another. "The Voluta Aulica, extremely rare,--the Mitres, worn by
bishops under the sea. The bishops must be chosen very small, lady, to
fit the shell, since shells were made first. The Queen Conch! This
again,--pardon me, gentleman, you desire to assist me? Too kind, but I
shall not give that trouble to a visitor!"

The last remark was addressed to Mr. Endymion Scraper, who had for the
last five minutes been sidling quietly, and as he thought unobserved,
toward the shelf on which lay the Voluta Musica. His claw-like fingers,
after hovering over the prize, had finally closed upon it, and he was
about to slip it into his pocket without more ado, when a strong brown
hand descended upon his wrist. The shell was quietly taken from him, and
looking up in impotent rage, he met the dark eyes of the Skipper gazing
at him with cheerful gravity.

"Price five dollars!" he murmured, courteously. "In a box, gentleman?
But, certainly! A valuable specimen. Thank you kindly. Five-dollar bill,
quite right! Exhibition is over for this morning, ladies and gentlemen,
to resume in afternoon hours, if graciously pleased to honour the shell
schooner,--schooner 'Nautilus,' from the Bahamas, with remarkable
collection of marine curiosities."




CHAPTER IV.

ABOARD THE "NAUTILUS."

The shell schooner had many visitors during the next few days, as she