around them, the children never once lost heart. In fact they were as
merry as sky-larks, and often made the island resound with song and mirth
and laughter.

And the dogs, as well as Flossy, were merrier still. They barked and
laughed as only dogs can, and chased each other round and round in great
circles, often disappearing for ten minutes at a time, and springing out
and rolling Flossy over and over when she least expected them.

Flossy was gay enough, although she couldn't run, and often leapt fully
six feet high, turning over and over in the air before she came down
again.

And when she did manage to entice the dogs into the water, it was her
turn to show them her skill; and indeed her feats in the water were
marvellous. Anyhow, she used quite to astonish the dogs. They were all
very well in the woods, but couldn't match Flossy in the water, and there
was no use trying it.




CHAPTER VIII


The long mid-day twilights came first, uncertain and gray to begin with,
but getting brighter and more lovely as time went on. It was as if Nature
were trying her hand in painting the sky to give the great king of day a
glorious welcome.