to 1886 by a prince. But in that year the populace appear to have said
to themselves, 'When in the course of human events....' Anyway, they
fired the prince, and the place is now a republic. So that's where
you're going, Miss Silver. I don't know if it's any consolation to you,
but the island, according to this gentleman, is celebrated for the
unspoilt beauty of its scenery. He also gives a list of the fish that
can be caught there. It takes up about three lines."

"But what can my stepfather be doing there? I last heard of him in
London. Well, I suppose I shall have to go."

"I suppose you will," said Elsa mournfully. "But, oh, Betty, what a
shame!"




CHAPTER II

MERVO AND ITS OWNER


"By heck!" cried Mr. Benjamin Scobell.

He wheeled round from the window, and transferred his gaze from the
view to his sister Marion; losing by the action, for the view was a joy
to the eye, which his sister Marion was not.

Mervo was looking its best under the hot morning sun. Mr. Scobell's
villa stood near the summit of the only hill the island possessed, and