"It seemed to matter a good deal a little while ago," said Dot
resentfully.

"Nothing matters now," said Susie, "except to get Dick home."

"Well, you can't rest long," said Dash, "because the tide's coming in."

Susie looked vaguely at the island behind her, with the waves splashing
against its sides, and then at the glistening rocks that made rough
stepping-stones to land. She had no idea about the tides; she only knew
that on some days the rocks showed more above the water than on others,
but there were always rocks. She shook her head impatiently.

"I know all about the tide," she said. "I am perfectly certain I can get
home all right."

"Oh, you're always perfectly certain," said Dot.

"So I am," said Susie.

"Well, good-night," said Dash. "Don't fiddle about too long with Dick,
that's all."

"Good-night," said Susie cheerfully.

She saw the two active figures leaping away into the twilight, splashing
from rock to rock, till they became gray and indistinct like moving
shadows. She felt suddenly chilled and lonely, and the silence and gloom
enveloped them--a forlorn little group in the midst of the growing dark.