from any creature we are liable to meet."

She performed the same ceremony for Cap'n Bill, who was doubtful
about the Magic Circle because he felt the same after it as he had
before. But he said nothing of his unbelief, and soon they left the
palace and started upon their journey.

CHAPTER 9

THE BASHFUL OCTOPUS

It was a lovely day, and the sea was like azure under the rays of
the sun.

Over the flower beds and through the gardens they swam, emerging
into the open sea in a direction opposite that taken by the visitors
the day before. The party consisted of but four: Queen Aquareine,
Princess Clia, Trot and Cap'n Bill.

"People who live upon the land know only those sea creatures which
they are able to catch in nets or upon hooks or those which become
disabled and are washed ashore," remarked the Queen as they swam
swiftly through the clear water. "And those who sail in ships see
only the creatures who chance to come to the surface. But in the
deep ocean caverns are queer beings that no mortal has ever heard of
or beheld, and some of these we are to visit. We shall also see some
sea shrubs and flowering weeds which are sure to delight you with
their beauty."

The sights really began before they had gone very far from the
palace, and a school of butterfly fish, having gorgeous colors
spattered over their broad wings, was first to delight the
strangers. They swam just as butterflies fly, with a darting, jerky
motion, and called a merry "Good morning!" to the mermaids as they
passed.

"These butterfly fish are remarkably active," said the Princess,
"and their quick motions protect them from their enemies. We like to
meet them; they are always so gay and good-natured."

"Why, so am I!" cried a sharp voice just beside them, and they all
paused to discover what creature had spoken to them.

"Take care," said Clia in a low voice. "It's an octopus."

Trot looked eagerly around. A long, brown arm stretched across their
way in front and another just behind them, but that did not worry
her. The octopus himself came slowly sliding up to them and proved
to be well worth looking at. He wore a red coat with brass buttons,
and a silk hat was tipped over one ear. His eyes were somewhat dull
and watery, and he had a moustache of long, hair-like "feelers" that
curled stiffly at the ends. When he tried to smile at them, he
showed two rows of sharp, white teeth. In spite of his red coat and
yellow-embroidered vest,