Part 6 (2/2)

Breeze and tide together were flinging up little breakers which curled on the shore and then retreated, only to be sent up again by the next roller A fascinating ga wave, with one's toes alathered itself up again, and then fly to avoid being overtaken by the water which ca over the pebbles

Laddie, after watching the fun for a minute or two, suddenly rushed off with a bark, and returned dragging a huge flat stone which he deposited at Allan's feet; then he stood eagerly waiting, ns to show Allan that he expected hi with it

'Fetch, Laddie!' said Allan, throwing the stone as far as he could

Laddie uttered a joyful yelp and sprang after it, returning with it in his ain

'Laddie, fetch!' cried Allan, throwing it into the sea this ti

He laid down the stone and shook hireat inconvenience of Marjorie; then he ju for Allan to throw the stone oncewerea tumult which vied with the noise of wind and waves, when Hamish touched Allan's arm and pointed to the sky

'Oh, I say,' said Allan, 'we really ought to go; it's going to pour like anything, and the girls will get wet'

'I'h already, I think, especially about the feet,' htened She did not like the boys to show that they thought her less hardy than thee drops on the stones warned them to hasten; and they reached the doctor's house just as the stor lady, ran down into the hall to meet them

'My dear Tricksy,' she cried, as she took the little girl's wet, cold hand, 'you are soaking! Your feet are drenched!'

'It's all right, Mrs MacGregor,' piped Tricksy; 'we've been having a fine ga wet marks all over the floor!'

'Never ive her dry shoes and stockings, Marjorie, and then come to dinner, all of you'

'You know, Marjorie,' observed Tricksy, as the elder girl sos; 'you know you are always telling s they want us to do e play with boys, or else they think we're a bore'

'That's all very well, Tricksy,' replied Marjorie, 'but what shall we do if you get ill? Your ether if that happened'

'_I_ get ill with playing out of doors and having fun,' returned Tricksy scornfully; 'I'm not such a duffer, Marjorie'

Just before dinner Dr MacGregor came in, 'such a dear of a ht blue eyes and curly hair like Marjorie, and a kind expression like Haie?' he said 'How do you do, Allan? Do you like school asto his wife, 'I shall have to start i you to----'

The remainder of the sentence was lost, but the boys could see that both Dr and Mrs MacGregor were looking very grave

'I aor and I ress, 'but I daresay you willinto hter, whose eyes flashed a saucy answer 'You can have the boat down if the rain keeps off'

But the rain showed no disposition to keep off, despite the anxious glances which were directed towards theWhen the clouds gathered oncethe panes, Dr and Mrs MacGregor took their departure in a closed carriage, warning Hamish that the boat was not to be used unless the sea went down

'Bother!' said Tricksy, looking at the waves, which were tu with foam; 'what are we to do while it rains?'