It was growing dusk, and the line of gold upon the sea had merged into
the gray twilight around. A drizzling rain fell like a veil between Susie
and the shore, and suddenly she remembered that for some time she had not
heard Dick's pleading voice. Instantly all the excitement and pleasure of
the stolen hour fell away from her, and with a frightened pang at her
heart she began a frantic search over the slippery rocks, flying in
heedless haste and shouting as she ran.

Her terror and tears impressed even the twins, though they were a little
inclined to mock. They too rushed and splashed from rock to rock, making
difficult and dangerous leaps that only bare toes made possible. The
pools between the rocks were full of water, and there was no yellow
reflection now from the wind-tossed sky. Susie felt despairing; but
suddenly, almost at her feet, she heard Dick's uncomplaining little
voice, "It's _me_, Susie. I knew you would come back; I am so glad. My
toe has got hurt, and I have sitted here till all my clothes has got
wet."

"How tiresome he is!" said Dot impatiently. "What a tiresome, silly
little boy! That's always the way with babies; they spoil all your fun."

"I'm not a baby," said Dick defiantly.

"Well, you're very like one. Every one will know now, and a jolly row
you've got us into."

"I'll tell you what," said Dash, in a hissing whisper into Susie's ear.
"Let's run back to the shore, and then they'll think he went alone."

"Come on, Susie, or we shall be drenched," said Dot. "When once we've got