He had been wrecked on desert islands like Robinson Crusoe and been attacked by cannibals, and had a host of other exciting adventures.

So he was a delightful comrade for the little girl, and whatever Cap'n Bill knew Trot was sure to know in time.
"How do the mermaids live ?" she asked.

"Are they in caves, or just in the water like fishes, or how ?" "Can't say, Trot," he replied.

"I've asked divers about that, but none of 'em ever run acrost a mermaid's nest yet, as I've heard of." "If they're fairies," she said, "their homes must be very pretty." "Mebbe so, Trot, but damp.

They are sure to be damp, you know." "I'd like to see a mermaid, Cap'n Bill," said the child earnestly.
"What, an' git drownded ?" he exclaimed.
"No, and live to tell the tale.