As for the Pilot, he had his weaknesses and faults like all people and
all fish, and what they were we will find out as we go along.

* * * * *

Bright and early the next morning Sammy bade farewell to his friends
at the ledge, and in company with his guide started forth on his long
journey to Coral-Land. All the Star-Fishes and Sea-Urchins assembled
to see him off, and wish him a safe and prosperous voyage. Even the
Hermit peered cautiously out from his cave, and waved an adieu with
one claw. But his crafty eyes had a wistful expression as though he
said to himself, "My what a fool I was to let that fellow escape!"

"Speaking of sharks," remarked the Pilot, as he and his companion
glided easily through the water, "many unjust things have been said
about me because I am sometimes seen with the White Shark. They say a
fish is always known by the company he keeps, but I think it is very
unfair to judge me in that way, particularly as I never stayed with
the shark because I liked him. I knew him for a heartless and
ferocious monster who would attack anything that came in his way, and
I was a good deal afraid of him. I only went with him as a matter of
convenience to myself. But it was commonly supposed that I accompanied
him as a guide in order to show him the best feeding places, and tell
him what dangers to avoid, and that was how I got my name of the
Pilot-Fish. But the real reason was that I got better food when in
company with the White Shark than any other way.

"Our usual plan was to follow some ship, which we often did for weeks,
or months at a time, for a great deal of nice fish food is always