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We heard you say yesterday you would like to see a mermaid, and so we decided

to grant your wish."

"That was real nice of you," said Trot gratefully.

"Also, we heard all the foolish things Cap'n Bill said about us," remarked the

brown-haired one smilingly, "and we wanted to prove to him that they were

wrong."

"I on'y said what I've heard," protested Cap'n Bill. "Never havin' seen a mermaid

afore, I couldn't be ackerate, an' I never expected to see one an' live to tell the

tale."

Again the cave rang with merry laughter, and as it died away, Trot said, "May I

see your scales, please? And are they green and purple and pink like Cap'n Bill

said?" They seemed undecided what to say to this and swam a little way off,

where the beautiful heads formed a group that was delightful to see. Perhaps they

talked together, for the brown-haired mermaid soon came back to the side of the

boat and asked, "Would you like to visit our kingdom and see all the wonders that

exist below the sea?"

I'd like to," replied Trot promptly, "but I couldn't. I'd get drowned."

That you would, mate!" cried Cap'n Bill.

Oh no," said the mermaid. "We would make you both like one of ourselves, and

then you could live within the water as easily as we do."

"I don't know as I'd like that," said the child, "at least for always."

"You need not stay with us a moment longer than you please," returned the

mermaid, smiling as if amused at the remark. "Whenever you are ready to return

home, we promise to bring you to this place again and restore to you the same

forms you are now wearing."

Would I have a fish's tail?" asked Trot earnestly.

You would have a mermaid's tail," was the reply.

What color would my scales be--pink, or purple?"

You may choose the color yourself."

Look ahere, Trot!" said Cap'n Bill in excitement. "You ain't thinkin' o' doin' such

a fool thing, are you?"

The Sea Fairies