She was sleeping heavily, the added warmth of David's blanket conducing thereto.

He hung over her, watching her breathing with a merry look, which gradually became a broad grin.

It was a real shame--she would be just mad when she woke up.

But mermaids were all stuff, and Jenny Crum would 'skeer' her to death.

Just in proportion as the adventure became more awesome and more real did the boy's better self awake.