human
We--We're--Goners
gpt
Would you like to visit our kingdom, and see all the wonders that exist below the sea?
human
I'd like to, replied Trot, promptly;
gpt
That you would, mate!
human
Oh, no, said the mermaid.
gpt
We would make you both like one of ourselves, and then you could live within the water as easily as we do.
human
I don't know as I'd like it, said the child;
gpt
You need not stay with us a moment longer than you please, returned the mermaid, smiling as if amused at the remark.
human
Whenever you are ready to return home we promise to bring you to this place again and restore to you the same forms you are now wearing.
gpt
Would I have a fish's tail?
human
You would have a mermaid's tail,
gpt
What color would my scales be--pink, or purple?
human
You may choose the color yourself.
gpt
Look a' here, Trot! said Cap'n Bill, in excitement,
human
declared the little girl.
gpt
We don't get such inv'tations every day, Cap'n; and if I don't go now I may never find out how the mermaids live.
human
I don't care how they live, myself, said Cap'n Bill.
gpt
I jes' want 'em to let _me_ live.
human
There's no danger,
gpt
I do' know 'bout that. That's what all the other folks said when they dove after the mermaids an' got drownded.
human
Who?
gpt
I don't know who; but I've heard tell--
human
You've heard that no one ever saw a mermaid and lived,
gpt
To tell the tale, he added, nodding.
human
An' if we dives down, like they says, we won't live ourselves.
gpt
Well, if you are afraid, don't come. You may row your boat out of this cave and never see us again, if you like. We merely thought it would please little Mayre, and were willing to show her the sights of our beautiful home.
human
I'd like to see 'em, all right,
gpt
So would I, admitted Cap'n Bill;
human
Don't you believe us? asked the mermaid, fixing her lovely eyes on those of the old sailor and smiling prettily.
gpt
Are you afraid to trust us to bring you safely back?
human
N--n--n-o, said Cap'n Bill;
gpt
Then you'll have to come with me, said Trot, decidedly,
human
She'd scold me inter shivers! moaned Cap'n Bill, with a shudder.
gpt
I guess I'd ruther take my chances down below.
human
All right; I'm ready, Miss Mermaid, said Trot.
gpt
What shall I do? Jump in, clothes an' all?
human
Give me your hand, dear, answered the mermaid, lifting a lovely white arm from the water. Trot took the slender hand and found it warm and soft, and not a bit
gpt
My name is Clia, continued the mermaid,