"I have lived nine hundred years," said the good old woman, "and have never heard tell of the country to which you wish to go; but to-morrow I will question the fishes."
Next day, in fulfilment of her promise, she blew her horn, and instantly a great commotion was seen in the waves, all the fishes darting through the waters and assembling about their Queen, who inquired whether they knew where the Land of Youth was, and they all answered that they did not know.
"But I don't see amongst you the old whale," cried the Queen.
In a moment, a great noise was heard in the water; it was caused by the hurried arrival of the whale.
"Why are you so late?" demanded the Queen.
"I have had a long way to come—several thousand leagues."
"Where have you been?"
"To the Land of Youth."
"Very well. You have failed in your duty by not coming sooner in answer to my summons; as a punishment, you will bear this young man to the land from which you have come and bring him back."
