tender member of fishland that fell in his path!

Surely the life of a fish must be far from monotonous, since he has
always the excitement of hunting his own meals, and keeping out of the
way of others of his kind who are hunting for him! Still, nervous
prostration is quite unknown in that big water-world, and so it is to
be inferred that the fishes live only for the pleasures of the day,
and do not worry over the possible unpleasant things of the morrow.

"Which," said grandma, as she folded up her sewing, "is often a very
good principle to go on. So, children, off to bed with you, and
another evening we will learn how Sammy met the Pilot."




CHAPTER III

THE STAR-FISH, THE UNSOCIABLE OYSTERS AND THE PILOT


It is not to be wondered at that our hero should feel a good deal of
distrust concerning his host. To be sure the Hermit had declared that
he never preyed upon fish as large as Sammy, since they invariably
disagreed with him, and he was very polite and affable to his guest.
But there was a certain suggestiveness about some of his remarks that
was unpleasant, and his furtive, watchful gaze made Sammy nervous. The
wicked old Hermit's mouth was really watering for this innocent,
fresh-water fish, and he was only awaiting a favorable opportunity to
seize him with his cruel claws. Fortunately for Sammy his instinct