As for the sea-maidens—they were so annoyed at being cheated of their prey, that they sank beneath the ocean and were seen no more.
CHAPTER X.
SHIPWRECKED
“DO these belong to you, my dears?” said a large voice behind them, as they were sailing peacefully along on the old Bed.
And looking round, they beheld a black form towering above them.
“It’s old Skipper Blubberkins—the Whale!” exclaimed Tibbs.
“I found these floating around,” continued their huge friend, “after you left. I shouldn’t wonder but what they were washed off by that sudden shower we had,” he added, gurgling gleefully at the remembrance of his little joke, at the same time holding up an immense fin, upon which lay three pairs of gauzy wings.
“Oh, you dear, great person!” cried Coppertop. And I think that she would have embraced him, then and there, had there been any part small enough for her to put her arms round.
“Thanks awfully. You’re an old sport!” cried Tibbs.