Delbert was anxious to lead the expedition over to the other side of the Island, where remained the signs of former habitation.
“You can go on over now,” said Pearson good-naturedly; “I’ll unload the launch and take a swim, and if you say there is anything there worth looking at I can go over afterwards.”
Delbert hesitated; he was counting on expatiating on the extent and glory of the ruins and preferred a large audience.
“Why, of course, Delbert,” said Marian; “Mr. Pearson can take the launch around after dinner. This is the best side for bathing. I am not sure,” she added, as the children started off, “but after dinner would be soon enough for the rest of us, but—”
Pearson laughed and shrugged his shoulders. “There is no wait in that kid,” he said.
“I see there isn’t,” said Marian, as she started after her eager brother.
The hill was decidedly rocky and steep, with a goodly strip of sandy beach at its base. The crabs scurried away as the children ran across this.
“See, Marian!” called Delbert; “see all those crabs? We’ll have them for dinner. Don’t they look fat?”
“Fat and luscious,” laughed Marian. “You are fat and luscious, too, baby darling,” she continued, catching Davie as he stumbled over a stone, “but those qualities alone will never make a mountaineer of you.”
Delbert forged ahead, scrambling over rocks and skirting thorny bushes, and the others followed as best they could.