They rode quite comfortably, however, and were full of eager interest in what they saw.  The rush of air past them made them hungry, so Cap’n Bill drew up the lunchbasket and held it so that Button-Bright and Trot could help themselves to the pink food, which tasted very good.  And finally a dark rim appeared below them, which the sailor declared must be the Earth.  He proved to be correct, and when they came nearer, they found themselves flying over the waves of the ocean.  Pretty soon a small island appeared, and Trot exclaimed,

“That’s the Sky Island we thought we were goin’ to—­only we didn’t.”

“Yes, an’ there’s the mainland, mate!” cried Cap’n Bill excitedly, pointing toward a distant coast.

On swept the Magic Umbrella.  Then its speed gradually slackened; the houses and trees on the coast could be seen, and presently—­almost before they realized it—­they were set down gently upon the high bluff near the giant acacia.  A little way off stood the white cottage where Trot lived.

It was growing dusk as Cap’n Bill unhooked the seats and Button-Bright folded up the umbrella and tucked it under his arm.  Trot seized the lunchbasket and ran to the house, where she found her mother busy in the kitchen.

“Well, I’m back again,” said the little girl.  “Is supper ready, mama?”

Button-Bright stayed all night with them, but next morning, bright and early, he hooked one of the seats to his Magic Umbrella, said goodbye to Trot and Cap’n Bill, and flew into the air to begin his journey to Philadelphia.  Just before he started, Trot said: 

“Let me know if you get home safe, Button-Bright, an’ come an’ see me again as quick as you can.”

“I’ll try to come again,” said the boy.  “We’ve had a good time, haven’t we, Trot?”

“The bes’ time I ever had!” she replied enthusiastically.  Then she asked, “Didn’t you like it, too, Cap’n Bill?”

“Parts o’ it, mate,” the sailor answered as he thoughtfully made marks in the sand with the end of his wooden leg, “but seems to me the bes’ part of all was gett’n’ home again.”

After several days Trot received a postal card from Button-Bright.  It was awkwardly scrawled, for the boy was not much of a writer, but Trot managed to make out the words.  It read as follows: 

“Got home safe, Trot, and the folks were so worried they forgot to scold me.  Father has taken the Magic Umbrella and locked it up in the big, strong chest in the attic.  He put the key in his own pocket, so I don’t know as I’ll ever be able to see you again.  But I’ll never forget the Queen of Sky Island, and I send my love to you and Cap’n Bill.

“Your friend,

“Button-Bright.”

The end