three dark blue bands. Surely this must be the Pilot, and as such he
addressed him.

"Yes, that is my name," replied the Pilot, who had a very shrewd
fish-of-the-sea expression; "and so Cousin Mack. told you I was out of
a job, did he? Well so I am, but I was intending to take a rest before
going to work again. However, I would be willing to take charge of you
this trip as a special favor.

"Oh, yes! I've been to Coral-Land a great many times, and know all the
regular inhabitants as well as the ordinary visitors. But as this is
your first trip, and as it is always more trouble to pilot an
inexperienced fish, I think I will have to make a little extra charge.
My terms are usually one-half of all the feed, but in your case I
think I should have to ask a little more, say three-quarters. Is that
satisfactory?"

"Perfectly," replied Sammy, delighted to make any arrangement,
although he had a suspicion that the sly Pilot was taking advantage of
his greenness.

"Very well then," said the Pilot, "I will take you to Coral-Land on
those terms, and will guarantee to protect you as far as possible,
from all danger. I am well known as an excellent guide, the White
Shark will testify as to my ability in that line. But don't get
frightened," he added, as Sammy began to shiver at the mention of the
Shark's name. "I forgot that you are not on as good terms with the
sharks as I am. However I am not on speaking acquaintance with them at
present, and since I know their habits, will promise to keep you well
out of their way.