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"I thought they were ears," said the girl.

So they are. Fins and ears at the same time," answered the little sea animal.

Also, there are small fins on our backs. Of course, we can't swim as the

mermaids do, or even as swiftly as fishes; but we manage to get around, thank

you."

Don't the fishes catch and eat you?" inquired Trot curiously.

"Sometimes," admitted the Sea Horse, "and there are many other living things

that have a way of destroying us. But here I am, as you see, over six weeks old,

and during that time I have escaped every danger. That isn't so bad, is it?"

"Phoo!" said a Starfish lying near. "I'm over three months old. You're a mere baby,

Sea Horse."

"I'm not!" cried the Sea Horse excitedly. "I'm full-grown and may live to be as old

as you are!"

"Not if I keep on living," said the Starfish calmly, and Trot knew he was correct in

his statement.

The little girl now noticed several sea spiders creeping around and drew back

because she did not think them very pretty. They were shaped not unlike the

starfishes, but had slender legs and big heads with wicked-looking eyes sticking

out of them.

"Oh, I don't like those things!" said Trot, coming closer to her companions.

"You don't, eh?" said a big Sea Spider in a cross voice. "Why do you come around

here, then, scaring away my dinner when you're not wanted?"

"It isn't YOUR ocean," replied Trot.

"No, and it isn't yours," snapped the Spider. "But as it's big enough for us both,

I'd like you to go away."

"So we will," said Aquareine gently, and at once she moved toward the surface of

the water. Trot and Cap'n Bill followed, with Clia, and the child asked, "What

island are we near?"

"It has no name," answered the Queen, "for it is not inhabited by man, nor has it

ever yet been discovered by them. Perhaps you will be the first humans to see this

island. But it is a barren, rocky place, and only fit for seals and turtles."

"Are any of them there now?" Cap'n Bill inquired.

The Sea Fairies