For my part, I have no fear of them, but I do not care to have you meet such creatures." But when they turned around to abandon their journey, another inky cloud was to be seen behind them.

They really had no choice but to swim in the only streak of clear water they could find, and the mermaids well knew this would lead them nearer and nearer to the caves of their enemies.
But Aquareine led the way, moving very slowly, and the others followed her.

In every other direction they were hemmed in by the black waters, and they did not dare to halt, because the inky fluid crept swiftly up behind them and drove them on.
The queen and the princess had now become silent and grave.

They swam on either side of their guests as if to better protect them.
"Don't look up," whispered Clia, pressing close to the little girl's side.
"Why not ?" asked Trot, and then she did exactly what she had been told not to do.

She lifted her head and saw stretched over them a network of scrawny, crimson arms interlaced like the branches of trees in winter when the leaves have fallen and left them bare.
Cap'n Bill gave a start and muttered "Land sakes!" for he, too, had gazed upward and seen the crimson network of limbs.
"Are these the sea devils ?" asked the child, more curious than frightened.
"Yes, dear," replied the Queen.