A fat seal was lying below me on a ledge of the rock, just out of the water. The creature raised his head, and gazed up at me with his big soft eyes.
“I could have sworn the voice was here,” said I, half aloud.
“Are you speaking to me?” said the seal.
I assure you I jumped in amazement. “What!” said I. “Was it you?”
“Well,” said the seal, “there’s nobody else here, is there?”
“Of all things!” said I. “A talking seal! I never heard of such a—”
“I suppose I haven’t any right to talk. Just because I haven’t any legs, and have to live in a horrible sealskin, I suppose I’m not even to utter a word. Is that it? Oh, yes, I dare say; I suppose so.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend—”
“I suppose not. Anyway, you’d better not stand there quarreling with me all day if you ever expect to find the Princess.”
“Oh! Do you know anything about her? Tell me, quick!”