“It’s a very large mackerel-shaped fish,” her mother answered. “It is not quite as large as a horse, but it is very big.”
“As big as a shark?” asked the little girl.
“As big as some sharks,” said Mrs. Martin.
“’Nen I guess I go see a shark an’ a horsie mackel,” announced William. “Maybe he’ll be ’most as good as a nellifunt!”
“Oh, you and your elephants!” laughed Janet.
So the children went down to the beach—that part of the beach whence the fishing boats departed. There was a crowd about the craft, waiting to see them motor off through the surf, which was rather high. In the distance the Curlytops could see where Mr. and Mrs. Keller, with the gang of Italian men, were sifting the sand, trying to find the lost ring and the keys.
“I hope they get them back,” said Janet.
“So do I,” agreed her brother.
The fishermen were getting ready to put the boat into the water. It was sent down the sloping beach, a few feet at a time, on wooden rollers.
When it was almost at the edge of the surf, the boat was held back from sliding in by a rope fastened to it. The other end of the rope was made fast to a big pole set in the sand, well up the beach.