“It does look something like it. But oh, such different circumstances now. We’re not Robinson Crusoes here. We’ve got everything we want—food, and the Ladybug, and Bert Chase to rescue us.”
“Speaking of Bert,” put in Dot, “let’s get a good swim before he gets back.”
They acted upon the suggestion immediately, and enjoyed their dip immensely. What a thrill it gave them to bathe for the first time in the Gulf of California! Almost like going into the Pacific Ocean. But they did not venture out far, or stay long in the water. They wanted to be all ready for Chase when he returned, so that they could be on their pursuit again as quickly as possible.
“I like your boy-friend, Linda,” said Dot, taking up the conversation where they had left it when they went in to bathe. “But it’s nice to have him out of the way for a while.”
“I don’t see why you call him my boy-friend,” returned the other girl. “He’s just as much yours.”
“He is not! Haven’t you noticed how he’s always watching you? As if he couldn’t take his eyes from you. Pure devotion, I’d call it.”
Linda laughed and began to run a comb through her wet hair, arranging the ringlets in place. She had a lovely natural wave—a gift which saved her a great deal of time at hairdressers’. No matter where she was, or how she was dressed, she always looked pretty.
“I think you’re exaggerating, Dot. He’s never said anything to make me think he especially likes me.”
“All the more credit to him! But just the same, I’ll bet Ralph Clavering wouldn’t feel any too easy about him.”
Suddenly Linda sighed.