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"I think so. We will see."

Trot was astonished to find how near they were to the "top" of the ocean, for they

had not ascended through the water very long when suddenly her head popped

into the air, and she gave a gasp of surprise to find herself looking at the clear

sky for the first time since she had started upon this adventure by rowing into

Giant's Cave.

She floated comfortably in the water, with her head and face just out of it, and

began to look around her. Cap'n Bill was at her side, and so were the two

mermaids. The day was fair, and the surface of the sea, which stretched far away

as the eye could reach, rippled under a gentle breeze. They had risen almost at

the edge of a small, rocky islet, high in the middle, but gradually slanting down to

the water. No trees or bushes or grass grew anywhere about; only rocks, gray and

bleak, were to be seen.

Trot scarcely noticed this at first, however, for the island seemed covered with

groups of forms, some still and some moving, which the old sailor promptly

recognized as seals. Many were lying asleep or sunning themselves; others crept

awkwardly around, using their strong fins as legs or "paddles" and caring little if

they disturbed the slumbers of the others. Once in a while one of those crowded

out of place would give a loud and angry bark, which awakened others and set

them to barking likewise.

Baby seals were there in great numbers, and were more active and playful than

their elders. It was really wonderful how they could scramble around on the land,

and Trot laughed more than once at their antics.

At the edge of the water lay many huge turtles, some as big around as a wagon

wheel and others much smaller in size.

The big ones are very old," said the Queen, seeing Trot's eyes fixed on the turtles.

How old?" asked the child.

Hundreds of years, I think. They live to a great age, for nothing can harm them

when they withdraw their legs and heads into their thick shells. We use some of

the turtles for food, but prefer the younger ones. Men also fish for turtles and eat

them, but of course no men ever come to this out-of-the-way place in the ocean,

so the inhabitants of this little island know they are perfectly safe."

In the center of the island rose high cliffs on top of which were to be seen great

flocks of seagulls, some whirling in the air, while others were perched upon the

points of rock.

The Sea Fairies