“I know where it was the last time I saw it,” said the bird.  “But whether it will be there still, I can’t say.”

“What do you mean?” asked the Doctor.  “It is always in the same place surely?”

“Not by any means,” said Miranda.  “Why, didn’t you know?—­Spidermonkey Island is a floating island.  It moves around all over the place—­usually somewhere near southern South America.  But of course I could surely find it for you if you want to go there.”

At this fresh piece of news I could contain myself no longer.  I was bursting to tell some one.  I ran dancing and singing from the room to find Chee-Chee.

At the door I tripped over Dab-Dab, who was just coming in with her wings full of plates, and fell headlong on my nose,

“Has the boy gone crazy?” cried the duck.  “Where do you think you’re going, ninny?”

“To Spidermonkey Island!” I shouted, picking myself up and doing cart-wheels down the hall—­“Spidermonkey Island!  Hooray!—­And it’s a floating island!”

“You’re going to Bedlam, I should say,” snorted the housekeeper.  “Look what you’ve done to my best china!”

But I was far too happy to listen to her scolding; and I ran on, singing, into the kitchen to find Chee-Chee.

PART THREE

THE FIRST CHAPTER

THE THIRD MAN

That same week we began our preparations for the voyage.

Joe, the mussel-man, had the Curlew moved down the river and tied it up along the river-wall, so it would be more handy for loading.  And for three whole days we carried provisions down to our beautiful new boat and stowed them away.

I was surprised to find how roomy and big she was inside.  There were three little cabins, a saloon (or dining-room) and underneath all this, a big place called the hold where the food and extra sails and other things were kept.

I think Joe must have told everybody in the town about our coming voyage, because there was always a regular crowd watching us when we brought the things down to put aboard.  And of course sooner or later old Matthew Mugg was bound to turn up.

“My Goodness, Tommy,” said he, as he watched me carrying on some sacks of flour, “but that’s a pretty boat!  Where might the Doctor be going to this voyage?”

“We’re going to Spidermonkey Island,” I said proudly.

“And be you the only one the Doctor’s taking along?”

“Well, he has spoken of wanting to take another man,” I said; “but so far he hasn’t made up his mind.”

Matthew grunted; then squinted up at the graceful masts of the Curlew.

“You know, Tommy,” said he, “if it wasn’t for my rheumatism I’ve half a mind to come with the Doctor myself.  There’s something about a boat standing ready to sail that always did make me feel venturesome and travelish-like.  What’s that stuff in the cans you’re taking on?”