but once, you know, and when the enemy kills me I shall
beg him to kill Bilbil, also, that we may remain
together in death as in life."

"They may be cannibals, in which case they will roast
and eat us," suggested Bilbil, who wished to terrify
his master.

"Who knows?" answered Rinkitink, with a shudder. "But
cheer up, Bilbil; they may not kill us after all, or
even capture us; so let us not borrow trouble. Do not
look so cross, my sprightly quadruped, and I will sing
to amuse you."

"Your song would make me more cross than ever,"
grumbled the goat.

"Quite impossible, dear Bilbil. You couldn't be more
surly if you tried. So here is a famous song for you."

While the boy rowed steadily on and the boat rushed
fast over the water, the jolly King, who never could be
sad or serious for many minutes at a time, lay back on
his embroidered cushions and sang as follows:

"A merry maiden went to sea --

Sing too-ral-oo-ral-i-do!
She sat upon the Captain's knee
And looked around the sea to see