“While the Princess was taking tea with the Amazon Captain, she told her about the Prince, and how she was trying to find him.

“Good!” cried the Captain.  “I will join in the search, and take you in my ship.  Some of my crew told me that yesterday they saw a young man, who looked like a prince, riding along the shore of a lake which adjoins the one we are on.  In the morning we will sail after him.  We shall keep near the shore, and your servant can mount your horse and ride along the edge of the lake.  From what I know of the speed of this vessel, I think he can easily keep up with us.”

Early in the morning, the Amazon Captain called her crew together.  “Hurrah, my brave girls!” she said.  “We have an object.  I never sail without an object, and it lights me to get one.  The purpose of our present cruise is to find the Prince of whom this Princess is in search; and we must spare no pains to bring him to her, dead or alive.”

Luckily for her peace of mind, the Princess did not hear this speech.  The day was a fine one, and before long the sun became very hot.  The ship was sailing quite near the land, when the Absolute Fool rode down to the water’s edge, and called out that he had something very important to communicate to the Princess.  As he was not allowed to come on board, she was obliged to go on shore, to which she was rowed in a small boat.

“I have been thinking,” said the Absolute Fool, “that it is perfectly ridiculous, and very uncomfortable, to continue this search any longer.  I would go back, but my master would not suffer me to return without knowing where you are going.  I have, therefore, a plan to propose.  Give up your useless search for this Prince, who is probably not nearly so handsome and intellectual as I am, and marry me.  We will then return, and I will assume the reins of government in your domain.”

“Follow the vessel,” said the Princess, “as you have been doing; for I wish some one to take care of my horse.”  And without another word, she returned to the ship.

“I should like to sail as far as possible from shore during the rest of the trip,” said she to the Captain.

“Put the helm bias!” shouted the Amazon Captain to the steers-woman; “and keep him well out from land.”

When they had sailed through a small stream into the lake adjoining, the out-look, who was swinging in a hammock hung between the tops of the two masts, sang out, “Prince ahead!” Instantly all was activity on board the vessel.  Story books were tucked under coils of rope, hem-stitching and embroidery were laid aside, and every woman was at her post.

“The Princess is taking a nap,” said the Captain, “and we will not awaken her.  It will be so nice to surprise her by bringing the Prince to her.  We will run our vessel ashore, and then steal quietly upon him.  But do not let him get away.  Cut him down, if he resists!”