Page 270 - Adventures in shadow-land

he had been a human being, he would not have

seen them, but aa it was they were revealed to his

eyes. He knew what they were in a moment.
They were dressed like his wooden nymph, and
Arethusa carried a little silver vase in her hand,

but they were not like the figure-head, for they
had Sweet, kind faces, and could laugh and cry.

The merman made a most respectful bow, for he
knew how to do it*

“ W ell," said Panope, kindly, “ can we do any­

thing for you ?’7
“ Lovely nymphs,1' said the merman, “ have
you seen a ship pass this way with one of your

fair sisters on its prow ?"
“ One of our sisters?" said Arethusa, a little

haughtily. “ That seems very unlikely."
“ I assure you she is, my lady," said the mer­

man, reverently hut firmly. *( She has her name,
The Sea-nymph, written below her."

11 He has lost his wits,” said Panope, sighing.
“ W}iat a pity i Such a handsome youth I"

“ You don’t mean that wooden figure-head?"
cried Arethusa.

“ Surely she is your sister," said the merman,