n to grow a little impatient, for he felt he was
losing time; so he sent for the chief mate, and said to him mildly
but firmly:

"I know it is out of the line of your duty to search for island
schools, but, if you really think that you do not know where Apple
Island lies, I wish you to say so, frankly and openly."

"Frankly and openly," answered the mate, "I don't think I do."

"Very well," said the Captain. "Now, that is a basis to work upon,
and we know where we stand. You can take a little rest, and let the
second mate find the island. But I can only give him three days in
which to do it. We really have no time to spare."

The second mate was very proud of the responsibility placed upon him,
and immediately ordered the vessel to be steered due south.

"One is just as likely," he said, "to find a totally unknown place by
going straight ahead in a certain direction, as by sailing here,
there, and everywhere. In this way, you really get over more water,
and there is less wear and tear of the ship and rigging."

So he sailed due south for two days, and at the end of that time they
came in sight of land. This was quite a large island, and when they
approached near enough, they saw upon its shores a very handsome
city.

"Is this Apple Island?" said Captain Covajos to the oldest boy.

"Well, sir," answered the youth, "I am not sure I can say with
certainty that I truly believe that it is; but, I think, if we were
to go on shore, the people there would be able to tell us how to go
to Apple Island."

"Very likely," said the good Captain; "and we will go on shore and
make inquiries.--And it has struck me, Baragat," he said, "that
perhaps the merchants in the city where my son lives may be somewhat
annoyed when the 'Horn o' Plenty' comes back with all their goods on
board, and not disposed of. Not understanding my motives, they may be
disposed to think ill of me. Consequently the idea has come into my
head, that it might be a good thing to stop here for a time, and try
to dispose of some of our merchandise. The city seems to be quite
prosperous, and I have no doubt there are a number of merchants
here."

So the "Horn o' Plenty" was soon anchored in the harbor, and as many
of the officers and crew as could be spared went on shore to make
inquiries. Of course the First Class in Long Division was not left
behind; and, indeed, they were ashore as soon as anybody. The Captain
and his companions were cordially welcomed b