"Papa, may we go too?" asked Lulu, as the older people hastily made a
move toward the stairway that led to the beach; "oh, do please let us!"

Grace did not speak, but her eyes lifted to his, pleaded as earnestly as
Lulu's tongue. He hesitated for an instant, then stooped, took Grace in
his arms, and saying to Lulu, "Yes, come along; it is too grand a sight
for me to let you miss it," hurried after the others.

Violet had not come out with the rest, her attention being taken up
with her babe just at that time, and he would give her the sight
afterward on taking the children in.

On they went over the wet sands--Mr. Dinsmore and his wife, Edward and
his, Betty holding on to Harold's arm, Rose and Walter helped along by
Herbert and Bob.

To Max Raymond's great content and a little to the discomfiture of her
sons, who so delighted in waiting upon and in every way caring for her,
Elsie had chosen him for her companion and escort, and with Lulu they
hastened after the others and just ahead of the captain and Grace, who
brought up the rear.

The thunder of the surf prevented any attempt at conversation, but now
and then there was a little scream, ending with a shout of laughter from
one or another of the feminine part of the procession, as they were
overtaken by the edge of a wave and their shoes filled with the foam,
their skirts wetted by it. Not a very serious matter, as all had learned
ere this, as salt water does not cause one to take cold.

Arrived at the spot from where the very best view of the conflict could