As darkness settled down over the quiet deep, Mary Louise turned from the window with a sigh. "I feel sleepy already," she said, "and it's only supper time!"
"We'll tell the porter to make up our berths," said the Mermaid Princess. "He can do it while we are having our supper in the dining car."
On their return they found their berth in readiness. Soft green seaweed curtains hung gracefully to the floor, one of them being drawn aside, showing a little white bed. It looked as comfortable as her own little bed at home, Mary Louise thought.
It took the two little mermaids but a few minutes to undress, and as soon as their tired heads touched the pillow they were sound asleep.
Softly the seabells are ringing away,
Dipping and dripping and white with the spray,
Ding-dong, and ding-dong, and ding-dong, so deep,
The seabells are singing me softly to sleep.
Over and over again in her dreams little Mary Louise repeated this song. Then suddenly the bells seemed to change their tune. They clanged out wildly until a sudden loud crash awoke her with a start. The engine whistle was sending forth loud, warning cries. The Mermaid Princess began to tremble with fright.
"What do you suppose is the matter?" she whispered.
"I'm sure I don't know," replied little Mary Louise. "Perhaps there's something on the track."
By this time all the passengers were thrusting their heads out through the curtains of their berths.
"Porter, Porter!" called the Penguin, who had been vainly pressing the electric call-button.