human
Stop it! said Merla;
gpt
Oh, who cares? shouted the Eels.
human
We're not afraid of the mermaids.
gpt
She'll stiffen you all up again, as she did once before, said Merla,
human
Are these earth people?
gpt
The old polliwog looks something like King Anko,
human
I'm not a polliwog! answered Cap'n Bill, angrily.
gpt
I'm a re-spec'able sailorman, an' I'll have you treat me decent or I'll know why.
human
Sailor! said another.
gpt
That means to float on the water--not _in_ it. What are you doing down here?
human
I'm jes' a-visitin',
gpt
He is the guest of our queen, said Merla,
human
Oh, that's all right, replied one of the biggest eels, wriggling around in a circle and then snapping at a companion, which as quickly snapped out of his way.
gpt
We know how to be polite to company as well as the mermaids. We won't hurt them.
human
Come on, fellows; let's go scare old Mummercubble,
gpt
I don't like eels,
human
They are more mischievous than harmful, replied Merla;
gpt
No, added Cap'n Bill;