"Well, that rock is exactly underneath the farm."
"We were only going to peep round the point. It wouldn't take five minutes," said Muriel.
"I can't allow it, all the same," said Phyllis, firmly.
"I'm sure Miss Lincoln never meant——" began Kitty Harrison, but she was interrupted by Phyllis.
"Miss Lincoln has put me in authority for this afternoon. I have her orders, and I tell you you're not to go."
Looking very cross and disconsolate, the four girls sat down on the sand a little distance away, to grumble and discuss the situation.
"I don't believe Miss Lincoln meant exactly what she said," declared Kitty.
"I'm sure she didn't. It's only Phyllis who's so proud of being prefect, and likes to show her authority," agreed Maud.
"I don't see why we should do as she tells us; she's only a schoolgirl like ourselves," said Vera.
"I expect she wanted to be nasty, and pay us out for what happened last week in the gymnasium," said Muriel.