"Come on, Lizzie; go in and have a dip!" her master commanded.
But the seal (which is the name used here merely because it is a popular one, and not because it is correct) refused to go in, and Joe began to fear his plan would be a failure.
"You call her," suggested Babson, who had been watching the proceedings.
"Come on, Lizzie! I won't hurt you!" called Joe.
"Hook! Hook! Ook!" barked the seal.
"Here, I think this will take her in," said Mr. Blossom. He tossed a fish into the tank, and, after a brief moment of hesitation, in flopped the seal.
"Good!" cried Joe.
Like a flash the seal swam for the fish, and ate it at a gulp. Then she swam back to the platform, upon which she clambered.
"Well, we've got her started, anyhow," said the trainer. "I think she'll soon get used to you."
Joe continued to swim about. Another fish was thrown in and this time Lizzie did not go out so quickly. She swam about and even let Joe approach her. Then the lad dived, turning a somersault in the tank.