"Devils of any sort ought to be give a wide berth, an' devilfish is worser ner sea serpents." "Oh, do you know the sea serpents ?" asked Merla as if surprised.
"Not much I don't," answered the sailor, "but I've heard tell of folks as has seen 'em." "Did they ever live to tell the tale ?" asked Trot.
"Sometimes," he replied.

"They're jes' ORful creatures, mate." "How easy it is to be mistaken," said Princess Clia softly.

"We know the sea serpents very well, and we like them." "You do!" exclaimed Trot.
"Yes, dear.

There are only three of them in all the world, and not only are they harmless, but quite bashful and shy.

They are kind-hearted, too, and although not beautiful in appearance, they do many kind deeds and are generally beloved." "Where do they live ?" asked the child.
"The oldest one, who is king of this ocean, lives quite near us," said Clia.