“Oh; I can’t give it to you,” said the other. “When you left this room yesterday the draft from the open door caught the paper I had made my figures on, and carried it out of the window. So the record is lost.” [Illustration: “Leave this room, sir!”] “Lost!” The Major stared at him in amazement. “Absolutely lost, sir.” “Do you mean to tell me you don’t know where that island is?” demanded the Major, fiercely. “I haven’t the slightest idea of its location. During the night the helmsman altered our course several times, steering by the stars. I think we’re going in the right direction, but I can tell better when I’ve taken our observations for today. Unfortunately, however, that won’t help us to locate the island.” The Major sat down heavily on a chest. The information he had received fairly dazed him, but his gaze remained firmly fixed on the Captain’s expressionless face. After a time he gave a laugh, and said: “I told you yesterday that island was mine. I’ll take that back. It’s _yours_ and mine. You’ll share it with me, Captain Gay, I’m sure.” “It is still yours, Major, as far as I’m concerned. If I knew its location, I would tell you willingly. But I don’t. You’ll have to find your property yourself.” The Major sprang up with an oath. “You infernal scoundrel!” he cried, “do you think I’ll be played with like this? Give me the location of that island, or by the nine great gods, I’ll kill you where you sit!” “Leave this room, sir.” The Captain was angry too, by this time. He stood erect and pointed with dignity to the doorway, from which I dodged with alacrity. “I command this ship, sir,” he said, “and here my will is law. I’ll endure no browbeating, Major, or any insolence from you or any of my passengers. On the island I obeyed you. Here you will obey me, or I’ll lock you fast in your cabin. Leave this room!” The Major stood irresolute a moment. Then sullenly and slowly, he quit the cabin and returned to the deck. Even to my wondering but immature intellect it was evident that Captain Gay had won the battle. CHAPTER XVII. WE GIVE UP THE SHIP. The “Flipper” made good time, and sighted the Oregon coast on the morning of the fifth day. From there she followed the dim outlines of the distant land down to the Golden Gate, and cast anchor safely and without event in the bay of San Francisco. The Major had been sullen and ill-tempered during the entire voyage, but although he made repeated efforts to see Captain Gay privately and renew his request for the location of the golden island, that officer positively refused to hold any further communication with him.