"You may be the governor of this new land if you will take others with you and settle there."
The old man went back to Florida. Alas! he only went to pain and trouble. As he was about to land, a party of Indians came out to meet him. They were not willing to let the white men come on shore. A fight took place. Ponce de Leon was shot. A poisoned arrow entered his body and made a frightful wound. He went back to the ship and set sail for Cuba. His wound did not heal, for the poison from the arrow was still working.
He never again tried to find the Fountain of Youth, for he died in a few days.
"Nobody else ever found it, either," said Uncle Sam as he finished the story.
"People used to have such silly notions," said one of the party, as they packed up to go home.
"The more they traveled, the wiser they became," replied Uncle Sam. "There is nothing like travel to make our minds grow. Some time I may go round the world myself. I'm not too old yet."
"I hope you will let Joe and me go with you," said Lucy, as she took hold of his hand and pointed to the waiting carriage.