finally our plan of action, we followed gaily in Berry's wake.

I was just saying in a clear voice that, perhaps, it was rather
soon after lunch to bathe again, when we came upon them the other
side of a large rock. One and all they sprawled easily on the
sand in the hot sunshine, as if care were a thing of the past-
forgotten, never known.

This was no more than I had expected of them. Al] of us hate to
be caught bending. Berry especially. That artist was busily
fashioning a miniature rampart of sand. He looked up at my
greeting, and rose to his feet.

I introduced them all to the Mermaid.

"We made friends at lunch," I explained, "over the lobsters."

Jonah winced.

"And then, as we wanted a walk, we thought we'd come along to
fetch you back to tea."

There was a polite murmur of appreciation.

"I must say," I went on, "it is glorious. I almost wish I'd
given up my lunch, too."

The Mermaid stiffened, but none of the others noticed the error.

I felt myself colouring like a fool.