As a frolic, it was a great success; but as a meal it would hardly have satisfied a ravenous appetite. Oysters were small and scarce, though Rob succeeded in finding quite a number. Then, too, the operation of opening them was attended with some difficulty, which was increased by Fuzz, who persisted in running away with the oysters that were laid by in reserve. But the rapidly sinking sun and the rising tide warned Bess that it was high time to think of a return; so Rob was forced to abandon his search for more food, and they turned their faces homeward.
As they came into the village again, Bess said,—
"I must just stop a moment at Fred's. Will you come too? He is coming up to-morrow to stay till Monday, and I want to tell him what time I'll go down after him."
"Whew!" Rob vented his feelings in a long whistle. "However'd you get him started? I'll go with you, though."
"He didn't want to come, when I first proposed it; but now he quite likes the idea. You must come up and help entertain him, for I have no idea what I shall do with him for three days."
"What'll you do with Fuzz, take him in?" queried Rob, as they turned in at the Allens' gate.
"No, I will just tie him to the piazza rail," answered Bess. "He would only trouble Fred."
So Fuzz was left to wail his heart out on the front steps, while Bess, according to her usual custom, went directly in, without the formality of ringing the bell.
Fred was sitting alone by the fire, moodily pulling to pieces a tea-rose bud. At Bessie's step he rose and came to meet her, with his usual eager smile; but as he heard the sound of another person, he drew back again and waited.
"It's me, Fred," said Rob's voice. "I came to tell you I was sorry I made you mad."