“It’s the fish, I expect, your Majesty,” said the Wallypug.
“The fish,” exclaimed Girlie; “why, what have they to do with it?”
“Well, most fish are salt, you know,” said the Wallypug; “haddocks, kippered herrings, codfish, anchovies and some kinds of sprats; they are all salt.”
“Oh yes, so they are,” said Girlie; “I wonder I never thought of that before.”
They were getting on nicely with the sand castle, and, presently, the Wallypug suggested that they should look for some shells to put around it. So they wandered down nearer to the sea and were looking about for the shells, when an Ancient Mariner came up to them and, pulling a lock of hair that hung down over his forehead, said in a gruff voice, “Fine day for a sail, gentlefolks.”
“Yes, it is,” replied Girlie.
“Would you like to go, your Majesty?” asked the Wallypug.
“Very much indeed,” said Girlie delightedly, for she was very fond of the water.
“How much do you charge?” asked the Wallypug of the Ancient Mariner.
“Sixpence a head,” said he.