“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 by some of the dignitaries of the city who had come down to the harbor to see the strange vessel; but no one could give any information in regard to Apple Island, the name of which had never been heard on those shores.  The Captain was naturally desirous of knowing at what place he had landed, and was informed that this was the Island of the Fragile Palm.

“That is rather an odd name,” said the old Captain.  “Why is it so called?”

“The reason is this,” said his informant.  “Near the centre of the island stands a tall and very slender palm-tree, which has been growing there for hundreds of years.  It bears large and handsome fruit which is something like the cocoanut; and, in its perfection, is said to be a transcendently delicious fruit.”

“Said to be!” exclaimed the Captain; “are you not positive about it?”