ough, for their bodies ended
in tails which they twined around the stems of seaweeds to support
themselves and keep the currents from carrying them away.

Trot bent down close to examine one of the queer little creatures
and exclaimed, "Why, the seahorses haven't any fins or anything to
swim with."

"Oh yes we have," replied the Sea Horse in a tiny but distinct
voice. "These things on the side of my head are fins."

"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.

"I think so. We will see."

Trot was astonis