40 How Sammy Went to Coral-Land 
all of which the Crab listened with most 
flattering interest. 
“ Remarkable,” he murmured. “ You 
have no idea how delightful it is for a 
poor Hermit like me to hear something 
of the outside world. I lead such a re¬ 
tired life that it is a real pleasure to en¬ 
tertain a stranger in my humble abode. 
This little cave is mine by the right of 
possession, and in it I live, far from the 
whirl of society, and being secluded in 
my habits, and somewhat bashful, I al¬ 
ways retire into the mud when strangers 
appear. Occasionally when crabs, (little 
ones), sea-snails, and small shell-fish 
wander in in search of apartments I con¬ 
sent to have a short conference with them, 
but it is a rare thing for me to speak to a 
fish as large as yourself.” 
“ I am highly honored,” said our 
hero. 
