boys, as all wished to take charge of the cats. The drive, too, proved
longer than was expected,--six miles instead of four.

When they reached their cousin's door, the "barge" was already standing
there.

"It has brought our luncheon-basket!" exclaimed Solomon John.

"I am glad of it," said Agamemnon, "for I feel hungry enough for it."

He pulled out his watch. It was three o'clock!

This was indeed the "barge," but it had come for their return. The
Gooseberry cousins, much bewildered that the family did not arrive at
the time expected, had forgotten to send to countermand it. And the
"barge" driver, supposing the family had arrived by the other station,
had taken occasion to bring up the lunch-basket, as it was addressed to
the Gooseberry cousins. The cousins flocked out to meet them. "What had
happened? What had delayed them? They were glad to see them at last."

Mrs. Peterkin, when she understood the state of the case, insisted upon
getting directly into the "barge" to return, although the driver said
there would be a few moments to spare. Some of the cousins busied
themselves in opening the luncheon-basket, and a part led the little
boys and Agamemnon and Solomon John down upon the beach in front of the
house; there would be a few moments for a glance at the sea. Indeed, the
little boys ventured in their India-rubber boots to wade in a little
way, as the tide was low. And Agamemnon and Solomon John walked to look
at a boat that was drawn up on the beach, and got into it and out of it
for practice, till they were all summoned back to the house.