"I 'b dot, buther."
"I 'm sure it's no good for her to go out in that state," sighed Harriott afterwards. "But what would you? She 'd have broken a blood vessel if I 'd stopped her."
Val looked out of the window and reported gleefully:
"They are prowling up and down the digue like two hungry tigers. If they could only pull the tide in with ropes they would set to work at once."
At last there was water enough to float a boat, and the Lorrains' little craft was seen winging down the river from the petit port. The girls came racing back to get their warm coats. A moment later Bran's voice was heard from the front steps:
"I want to go too--I want to go too!" He had smelt what was in the wind, and hastily shuffling on his little garments was following the girls. With the cold brutality of an elder sister Haidee rebuffed him.
"No; you can't come. We don't want any kids."
"Besides, you can't swim," said Kitty more kindly.
"I can swim--I can swim!" averred Bran, and ran after them wailing passionately. "I can swim--I can swim!"
Val had to fly out and bring him home weeping on her shoulder.