n the audience should ask you about your
act--that is, provided you buy Lizzie."

"I'm much obliged to you," answered the boy fish. "And I'm almost sure
I'll take your seal--I mean sea-lion--if she'll act in the tank with
me. Now for a trial."

Soon, attired in an old bathing suit belonging to Mr. Blossom, Joe
entered the tank and began to swim about. There was considerably more
room than in his glass tank, and he did several of his tricks.

"Say, you _are_ a sort of human fish!" exclaimed the sea-lion's
trainer.

During the time Joe was in the tank Lizzie remained on the platform
gazing at him. She followed his every movement with her big intelligent
eyes, but she showed no disposition to enter the water with Joe. But
she did not seem frightened.

"In, Lizzie! In!" commanded Mr. Blossom.

Lizzie "Hooked!" but that was all, save that she moved about on the
platform.

"Come on, Lizzie; go in and have a dip!" her master commanded.

But the seal (which is the name used here merely because it is a
popular one, and not because it is correct) refused to go in, and Joe
began to fear his plan would be a failure.

"You call her," suggested Babson, who had been watching the
proceedings.

"Come on, Lizzie! I won't hurt you!" called Joe.

"Hook! Hook! Ook!" barked the seal.

"Here, I think this will take her in," said Mr. Blossom. He tossed a
fish into the tank, and, after a brief moment of hesitation, in flopped
the seal.

"Good!" cried Joe.

Like a flash the seal swam for the fish, and ate it at a gulp. Then she
swam back to the platform, upon which she clambered.

"Well, we've got her started, anyhow," said the trainer. "I think
she'll soon get used to you."

Joe continued to swim about. Another fish was thrown in and this time
Lizzie did not go out so quickly. She swam about and even let Joe
approach her. Then the lad dived, turning a somersault in the tank.

The seal snorted, gave her peculiar cry, and then, to the delight of
Joe, who, with open eyes under water, could see every motion, Lizzie
fairly imitated his act, turning over and over and shooting out on to
the platform.

"I guess you've got her started," said Mr. Blossom. "Give her a few
more trials."

For half an hour Joe remained in the tank, and every minute Lizzie
seemed to grow more friendly toward him. Finally she let him swim at
her side, though, of course, Joe could not equal the seal in speed.
Then she let him put his hands on her, and