“Probably not; he knew it was the excitingest place to stop. What did I tell you about his being ancient? Now he says he has gray hairs, so that proves it.”

“I should think he might,” I said, “after such experiences. What do you think it could have been that stared at him?”

“An octopus, most likely,” Jerry said. “They have goggly black eyes; I’ve read it.”

“But he said he’d never seen such eyes on any sea beast he knew of, and he’s read as much as you have; that’s sure.”

“That treasure! Oh, my eye!” Jerry sighed. “Do you suppose he brought home hunks of it?”

“Just the same hunks that we dig up on Wecanicut, I suppose,” I said.

“You mean you think he’s making up the whole yarn?” Jerry asked. “Well, even if he is, it’s a mighty good one, and it might have happened to him, at that.”

Greg looked up suddenly from beside me, and said:

I think the thing what stared at him was a mer-person.”

“My child,” said Jerry, “I believe you’re right.”