Escaped From the Shark 39 
out from the mud, still keeping a watch¬ 
ful eye on the intruder. 
“ Fine day,” said Sammy, pleasantly. 
“ Charming,” replied the Crab. 
“ Water’s a little cool, though,” said 
Sammy. 
“ It’s very comfortable in here,” said 
the Crab, “ and the tide is very favorable 
this morning; it brought me in some 
fine fat snails for breakfast. By the 
way, have you had breakfast?” And 
as he spoke he again retreated into the 
mud. 
“ Oh, yes, indeed ! ” replied Sammy, 
politely, “ I had a good meal some time 
ago before the shark got after me.” 
And, forthwith, he gave a thrilling ac¬ 
count of his adventure, adding some¬ 
thing to it after the manner of story¬ 
tellers, and throwing in a description of 
his past life and present ambition. To 
