You may row your boat out of this cave and never see us again, if you like.

We merely thought it would please little Mayre, and were willing to show her the sights of our beautiful home." "I'd like to see 'em, all right," said Trot, her eyes glistening with pleasure.
"So would I," admitted Cap'n Bill, "if we would live to tell the tale." "Don't you believe us ?" asked the mermaid, fixing her lovely eyes on those of the old sailor and smiling prettily.

"Are you afraid to trust us to bring you safely back ?" "N-n-no," said Cap'n Bill, "'tain't that.

I've got to look after Trot." "Then you'll have to come with me," said Trot decidedly, "for I'm going to 'cept this inv'tation.

If you don't care to come, Cap'n Bill, you go home and tell mother I'm visitin' the mermaids." "She'd scold me inter shivers!" moaned Cap'n Bill with a shudder.