sailed off in different directions. It was a wonderful sight, but
lasted only for a moment, then splash, splash, one after another fell
back into the water, while the sea-gulls circling near seemed to utter
a scream of derision. Again and again, by hundreds at a time, the
beautiful fish leaped and sailed, only to fall back as before.

[Illustration: FLYING-FISH One of the School of Flying-Fish Which
Sammy Met]

"They cannot really fly, you know," explained the Pilot, "for they are
not able to raise themselves in the air after their first leap, and
can only sail for a few feet on a level. And those things that look
like wings are simply very large Pectoral fins, which can support them
for awhile in the air. And a very silly practice the whole thing is
too. Those fish would be a great deal better off if they only kept to
their own element, and stayed pretty well under water. As it is they
are in constant danger, for the sea-gulls are always watching for them
above, and the Bonito beneath. And that reminds me that it would be
safer for us to dive below, for the Bonito is always to be met
following the Flying-Fish, and he is not particular, (being always
hungry) as to what kind of fish he dines on. His usual plan is to
follow the Flying-Fish, keeping near the surface, and when the fish he
has picked out drops, the Bonito has his reward. He is a clever fish,
and being a rapid swimmer, is fond of following vessels, like myself.
The presence of the Flying-Fish proves that we are nearing our
destination, and after a few more miles our journey will be over."

This was a cheering thought, and the two companions swam gaily along
in the best of spirits. Sammy would have liked to stop occasionally to
examine some particularly interesting object, but his guide hurried