a stock of those articles of foods which
the giant was accustomed to eat, sufficient for a long voyage.

Huggermugger laid his wife in a grave by the sea-shore, and covered it
over with the beautiful large shells which she so loved. He then went
home, opened the secret door in the wall, took out the ancient
manuscript, tied a heavy stone to it, and sunk it in a deep well under
the rocks, into which he also threw the key of his house, after having
taken everything he needed for his voyage, and locked the doors.

The ship was now all ready to sail. The sailors had made a large raft,
on which the giant sat and paddled himself to the ship, and climbed on
board. The ship was large enough to allow him to stand, when the sea
was still, and even walk about a little; but Huggermugger preferred
the reclining posture, for he was weary and needed repose.

During the first week or two of the voyage, his spirits seemed to