"In what way?"
"In your appreciation of what our island affords. But the game isn't over. You must find a talisman, too."
"May I give it to you, if I do?"
"Certainly, unless you want to take it home to your mother."
"Oh, no, I can assure you she wouldn't value it in the least."
Gwen smiled. "I'll sit here and have a lovely time with the pebbles while you are gone." She established herself on a rock with her back to the high bluff, and bent over the store of pebbles in front of her while Mr. Mitchell went on his quest. Presently she heard a crunching sound behind her. "Already?" she said without looking up.
"Already, what? Do you mean that I have made a record in getting down the bank? I saw you from above, and naturally, you see—"
"Oh, Mr. Hilary, I didn't know it was you."
"I hope you didn't think I was the jar-fly."
Gwen dimpled, then said with quite a dignified air: "You mustn't make fun of my friends."