"Now look at the sea-urchins and star-fish," said Mr. Andrews, picking up a specimen of each. "See these spines, how stiff and unyielding they look."
"Only put him down bottom upward," interposed Jerry, setting one down that he held in his hand.
The boys crowded around and watched the curious creature as he slanted his spines until he brought them into position where he could move himself on them, and gradually bring himself right side up again.
The boys experimented with them and with the star-fish for a long time, and tried to spread the latter out to dry on the rocks; but by the time they had smoothed out the last ray the first would be curling up, conscious that it was in an unfriendly place.
"We will take some over to camp and pin them on a board," said Mr. Lane, collecting specimens of various sizes from that of a penny to that of a hat-crown.
"Pin them down? You wouldn't stick pins into them, Mr. Lane!" said Joe, horrified.
"In the cause of science. Besides, they have no brains, and consequently no feelings to hurt."
"They may not have brains; but if they have no feeling, why do they twist up when you bother them?"
"I've seen 'em growing a new finger when one's been pulled off," piped Jerry.
"Yes; they can readily supply any such loss."