"As nice!" repeated Duke scornfully. "Deal isn't a patch upon Cornwall. Don't you remember hearing mother talk about the broad sands where we can build castles, and the rocks and caves?"
"Caves!" echoed Noel. "Do they go a long way back, and are they dark inside?"
"That's what we shall have to find out," said Duke. "Oh, I wish we had known about it sooner, we might have saved up bits of candle."
"But I'm glad we've only to wait till Saturday," said Noel. "Only two more days and then we shall be there! Isn't it scrumptious!"
"I wish I had known sooner," said Mrs. Tapson; "I'd have had all your things nicely washed and mended. Your mother kindly says it does not matter; but I like to send everything in order."
The boys could not see that this was of the least consequence. They did not cease talking of Cornwall till, at a later hour than usual, Mrs. Tapson sent them to bed, and then they carried the thought of that beautiful county into their dreams.
[CHAPTER II.]
FIRST SIGHT OF THE SEA.
IT was vain for Mrs. Dryden to warn her boys against over-excitement as they travelled west. From the moment when they left Paddington until they alighted at the little Cornish station they were in high spirits, and they greatly amused their fellow-passengers.
"Where is the coach for Trevethick?" Duke demanded with a lordly air, as he sprang on to the platform almost before the train had stopped. A tall, thin porter, sauntering in a leisurely way along the platform, looked at him calmly, but made no reply as he moved forward to open a carriage door.