At another time, as she stooped to pick up a dead crab while wandering
along the beach, she started back in dismay at hearing it scream out in a
shrill, tiny voice, "Don't touch me! I'll pinch you, if you do."
The merry laugh of the boys told her that it was "only Cousin Ronald," but
she let the crab alone, keeping at a respectful distance from its claws.
This was on the evening spoken of in our last chapter, and while her mamma
and Aunt Lucy were chatting together in the veranda, waiting for the call
to tea.
It sounded presently, and Cousin Ronald and the children started on a run
for the house, trying who could get there first.
Harold showed himself the fleetest of foot, Herbert and Frank Daly were
close at his heels, while Mr. Lilburn, with Rosie in one hand and little
Walter in the other, came puffing and blowing not far behind.
"Won't you take us another walk, cousin?" asked Rosie when they came out
again after the meal.
"Yes," he said, "this is a very pleasant time to be down on the beach.
Come lads," to Harold and Herbert, "will you go along?"
They were only too glad to accept the invitation, and the four sauntered
leisurely down to the water's edge, where they strolled along watching the
incoming tide.
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