not to be repeated.

"It's over anyhow," said Chris. "And we are none the worse, are we,
Cinders? So all's well that ends well, and now I'm going to get something
to eat."

For the next two days, Mademoiselle continuing to be hysterical at
intervals, Chris was exemplary in her behaviour. Perhaps even she had had
a surfeit of adventure for the time being. She certainly had no further
urgent desire to explore caves, magic or otherwise. She was also a little
tired, and inclined, after her excitement, to feel proportionately slack.
But early on the morning of the third day her strenuous nature reasserted
itself.

The sea and the sunshine awoke her together and she arose and dressed,
eager to revel in them both. She wondered if Bertrand were out in his
boat, and rather hoped she might encounter him.

Bertrand, however, was nowhere to be seen, and she proceeded to enjoy her
morning bathe in solitude. It was an enchanting day, and his absence did
not depress her. The tide was low, and she had to wade out a considerable
distance through the rippling waves; but she reached deep water at last
and proceeded forthwith to enjoy herself to her utmost capacity.

She spent a delicious half-hour thus, and it was with regret that she
finally returned to the shallows and began to wade back to the point
where Cinders, with her mackintosh, awaited her.

Just beyond this spot was a fair stretch of sand, and she was surprised
as she drew nearer to the shore to hear voices and to see a group of men