The mermaids have warned them many times, but it does no good at all.

The fish are stupid creatures." "But I wish I was Flippity," said one of the mackerel, staring at Trot with his big, round eyes.

"He went to glory before I could eat the hook myself." "You're lucky," answered the child.

"Flippity will be fried in a pan for someone's dinner.

You wouldn't like that, would you ?" "Flippity has gone to glory!" said another, and then they swam away in haste to tell the news to all they met.
"I never heard of anything so foolish," remarked Trot as she swam slowly on through the clear, blue water.
"Yes, it is very foolish and very sad," answered Merla.