own exclusive island, and I'll thank you to get off it as
soon as possible."

"We'd like to do that," said Trot, and then she and
Cap'n Bill turned away and walked down to the shore, to
see if any other land was in sight.

The little man rose and followed them, although both
were now too provoked to pay any attention to him.

Nothin' in sight, partner," reported Cap'n Bill,
shading his eyes with his hand; "so we'll have to
stay here for a time, anyhow. It isn't a bad place,
Trot, by any means."

"That's all you know about it!" broke in the little
man. "The trees are altogether too green and the rocks
are harder than they ought to be. I find the sand very
grainy and the water dreadfully wet. Every breeze makes a
draught and the sun shines in the daytime, when there's
no need of it, and disappears just as soon as it begins
to get dark. If you remain here you'll find the island
very unsatisfactory."

Trot turned to look at him, and her sweet face was
grave and curious.

"I wonder who you are," she said.

"My name is Pessim," said he, with an air of pride.