over to the island. Do you think we can make it?" asked M

e with us. But they have become so domestic that they can't be persuaded to leave the ho

re no longer in the quiet inlet of the bay, where their houseboat was anchored, but rowing out toward the more open water. On one s

wn dreadfully nervous about us since our experience in the cabin," remark

n Miss Jones suggested it was not safe for us to row a

hear people talk about my faults. Of course, I know I have a perfectly detestable temper, but I hardly said a word to Mis

d me. We were not discussing your faults. You are altogether too ready to bec

sweet and agreeable one minute, and feel pleased with myself, I can surely count on doing something disagreeable the next. Now I ha

nt. "Don't squabble, girls. The day is altogether too

rs, then the little disput

res of Fisherman's Island not far ahead, with several dories and small fishing craft anchor

oars rising and falling in perfect accord. The boat was so close to them that Lillian was afraid Phil and Madge might cross oars with it. But a

water whom you might be persuaded to notic

ks of our heads, or we should have recognized you. Goodness gracious! If there isn't my cousin, J

at Tom. "Age before beauty, Mr. Curt

ning about our hotel as though lost I went over and spoke to him. It wasn't long before I found out he knew you young ladies. I told him about meeti

anything but pleased. She did not like boys. She could do most of the things they could, and they were, to her mind, a nuisance. They were always on hand, trying to help and to pretend that girls were weaker than they were in order to domin

there was a hotel near here, so, as soon as school closed, I ran down for a few days to see how you were getting on. You see, I was really very

. 'The ship was still as still could be,'" declared Tom. "Then we started for a

o the island," remark

over there, too, weren't w

he speed of an arrow. The first spurt told, for the island was not far away, and the girls' boat grated on the beach before the boy

w. And I thought perhaps you and your friends and chaperon would go with us? There is an old fellow over here who takes people out sailing, and I am anxious to have a talk with him. Don't think I am such a duffer that I can't sail a boat myself, but my mother is so nervous ab

in the background. Madge walked with Tom and L

will sit down here on the beach and wait until you come back from your talk wi

ck, and sat looking idly out over the bay

me upon a dirty, half-tumbled down tent. In front of it stood a burly man with both hands on the shoulders of a young girl, whom he was shaking violently. So intent was he upon what he was doing

to Phil's tender heart. The sight or sound of physical suffering made a special appeal to her. It was Phyllis's secret ambition some day to study medicine, an ambition which she had confided t

what else to do or say. "Tell me what is grieving you so. I

ther girl answered. "My fath

"What is the matter?" she inquired gently, bending ove

owing scar just over her temple. But her hair was a wonderful color,

of surprise, "I have seen you somew

"I do not remember anythi

father was the man who helped us secure

he takes people out sailing from the big place over there." She pointed across the water in the direction of the hotel. "Our boat is on the other si

thetic cry and put her ha

stlessly. "I have been washing all day on the beach. I came up here to

r, gazing at the slender, delicate creat

d. Only there is one thing I shall never, never do, no matter how much they beat

m do you mean by 'they,' and w

ll you." She shuddered, and Phil felt

ere whenever I can get away from the others. I would like to stay here

or brothers and si

other. She has many little children. I think I must

er your own mothe

ng," she said again. "Don't go," she begged, as Phil rose

nd they will not know where to find me. Won't you come to see me and my friends? We are sp

. "My father says I have no sense. So, if I wander away, or talk to strangers,

gently. "And I will bring you something to keep your head from aching. My father is a physician, and he will tell me what I must give you. I will bring my friends to the island with me. Whenever you can get away, come to this tent and

after her until her visitor turned the curve of the beach and was lost to view, then,