the sea
as smooth as a mill-pond. The captain and his mates were seen to be
taking an observation, and soon afterwards it became known that we were
just crossing the line.

"I've often heard about it, but I can't say I see any line," said Jim.

"Nor can I!" cried Horner, who was looking out eagerly.

Presently a gruff voice was heard, hailing from forward.

"What ship is that, shutting out the light from my palace window?"

"The _Intrepid_" answered Captain Hawkins, who with the mates and doctor
were standing aft.

"Then go ahead, will you, or I'll indict you for a nuisance," cried the
voice, the remark producing a general laugh.

"I can't think of standing on until I have had the pleasure of a visit
from Daddy Neptune," said the captain.

"Ay, ay! Glad to hear that. Then I'll come aboard in a jiffy with my
royal missus and some of our precious young family; and maybe, captain,
you'll have something to give them, for they're very fond of any hot
potions which may come in their way."

"Be smart about it, then, Daddy, for I see a breeze springing up, and I
may have to run you out of sight before you and your precious family
have had time to take a sip apiece," cried the captain, who seemed to be
in far better humour than usual.

All this time Jim and Horner were standing with me abaft the main
hatchway, with their eyes staring and their mouths agape, wondering what
was going to happen.

Presently, over the bows, appeared the strangest group I had ever set
eyes on.

First there came Daddy Neptune with a glittering crown, a beard of oakum
reaching to his middle, a girdle of rope yarn round his waist, a cloak
covered with strange devices, and a huge trident in his hand.

His wife wore a crown like that of her husband, with ringlets of the
same material as his beard, a huge sash of some gaily-coloured stuff,
and a cloak formed out of a blanket. The barber had in his hand a pot
containing lather, a big bowl tucked under one arm, with a razor a yard
long and a shaving brush of huge size under the other; while the
children or attendant imps--for it was hard to say what they were--
waddled about in green clothing, looking like sea monsters, behind them.

"Well, I have heard of strange things, but these chaps are stranger than
ever I saw," cried Jim. "Where do they come from?"

"From the bottom of the sea, I suppose," said Horner, who evidently did
not admire their looks as they advanced aft.

The captain,