"Come, ladies," he said, and they ran down the driveway, laughing and talking, and soon in the big car, were spinning down the beach.
As they drew near to the "Syren's Cave," Captain Seaford at the door, sounded a long, sweet note on the horn. Polly and Rose waved their handkerchiefs, and Sprite ran out to greet them.
It was a sunny day, with a fresh, cool breeze blowing from the East, and when they were seated around the table, the big tureen filled with hot chowder seemed just what their keen appetites craved.
Boiled fish, garnished with cress followed the chowder, and simple pudding, served with cream, furnished the dessert.
It surely was not an elaborate dinner, but to the guests it seemed the finest treat that they had ever enjoyed.
The long ride in the fresh breeze had made them eager for the noon meal, and the sea food, daintily cooked, was a feast.
They lingered at the table, and Mrs. Seaford, and the three little friends listened, and laughed at the merry stories that the two sea captains told.
They were all in the big car when Captain Atherton said:
"Oh, now I think of it; there's a package, and a basket in this car that I meant to leave here, if you'll kindly store them for me."
Captain Seaford, never guessing what the parcel, or big basket contained, answered heartily: