“But where is he? Where is he?” Ellen interrupted eagerly. The man chuckled. “Lady by name o’ Crump’s got him in tow, stowed him away in bed, sot a big nigger to watch that he didn’t get away, come down herself and routed us up, told us a party was marooned off here and we’d got to come after ’em, which we was willing to do. We was going out to draw out lowbster pots anyway. What’s wrong? Engine gone dead on you?” “Juice gave out,” replied Alvin shortly. “Ah-h, I see; that does happen in the best regerlated families, sometimes, specially when you hev a load of pretty wimmin folks along,” said the man with a sly wink at Tom. “Wal, if juice is all you want, we can load you up and go about our business,” said the second man. “No, glad to accommodate you.” He shook his head as Alvin tendered more than the price of the gasoline. “So long.” The gasoline provided, the men went off to their lobster pots, and the marooned party consumed the remnants of yesterday’s feast before they set out for home, Tom having built a fire and made coffee earlier. “For shipwrecked mariners cast away on a desert island I think we are faring pretty well,” remarked Hettie. “Who was the foresighted person who thought to provide extra coffee?” “Ellen, of course,” answered Mabel. “She always thinks of the useful things; Useful Ellen we call her.” “Don’t give me the credit,” Ellen protested. “It is all Cousin Rindy’s training.” “But there had to be something to build on,” Mabel asserted. The last of the provisions disappeared before they started off, Bert in no wise unwilling to despatch large slices of cake at that hour of the morning. So, cheered and sustained, they made a quiet journey without any regrets because of the adventure, now that it was over. Mrs. Olmstead was the only grumbler, but nobody listened to her, and they arrived at their wharf quite cheerful. To their surprise it was Reed who was first to greet them. “Why, we thought you were in bed under strict guard,” said Ellen as he helped her ashore; “behind locked doors we understood.” “So I was, but fortunately there were windows from which I escaped. Miss Rindy believes I am still peacefully sleeping.” “You should have had a good rest after that terrible trip.” “It wasn’t terrible, rather exciting, and I was pretty well tuckered out when I reached here, but I’ve had a good sleep and am ‘pert as a lizard.’ But, tell me, how did you get along?” “Very well indeed. That good Tom Clayton just laid himself out to do everything in his power to make us comfortable.” “I told you he was a mighty good sort. As soon as you’re rested, Cronette, and have had your breakfast I have something to tell you.” He looked at her gravely. “I’m not a bit tired and I’ve had breakfast, thank you. Tell me now.” “No, I don’t want to hurry over it. We must have a quiet place and a quiet hour.” “You look so serious; I hope it isn’t bad news.” “It is in one way, but not in another.”