road and had crossed the marsh by the foot-path,
the dog bounding on ahead and springing at the
nurse, who stood in the gate awaiting Lucy's return.

"Why, he's as dry as a bone!" Martha cried,
stroking Meg's rough hair with her plump hand.
"He didn't get much of a bath, did he?"

"No, I couldn't get him into the water. Every
time I got my hand on him he'd dart away again."

"Anybody on the beach, darlin'?"

"Not a soul except Meg and the sandsnipe."




CHAPTER V



CAPTAIN NAT'S DECISION


When Martha, with Meg at her heels, passed Ann
Gossaway's cottage the next morning on her way to
the post-office--her daily custom--the dressmaker,
who was sitting in the window, one eye on her needle
and the other on the street, craned her head clear of