The boys were inclined to resist this innovation as an unnecessary cramping of their freedom. Jim averred that he couldn't stretch his legs, and that his garment burnt him, though when it was on it looked no bigger than his hand. Jack demanded reasons, and was told to wait and he would see. However, the brilliancy of the little garments somewhat condoned their offence, and once in the water they were soon forgotten, and as they flashed back and forth across the sands the startling effects they produced in the sunny pools by degrees reconciled their wearers to their use. About a week after this, the boys were sitting one morning in the hollow Mr. Eager used as a dressing-room, wondering why he was later than usual, "Gone to see HIM, maybe, 'bout yon books we brought out," growled Jack gloomily. "Hmph!" grunted Jim. "I don't care--'sides, he wouldn't." And then Eager strode in with a brighter face even than usual. "Afraid I wasn't coming, were you?" he laughed. "Thought maybe you'd gone to see HIM again," said Jack. "Your grandfather? No; I've been seeing some one very much nicer. Jim, did you say your verse this morning?" This was a gigantic innovation, and still much of a mere ritual. But it was a beginning, and the rest would follow. It was the first upward step towards those higher things which Charles Eager kept ever steadily in view. "Forgot," grunted Jim. This again was mighty gain. A month ago--if such a contingency had been possible--he would never have owned up. To his grandfather it is doubtful if he would have owned up even now. "Well, oblige me by going behind that sand-hill and saying it now, and think what you're saying as well as you can. And you, Jack?" "Said um," said Jack dutifully. "Never saw you," said Jim, on his knees. Whereupon Jack dashed at him and rolled him over prayer and all, and they had a regular former-state set-to. The Rev. Charles, grave of face, but internally convulsed, got them separated at last, and as soon as Jim had performed his devotions they turned their faces towards the sea. Before the two boys could start out, as they usually did, like bolts from a cross-bow, however, he laid a detaining hand on each brown shoulder, and to their surprise whistled shrilly across the hills. In reply, a tiny figure in brilliant scarlet sped out from an adjacent nook, and shot, with flowing hair, and little white feet going like drumsticks, across the flats towards the sea. The boys caught their breath and gaped in amazement. "What is it?" gasped Jim. "Whow! Who?" from Jack. "My little sister. She only arrived last night. Now let's see if we can catch her! Off you go!" And they tore away across the long ribbed sands after the flying streak of scarlet in front. They caught her long before she reached the tide-lip, and her eyes flashed merriment as they raced alongside.