"He actually is!" cried Pipsy. "At this rate we'll get there day
before yesterday, wont we?"

"Surely," said Nipsy. "How very horrid of him when we are so hungry!
What a slow coach!"

"Let's jump off quick, or he'll take us clear into last week!" cried
the silly sandpipers, and then they skipped off and ran down the beach
in the opposite direction. C. Crab called to them, but it was no use,
so he went on his way. But as for the sandpipers, they went on getting
into trouble. The day was hot, and after they had run some distance,
they stepped into the water to cool off. Nipsy stepped in first, but
the water was up to his breast and it frightened him, so he stepped
out again.

"Pooh!" said Pipsy. "You're afraid, YOU are! Look at me!"

Then he jumped in, and only his head stuck out.

"This is twice as deep as you were in!" he cried, turning up his bill,
and rolling his eyes.

"You're sitting down, _you_ are!" cried Nipsy, in scorn.

"I'm not," said Pipsy.

"You are. I can see your toes all doubled up, even if the water _is_
muddy," said Nipsy, and rushed at him to punish him for bragging.