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The Sea Fairies by L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
page 57 of 182 (31%)
net.

Before long they came upon a group of large fishes lying lazily near
the bottom of the sea. They were a dark color upon their backs and
silver underneath, but not especially pretty to look at. The fishes
made no effort to get out of Merla's way and remained motionless
except for the gentle motion of their fins and gills.

"Here," said the mermaid, pausing, "is the most aristocratic family
of fish in all the sea."

"What are they?" asked the girl.

"Codfish," was the reply. "Their only fault is that they are too
haughty and foolishly proud of their pedigree."

Overhearing this speech, one codfish said to another in a very
dignified tone of voice, "What insolence!"

"Isn't it?" replied the other. "There ought to be a law to prevent
these common mermaids from discussing their superiors."

"My sakes!" said Trot, astonished. "How stuck up they are, aren't
they?"

For a moment the group of fishes stared at her solemnly. Then one of
the remarked in a disdainful manner, "Come, my dear, let us leave
these vulgar creatures."

"I'm not as vulgar as you are!" exclaimed Trot, much offended by
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