_“Grandmother,” said Bojohn, “Solario is waiting to go on.”_ _“So he is,” said the Queen. “I never liked sad stories when I was a girl, for they_ always _made me cry. But this one may turn out better than I expect. I really think you’re doing very nicely, Solario. I always say, that no matter how poorly one makes out, he ought to be praised if he is doing his best.”_ _“Go on!” cried Bojohn; and Solario proceeded._ When the singing ceased (said Alb) I climbed noiselessly around the rock to the other side, and looked down. _An Interview with a Talking Seal_ A fat seal was lying below me on a ledge of the rock, just out of the water. The creature raised his head, and gazed up at me with his big soft eyes. “I could have sworn the voice was here,” said I, half aloud. “Are you speaking to me?” said the seal. I assure you I jumped in amazement. “What!” said I. “Was it you?” “Well,” said the seal, “there’s nobody else here, is there?” “Of all things!” said I. “A talking seal! I never heard of such a--” “I suppose I haven’t any right to talk. Just because I haven’t any legs, and have to live in a horrible sealskin, I suppose I’m not even to utter a word. Is that it? Oh, yes, I dare say; I suppose so.” “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend--” “I suppose not. Anyway, you’d better not stand there quarreling with me all day if you ever expect to find the Princess.” “Oh! Do you know anything about her? Tell me, quick!” “Yes, I do. I know a little about her. I know where she is. The Ragpicker’s shadow came last night and fetched away the Princess’s shadow, because the Ragpicker needed the Princess’s shadow to protect her against the people. Everybody is afraid of shadows,--I suppose you know that. And then the One-Armed Sorcerer took away the Princess, and what he’s going to do with her I don’t know. But you’d better find out. Are you ready to go?” “Yes, yes! I’m ready! I’ll go anywhere! Tell me where!” “You talk brave enough. The question is, do you act as brave as you talk? Do you mind getting half-drowned?” “No, no! I mind nothing! Tell me what I must do!” “Sounds very brave, indeed. Are you afraid of shadows?” “Of course not!” “Then you’re the only person in these parts who isn’t. Where you’re going, they’re all afraid of shadows, and that’s how the Ragpicker protects herself against the people; with shadows. And so you’re not afraid of them. Well, well!” “I’m not afraid of anything! Tell me what to do!” “So! Pretty brave! All right, I’ll take you there myself. Take off your coat and shoes.” I took off my shoes, stockings, and coat. The seal hunched himself down into the water, and lay there with his head resting on the rock. “Now,” said he, “come down here and lie on my back, and hold on tight; and don’t get in the way of my flippers.”