How Sammy Went to Coral-Land | Page 8

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 told
him that the crab was a dangerous companion. So he soon found an
excuse to leave the cave on an exploring expedition, greatly to the
Hermit's regret.
Sammy's experience with the shark was still fresh in his mind, and for a
time he kept close to the ledge ready for a dash to safety should danger
again threaten.
It was a most interesting place to explore, this ledge. There were big
rocks and little rocks, flat rocks, rocks hidden by mud and sand, and
sharp, jutting rocks full of peril to ships at low tide.
In one or two places near the ledge the ocean was so very deep that
Sammy never ventured to explore its depths, while from another point
he could clearly see the sand at the bottom of the sea, and loved to
descend and swim lazily about examining the shell-fish, sea-snails and
other curious creatures that made their home there.
The long ledge had many inhabitants and Sammy was soon on very
good terms with a couple of jolly sea-urchins, whose round, prickly
bodies were half hidden in the little holes which they had bored in the
rock. The sea-urchins made him acquainted with some relations of
theirs, a family of star-fish living on a flat shelf of rock near by. The
star-fishes proved very agreeable companions, being both polite and
pretty. They had lovely orange colored backs, out of which protruded

their five arms, or rays, giving them the star-like appearance from
which they get their name. Under these rays were rows of tiny feelers,
or suckers which they used as feet. With these a star-fish can crawl
about, or even turn himself over if he wishes to, and if he is disturbed
or frightened these little feelers shrink up and conceal themselves in
tiny holes in the rays.
Some star-fishes have the power of breaking off their rays, and, like the
crab and lobster, can grow new ones to take their place. They have
many beautiful relations in the star-fish family, one of the loveliest
being the Brittle-star, so called because it will break in pieces when
touched. Another relative is the Sun-star, which has twelve or fifteen
rays, and often grows to a very large size. Its color is sometimes purple,
sometimes red, with white rays tipped with red; truly a gorgeous
creature, and no doubt very vain of his wonderful beauty!
All star-fishes have mouths and stomachs, which they put to good use,
being exceedingly fond of oysters, and such like, which they suck out
of their shells when opportunity offers.
One of this particular Star-Fish family, Meteor by name, proved very
friendly indeed to Sammy, and through him our hero learned of a fine
Oyster Colony which had established itself on a mud bank not very far
distant.
[Illustration: STAR-FISH. Meteor proved very friendly indeed.]
Now Sammy was naturally of an inquisitive disposition, and an Oyster
Colony being something new he was anxious to visit it. Meteor was
also eager to pay a call, not so much from curiosity, as in the hope of
extracting a fat bivalve from his shell for dinner.
So one fine day off the two started, Sammy swimming slowly to keep
up with his companion, and presently they came in sight of the Colony.
It was a large mud bank literally covered with oysters. Some were half
hidden, others piled one upon another, and still others in little groups
apart. Such a quantity as there were, and such queer-looking, dirty
things, with their rough shells hinged at the back!