"Hundreds of years, I think. They live to a great age, for nothing
can harm them when they withdraw their legs and heads into their
thick shells. We use some of the turtles for food, but prefer the
younger ones. Men also fish for turtles and eat them, but of course
no men ever come to this out-of-the-way place in the ocean, so the
inhabitants of this little island know they are perfectly safe."

In the center of the island rose high cliffs on top of which were to
be seen great flocks of seagulls, some whirling in the air, while
others were perched upon the points of rock.

"What do the birds find to eat?" asked Cap'n Bill.

"They often feed upon seals which die of accident or old age, and
they are expert fishermen," explained Queen Aquareine. "Curiously
enough, the seals also feed upon these birds, which they are often
able to catch in their strong jaws when the gulls venture too near.
And then, the seals frequently rob the nests of eggs, of which they
are very fond."

"I'd like a few gulls' eggs now," remarked a big seal that lay near
them upon the shore. Trot had thought him sound asleep, but now he
opened his eyes to blink lazily at the group in the water.

"Good morning," said the Queen. "Aren't you Chief Muffruff?"

"I am," answered the old seal. "And you are Aquareine, the mermaid
queen. You see, I remember you, although you haven't been here for
years. And isn't that Princess Clia? To be sure! But the other