One day I lay rocking in my boat, reading a very famous book, whichall children know and love; and the name of which I'll tell you by andby. So busily was I reading, that I never minded the tide; andpresently discovered that I was floating out to sea, with neither sailnor oar. At first I was very much frightened; for there was no one insight on land or sea, and I didn't know where I might drift to. Butthe water was calm, the sky clear, and the wind blew balmily; so Iwaited for what should happen.Presently I saw a speck on the sea, and eagerly watched it; for itdrew rapidly near, and seemed to be going my way. When it came closer,I was much amazed; for, of all the queer boats I ever saw, this wasthe queerest. It was a great wooden bowl, very cracked and old; and init sat three gray-headed little gentlemen with spectacles, all readingbusily, and letting the boat go where it pleased. Now, right in theirway was a rock; and I called out, "Sir, sir, take care."But my call came too late: crash went the bowl, out came the bottom,and down plumped all the little gentlemen into the sea. I tried not tolaugh, as the books, wigs, and spectacles flew about; and, urging myboat nearer, I managed to fish them up, dripping and sneezing, andlooking like drowned kittens. When the flurry was over, and they hadgot their breath, I asked who they were, and where they were going."We are from Gotham, ma'am," said the fattest one wiping a very wetface on a very wet handkerchief. "We were going to that island yonder.We have often tried, but never got there: it's always so, and I beginto think the thing can't be done."I looked where he pointed; and, sure enough, there was an island whereI had never seen one before. I rubbed my eyes, and looked again. Yes:there it was,--a little island, with trees and people on it; for I sawsmoke coming out of the chimney of a queerly-shaped house on theshore."What is the name of it?" I asked.The little old gentleman put his finger on his lips, and said, with amysterious nod:"I couldn't tell you, ma'am. It's a secret; but, if you manage to landthere, you will soon know."