"I thought they were ears," said the girl.

"So they are. Fins and ears at the same time," answered the little
sea animal. "Also, there are small fins on our backs. Of course, we
can't swim as the mermaids do, or even as swiftly as fishes; but we
manage to get around, thank you."

"Don't the fishes catch and eat you?" inquired Trot curiously.

"Sometimes," admitted the Sea Horse, "and there are many other
living things that have a way of destroying us. But here I am, as
you see, over six weeks old, and during that time I have escaped
every danger. That isn't so bad, is it?"

"Phoo!" said a Starfish lying near. "I'm over three months old.
You're a mere baby, Sea Horse."

"I'm not!" cried the Sea Horse excitedly. "I'm full-grown and may
live to be as old as you are!"

"Not if I keep on living," said the Starfish calmly, and Trot knew
he was correct in his statement.

The little girl now noticed several sea spiders creeping around and
drew back because she did not think them very pretty. They were
shaped not unlike the starfishes, but had slender legs and big heads
with wicked-looking eyes sticking out of them.

"Oh, I don't like those things!" said Trot, coming closer to her
companions.