CHAPTER III 
THE STAR-FISH, THE UNSOCIABLE OYSTERS 
AND THE PILOT 
It is not to be wondered at that our 
hero should feel a good deal of distrust 
concerning his host. To be sure the Her¬ 
mit had declared that he never preyed 
upon fish as large as Sammy, since they 
invariably disagreed with him, and he 
was very polite and affable to his guest. 
But there was a certain suggestiveness 
about some of his remarks that was un¬ 
pleasant, and his furtive, watchful gaze 
made Sammy nervous. The wicked old 
Hermit’s mouth was really watering for 
this innocent, fresh-water fish, and he 
was only awaiting a favorable opportunity 
5 2 
