"Down into the sea we went--making our way by the shortest path to the mansion of Madam Claire Clam.
Almost in less time than it takes to tell we arrived at the imposing front door and rang the bell.
Clarence the Butler, a sardine of my acquaintance, answered the bell."
"Ahhh, constable Crab", Clarence greeted us smoothly, "Madam was hoping you could be found and would be here quickly."
"I would like to talk to her at once, if you please, Clarence."
"Of course, Constable. Madam is waiting for you in the study. You may both follow me please."
...
"I was relaxing on the beach one sunny day when I heard someone call my name in an excited tone of voice. I looked in the direction of the call and recognized one of my young friends 'Sandy' Sand Crab.
Sandy came running up to me and breathlessly began to inform me about some what seemed to be a rather serious problem--I caught the name of Madam Claire Clam--but could not understand anything else.
STOP, Sandy! Slow down--take a deep breath--and tell me CALMLY what it is you need to say."
"Oh Constable! You must come quickly! Madam Clam is in GREAT need of your skill! Her famous pearl is GONE and probably STOLEN!!"
Well, this WAS serious news--and no small thing either!
Everyone knew that Madam Claire Clam was the proud owner of one of the finest and most valuable pearls in the entire world--The famous Plumbago Pearl!
I was immediately on my feet and hurrying toward the sea cove where Madam Clam had her home with Sandy scampering after me.
...
"Well, here we are again at the end of another successful case.
The Jellyfish got a new house and my old friend Hermit Crab got his dream home--a genuine chambered nautilus shell!
My next case is one of the most complex and dangerous of all--in which I came up against that arch-villain Boss Octopus for the first time--I call it: "The Case of the Purloined Pearl".
Constable Crab
...
"It's a HOUSE! An EMPTY HOUSE!! And WHAT a HOUSE!!! A genuine Chambered Nautilus!!!!"
"But..." I began...
"No 'BUTS'!!!" Exclaimed Hermit! "I've waited all my life for a house like this! THIS is MY HOUSE and I'm moving in RIGHT NOW!
And he did!
...
"Fine for YOU--you--you JELLYFISH! But what am I going to do for a house? AND for me that is highly important, because Hermit crabs ALWAYS have houses!! And (sob) I DON'T!!"
"Cheer up, old friend." I said, "Every cloud has a silver lining--perhaps..."
"Oh, I know you are trying top cheer me up," said Hermit, "but I just know I'll NEVER find another sweet little house like--like..."
"What's the matter?" I asked--because suddenly Hermit had a VERY strange look in his eye.
"It's just that I thought I saw--over there in the sand by those big stones--a--a..."
...
"But WHY would a jellyfish even WANT a house?" Hermit Crab asked.
"I KNOW it is unusual" retorted the jellyfish, "But I am tired of just floating around! Owning my own house gives me a feeling of dignity and prestige! AND as you well know--it offers great protection from the predators of the deep! Finally I can relax and enjoy life without worrying about being eaten! I expect lots of jellyfish will start looking for new homes soon!"
...
