The Sea Fairies

the sea was like azure

sea in a direction opposite that taken by the visitors the day before. The pa

een as they swam swiftly through the clear water. "And those who sail in ships see only the creatures who chance to come to the surface. But in the deep ocean caverns are queer being

gorgeous colors spattered over their broad wings, was first to delight the strangers. They swam just as butt

s, "and their quick motions protect them from their enemies. W

t beside them, and they all paused to d

lia in a low voice.

rass buttons, and a silk hat was tipped over one ear. His eyes were somewhat dull and watery, and he had a moustache of long, hair-like "feelers" that curled stiffly at the ends. When he tried to smile at them, he showed two rows of sharp, white teeth. In

ou all dumb? Or don't you know enough

r friends," replied Trot, who

, then?" asked the Octopu

little girl. "Octopuse

e; octoPI," said the

pleases me," replied Tro

e are called octoPI," remarked the c

would be a whole baker

en to us by learned scientists

sts named ev'ry blamed thing they come across, an' gener'ly t

rough life with such terrible names. Think of the poor little seahorse. He used to be a

. "I don't like to 's

he creature, aga

whether you're puses

e monster in a sho

but horrible!" p

he inquired, and it was e

ul," she said. "Up on the earth, where I live, we call the Stann

you mean to tell me that the earth people whom I have a

id Trot p

sgrace!" moaned the Octopus, drooping his head in shame,

" said the Queen gently, for she

because we have several long arms and take whatever we can reach, they accuse

wiping his watery eyes with his handkerchief and swam on their way. "I'm not

me," agree

ncess, "and we get along with them much better

devils their cous

atly fear," replied Aquareine. "I hope we shall meet none today

like, ma'am?" inquired Ca

with black," answered the Queen. "They are very fierce and terrible creatures and nearly as much

oned the girl. "I haven't

d the Queen in a low voice. "He is the wicked ge

like?" aske

aused much trouble. Once he waged a terrible war against King Anko, but the sea serpent finally conquered Zog and drove the magician into his castle

s down here just as we do on top

n his castle," added Trot. "Is it

er hear of him, but all the sea people know he is here someplace and fear his power. Even in the old days, before Anko conquered him, Zog was the enemy of the mermai

afraid," as

ogether, friends, and be careful not to sep

et in a row. They were larger than the swordfishes and seemed more fierce and bold. But the mermaids and Trot and Cap'n Bill quietly awaited their attack, and instead of tearing them with their saws as they expected to do, the fishes were unable to touch them at all. They tried every possi

a darker blue as they descended into its depths, farther and farther away from the rays of the sun. Trot was surprised to find she could see so plainly through the high wall of

much curiosity. The argonauts live in shells in which they are able to hide in case of danger from prowling wolf fishes, but otherwise they crawl out and carry their shells like humps upon their backs. Then they spread their skinny sails above them and sail away under water til

dea of boats and of how to sail them