"That is Nature's plan of protective colouring. In the same way apricots have often escaped with their lives by sitting in the cream and pretending to be poached eggs." "The same instinct of self-preservation," added Archie, "has led many a pill called Beauchamp to pronounce its name Cholmondeley." Simpson begged to be allowed to show us how to light a fire, and we hadn't the heart to refuse him. It was, he said, the way they lit fires on the veldt (and other places where they wanted fires), and it went out the first time because the wind must have changed round after he had begun to lay the wood. He got the draught in the right place the next time, and for a moment we thought we should have to take to the boats; but the captain averted a panic, and the fire was got under. Then the kettle was put on, and of all the boiled water I have ever tasted this was the best. "You know," said Archie, "in Simpson the nation has lost a wonderful scoutmaster." "Oh, Samuel," cried Myra, "tell us how you tracked the mules that afternoon, and knew they were wounded because of the blood." "Tell us about that time when you bribed the regimental anchovy of Troop B to betray the secret password to you." "I ignore you because you're jealous. May I have some more tea, Miss Mannering?" "Call me Myra, Scoutmaster Simpson of The Spectator troop, and you shall." "I blush for my unblushing sex," said Dahlia. "I blush for my family," said Archie. "That a young girl of gentle birth, nurtured in a peaceful English home, brought up in an atmosphere of old-world courtesy, should so far forget herself as to attempt to wheedle a promising young scoutmaster, who can light a fire, practically speaking, backwards--this, I repeat, is too much." It was Thomas who changed the subject so abruptly. "I suppose the tide comes as far as this?" he said. "It does, captain." "Then that would account for the boat having gone." "That and Simpson's special knot," I said, keeping calm for the sake of the women and children. Archie jumped up with a shout. The boat was about twenty yards from the shore, going very slowly upstream. "It's very bad to bathe just after a heavy meal," I reminded him. "I'm not sure that I'm going to, but I'm quite sure that one of us will have to." "Walk up the river with it," said Myra, "while Dahlia and I pack, and the one who's first digested goes in." We walked up. I felt that in my own case the process of assimilation would be a lengthy one. VI.--A LITTLE CRICKET FOR AN ENDING We came back from a "Men Only" sail to find Myra bubbling over with excitement. "I've got some news for you," she said, "but I'm not going to tell you till dinner. Be quick and change." "Bother, she's going to get married," I murmured. Myra gurgled and drove us off. "Put on all your medals and orders, Thomas," she called up the stairs; "and, Archie, it's a champagne night." "I believe, old fellow," said Simpson, "she's married already."