"Will they hurt us ?" asked Trot.
"No indeed," laughed the Princess.

"Fishes are stupid creatures mostly, and this family is quite harmless." "How about sharks ?" asked Cap'n Bill, who was swimming gracefully beside them, his hand clutched in that of pretty Merla.
"Sharks may indeed be dangerous to you," replied Clia, "so I advise you to keep them at a safe distance.

They never dare attempt to bite a mermaid, and it may be they will think you belong to our band; but it is well to avoid them if possible." "Don't get careless, Cap'n," added Trot.
"I surely won't, mate," he replied.

"You see, I didn't use to be 'fraid o' sharks 'cause if they came near I'd stick my wooden leg at 'em.

But now, if they happens to fancy these green scales, it's all up with ol' Bill." "Never fear," said Merla, "I'll take care of you on our journey, and in our palaces you will find no sharks at all." "Can't they get in ?" he asked anxiously.
"No.