"Come on up!" he called.

So Trot and Cap'n Bill began to ascend the steep
slope and it did not take them long to reach the place
where the Ork awaited them.

Their first view of the mountain top pleased them very
much. It was a level space of wider extent than they had
guessed and upon it grew grass of a brilliant green
color. In the very center stood a house built of stone
and very neatly constructed. No one was in sight, but
smoke was coming from the chimney, so with one accord all
three began walking toward the house.

"I wonder," said Trot, "in what country we are, and if
it's very far from my home in California." "Can't say as
to that, partner," answered Cap'n Bill, "but I'm mighty
certain we've come a long way since we struck that
whirlpool."

"Yes," she agreed, with a sigh, "it must be miles and
miles!"

"Distance means nothing," said the Ork. "I have flown
pretty much all over the world, trying to find my home,
and it is astonishing how many little countries there
are, hidden away in the cracks and corners of this big
globe of Earth. If one travels, he may find some new
country at every turn, and a good many of them have never
yet been put upon the maps."