58 How Sammy Went to Coral-Land 
to be fooled, and finally, much put out, 
the two companions were obliged to re¬ 
tire unsatisfied. 
“ It’s all my fault,” grumbled the Star- 
Fish, as they moved slowly away. “ I 
should have had sense enough to creep 
along in a less conspicuous manner. You 
see so many different kinds of sea-folks, 
crabs, sea-snails, etc., as well as our own 
family feed on the oysters that it makes 
them very timid, and they close their 
shells at the least sign of danger. And, 
of course, once the shells are shut the 
sharpest and most experienced claw is of 
no use. it is much easier to hunt oysters 
before the shell hardens, though it is not 
considered as much sport.” 
“ Are oysters’ shells ever soft ? ” in¬ 
quired Sammy in great surprise. 
“ Oh, yes, indeed ! ” said Meteor, in a 
very superior tone. “ Why I supposed 
