Towards morning, however, the storm abated: the wind went down almost as suddenly as it rose, and Mr Durrant determined to take the yacht as far as Totland Bay, and to give the children a run on the shore. They were all pleased with this decision, and when they landed on the pier, were much delighted to find themselves again on _terra firma_. The day was a very hot one; and, except for the swell after the storm, all traces of the tempest of the preceding night had vanished. The entire party went into the hotel for lunch, and afterwards took a long walk on the beach in the direction of the far-famed Needles. It was so fine and warm that the girls begged to be allowed to bathe. There was a sheltered cove about a mile beyond Totland Bay where they could go into the water; and all the party, provided with their bathing things, started on their expedition. Harriet and Jane walked on a little in front of the others: Robina, on this occasion, found herself with the Amberley girls: Mr Durrant, Patience and Frederica Chetwold and Ralph brought up the rear. Jane turned now and spoke eagerly to Harriet. "I have thought of something," she said. "Well, what is it?" asked Harriet. "We are all going to bathe, aren't we?" "I suppose so," said Harriet: "not that I much care for the look of the water," she added. "There is an awful swell, and I remember my father once telling me that there were strong currents all round this part of the coast. Only very good swimmers ought to go out; but of course we are safe enough, those of us who choose to stay in our depths." "Yes,"--said Jane--"those of us who choose; but you won't, you know--it will be your chance." "My chance? of what?" asked Harriet. "Why, of proving what you want to prove to Mr Durrant." Harriet turned and looked full at her companion. It is true she was a good swimmer, and she was not a coward; but she knew enough about the water to understand that even the best swimmer cannot cope against a sea which is still perturbed by a recent storm. She said, after a pause: "I always knew you were clever enough, Jane, when you chose to put your brains in soak. Now, what is your thought? Out with it." "Well," said Jane; "it is this way. They're all going to bathe--all of them--Ralph and Mr Durrant, and all the girls. You coax Ralph to get a little out of his depth, and then you save him. Why, it's done as easy as possible. Why, Mr Durrant, he'll feel then just as Ralph feels for you--that there's nothing in all the world that he won't do for you, and Robina won't be in it at all." Harriet was so astonished at these words, that she stood stock-still and turned and stared at her companion. "But if Mr Durrant is in the water himself, he will save Ralph. Besides, he won't allow him to go out of his depth; he will just keep him to himself. Why, Ralph is the apple of his eye, you goose!" "Yes," said Jane; "but suppose he isn't with him." "Now what are you talking about?"