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Chapter Five - The Little Old Man of the Island

A few steps brought them to the shed, which was merely a roof of boughs built

over a square space, with some branches of trees fastened to the sides to keep

off the wind. The front was quite open and faced the sea, and as our friends

came nearer they observed a little man, with a long pointed beard, sitting

motionless on a stool and staring thoughtfully out over the water.

Get out of the way, please," he called in a fretful voice. "Can't you see you are

obstructing my view?"

Good morning," said Cap'n Bill, politely.

It isn't a good morning!" snapped the little man. "I've seen plenty of mornings

better than this. Do you call it a good morning when I'm pestered with such a

crowd as you?"

Trot was astonished to hear such words from a stranger whom they had

greeted quite properly, and Cap'n Bill grew red at the little man's rudeness.

But the sailor said, in a quiet tone of voice:

Are you the only one as lives on this 'ere island?"

Your grammar's bad," was the reply. "But this is my own exclusive island,

and I'll thank you to get off it as soon as possible."

We'd like to do that," said Trot, and then she and Cap'n Bill turned away and

walked down to the shore, to see if any other land was in sight.

The little man rose and followed them, although both were now too provoked

to pay any attention to him.

Nothin' in sight, partner," reported Cap'n Bill, shading his eyes with his hand;

so we'll have to stay here for a time, anyhow. It isn't a bad place, Trot, by any

means."

That's all you know about it!" broke in the little man. "The trees are altogether

too green and the rocks are harder than they ought to be. I find the sand very

grainy and the water dreadfully wet. Every breeze makes a draught and the

sun shines in the daytime, when there's no need of it, and disappears just as

soon as it begins to get dark. If you remain here you'll find the island very

unsatisfactory."

The Scarecrow of Oz