Page 209 - Adventures in shadow-land

36 7 jhe Merman and the Figure-Head.

with slender hands. They were rather delicate
and slight in their appearance, and they had a pe­
culiarly graceful way of carrying their tails, a

manner quite indescribable in its elegance* but a
family mark. They were rather more intellectual

than their countrymen, and were fond of literary
pursuits and the study of magic, which in the sea
land is considered as a very essential part of a

gentleman’s education. It is taught only in the

higher schools and colleges.
Our merman’s old grandfather (his father was
dead) was Professor of Magic in the State Univer­

sity, and so expert in his own science that he could
turn himself into an oyster so perfect that you

could not tell him from the genuine article. It
was said that once while in that condition he had
been nearly swallowed by a member of the Fresh­

man class. For this offence the young merman
was called up before the Faculty. He apologized

very Humbly, and said his only motive had been
to see if he couldn’t for once get the professor to

agree with him. He professed himself very peni­
tent, and was let off with a reprimand, but he said

afterward that his great mistake had been in wait-