The tumult of the waves overhead seemed to calm somewhat and the swirling water cleared enough for us to see a scary "gate" in the path ahead.
This MUST BE "Glifford's Glate"--the same place Barnacle Bill warned us about--and, if Bill was telling the truth, just beyond this "Glate" was the lair of Crawly Crustacean.
...
As soon as I was able, Starry and I continued on our way.
But close over our heads there was a terrific commotion of crashing surf on rocks---while surging water made the footing treacherous.
We went more slowly now, clinging to the sparse outcroppings of moss-covered stone for dear life.
...
"Starry!" I gasped when I was back on my feet and had caught my breath, "You saved my life!"
"Well, I DID at that. But 'at's OK---Don't take it personal---I might NEED ya ta help me rescue Polly!" and he smiled a starfishy smile.
...
But before crashing into the deadly rocks I was caught by a strong "hand".
It was Starry Starfish who had anchored his other four "hands" on stones and had grabbed my claw as I swished helplessly past him!
...
A sudden powerful rushing swirl of water hit us and I was lifted off my feet and hurled toward the awful spine-covered rocks!
...
When we emerged from the stone-walled staircase we found ourselves in a maze of jagged rocks with strong swirling currents of water pushing us back and forth.
Sharp spines of the resident sea-urchins made moving through this maze frighteningly dangerous--but we kept going as well and as fast as we could.
...
Hurriedly my new "comrade" Starry Starfish and I found our way down and out and through the back door of the "The Golden Doubloon".
We found ourselves at the head of a staircase leading down between sheer walls of stone. A strong sea current was pulling in and out which made the pathway treacherous and the light was dim--but we made good speed....
