This chap is christened the `alcyonium' by learned naturalists, but is called `dead man's fingers' by the fisher-folk along shore." "What a horrid name!" interposed Nellie, shuddering--"a horrid name!" "It is so named," continued the Captain, "because the creature has the advantage of having several bodies instead of one, all radiating from a single stem, like fingers or toes.

But now, I think, there's nothing much of any good left of our shoot, save a few oysters.

Those will come in handy presently, eh, Strong ?" "Yes, I shan't mind," replied the barrister.

"I'm beginning to have an appetite, I think." "We'll have luncheon at once then," said the old sailor with alacrity, as if this would be a labour of love.

"I'm not beginning to have an appetite, because I've got one already, and a precious good one, too! Do you think you can pick a bit if you try, eh, young people ?" "Yes, please," replied Nell.