shore!

"However, as I was saying, the oysters have lots of enemies, and they
make few friends outside of their own family, and no wonder when you
consider how very stuck-up they are."

"They are certainly very unsociable," agreed Sammy. "Still it has been
nice to learn as much about them as you have been able to tell me, and
I am greatly obliged to you."

"Don't mention it," returned the Star-Fish, affably. "I make it my
business to know the manner of life and habits of the creatures I live
upon, and a good deal about those I have to avoid, and it will give me
great pleasure to give you any information in my power. And above all
things beware of that old hypocrite the Hermit-Crab, and all his
family."

This friendly advice proved of great benefit to Sammy during his stay
at the ledge, and indeed, all through his life in the ocean. As he
acquired a greater knowledge of the ways of the sea he lost much of
his timidity, though none of that caution that is the safeguard of
every wise fish.

Each day as he took longer trips about the ledge, he made new
discoveries and new acquaintances, and though these were all
interesting, yet he longed to leave the ledge entirely and journey to
Coral-Land. Of this wonderful, faraway country he had heard marvelous
tales from Aunt Sheen, although she herself had never seen it. Ever
since his smallest fishhood Sammy had longed to see with his own eyes
the glories of this delightful place, where the coral grew,