Dora Sigerson Shorter

“ They saw bright bubbles rise and break,
But nothing stranger here befell.
The Baron swore—the Baron said,
“Now all be gone, alone I'll stay,
There shall not rise another day
Without this thief, alive or dead.” ”

“ Because the thief was listening too.
The slipping scrape of scales he hears.
And sea-mew laughter, loud and sweet;
He dares not move his frightened feet.
His pulse beats with a thousand fears. ”