But a mild little voice from the creature relieved them.

"I beg your pardon," said he. "Let me introduce myself. C. Crab, Esq.,
of Oyster Bay."

"Oh, ah! Indeed!" said Pipsy. "Glad to know you, I'm sure."

"I think I must have lost my way," said C. Crab, Esq. "Could you
oblige me by telling me if you see any boys near?"

"Any boys?" said Pipsy and Nipsy, looking at each other. "Never saw
one in my life. What do they look like? Have they many legs? Are they
fat? Are they good to eat?" asked both the hungry little sandpipers.

"They are creatures," said the crab, with a groan,--"creatures a
thousand times larger than we are. They have strings. They tie up
legs and pull. They throw stones. If you ever see a boy, run for your
life."

"Good gracious me!" cried both the little sandpipers. "How very
dreadful!"

But there were no boys in sight; so C. Crab grew sociable, and offered
to show them a place where bugs were plenty. "Just get on my back,"
said he, "and I'll have you there in no time."

So they got on his back. It was very wet and slippery, but they held
on with their toes, while C. Crab gave himself a heave and started.

"Oh, my!" exclaimed Nipsy. "He's going backward!"