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entrance seemed hardly big enough to admit the boat at first, but as they drew

nearer, the opening became bigger. The sea was very calm here, for the headland

shielded it from the breeze.

"Look out fer your head, Trot!" cautioned Cap'n Bill as the boat glided slowly into

the rocky arch. But it was the sailor who had to duck, instead of the little girl.

Only for a moment, though. Just beyond the opening the cave was higher, and as

the boat floated into the dim interior they found themselves on quite an extensive

branch of the sea. For a time neither of them spoke and only the soft lapping of

the water against the sides of the boat was heard. A beautiful sight met the eyes

of the two adventurers and held them dumb with wonder and delight.

It was not dark in this vast cave, yet the light seemed to come from underneath

the water, which all around them glowed with an exquisite sapphire color. Where

the little waves crept up the sides of the rocks they shone like brilliant jewels, and

every drop of spray seemed a gem fit to deck a queen. Trot leaned her chin on her

hands and her elbows on her lap and gazed at this charming sight with real

enjoyment. Cap'n Bill drew in the oars and let the boat drift where it would while

he also sat silently admiring the scene.

Slowly the little craft crept farther and farther into the dim interior of the vast

cavern, while its two passengers feasted their eyes on the beauties constantly

revealed. Both the old seaman and the little girl loved the ocean in all its various

moods. To them it was a constant companion and a genial comrade. If it stormed

and raved, they laughed with glee; if it rolled great breakers against the shore,

they clapped their hands joyfully; if it lay slumbering at their feet, they petted and

caressed it, but always they loved it.

Here was the ocean yet. It had crept under the dome of overhanging rock to reveal

itself crowned with sapphires and dressed in azure gown, revealing in this guise

new and unexpected charms. "Good morning, Mayre," said a sweet voice.

Trot gave a start and looked around her in wonder. Just beside her in the water

were little eddies--circles within circles--such as are caused when anything sinks

below the surface. "Did--did you hear that, Cap'n Bill?" she whispered solemnly.

Cap'n Bill did not answer. He was staring with eyes that fairly bulged out at a

place behind Trot's back, and he shook a little, as if trembling from cold. Trot

turned half around, and then she stared, too. Rising from the blue water was a

fair face around which floated a mass of long, blonde hair. It was a sweet, girlish

face with eyes of the same deep blue as the water and red lips whose dainty smile

disposed two rows of pearly teeth. The cheeks were plump and rosy, the brows

gracefully penciled, while the chin was rounded and had a pretty dimple in it.

The Sea Fairies