CHAPTER 4





Trot was surprised to find it was not at all dark or gloomy as they
descended farther into the deep sea. Things were not quite so clear
to her eyes as they had been in the bright sunshine above the
ocean's surface, but every object was distinct nevertheless, as if
she saw through a pane of green-tainted glass. The water was very
clear except for this green shading, and the little girl had never
before felt so light and buoyant as she did now. It was no effort at
all to dart through the water, which seemed to support her on all
sides.

"I don't believe I weigh anything at all," she said to Cap'n Bill.

"No more do I, Trot," said he. "But that's nat'ral, seein' as we're
under water so far. What bothers me most is how we manage to
breathe, havin' no gills like fishes have."

"Are you sure we haven't any gills?" she asked, lifting her free
hand to feel her throat.

"Sure. Ner the mermaids haven't any, either," declared Cap'n Bill.

"Then," said Trot, "we're breathing by magic."

The mermaids laughed at this shrewd remark, and the Princess said,