"Of course you didn't. You haven't got the kind of mind that thinks that kind of thoughts," sneered the merboy. "You people think you are great when you are able to sit at your breakfast tables in New York on Friday morning and talk about what has happened in London that same Friday afternoon--and it is rather smart to be able to do that, I admit--but what do you know about what has been going on in Sealadelphia, or Sharkargo, or Whalington, or Moss-bunkerton? Not a thing, I'll warrant. But these sea creatures know all you know, and all their own news besides. So, you see, when a land-sage begins swapping knowledge with a sea-sage he finds himself 'way behind." "And what was the story about the Porpoise and the Land-sage?" asked Jimmieboy. "Well, as I remember it," said the merboy, "it went this way: "THE PORPOISE AND THE LAND-SAGE. "A Land-sage once, who thought he knew All that there was to know, Went out to sea without a crew, And floated to and fro. And then, before he was aware Just what he was about, A fearful wind did straightway tear His jib and mainsail out. "I'm all at sea!" he moaned and cried; "Oh dear, what shall I do! Would that I'd never come outside Without my gallant crew." Just as he spoke a Porpoise came. The Land-sage cried, "What, ho! Where are you from, and what's your name? Hullo there, you! Hullo!" "What do you wish?" the Porpoise said In accents soft and meek. "I'd like to be at home in bed-- What language do you speak?" "Sea-doggerel," the Porpoise then Made answer with a grin, "Unless I speak with Englishmen, And then I speak in Finn." "Perhaps," the Land-sage then observed, "You can enlighten me By telling me-- I'm much unnerved-- Just where I chance to be." "Of course I can," the fish said. "You, I think 'tis very clear, Are out of sight of Manitou And just about off here." "Pray do not mock me," quoth the sage; "I'm truly badly off, And 'tis not right one of your age At one like me should scoff. I am the most enlightened man That e'er the world did see; So help me home, sir, if you can, And tell me where I be." "You make me laugh," the Porpoise said. "Why should you come to me? If you've all knowledge in your head, I truly cannot see Why you should ask a Porpoise, who Is ignorant and plain, What in this instance you should do To get back home again? "But I will tell you what I'll do: If you will shed some light Upon a few things--one or two-- I'll get you back all right." "A bargain!" cried the Land-sage, loud. "I pray you do begin." "I will," the Porpoise said, and bowed. "Why do you wear a chin?