"That is very--unexpected. But all my friends are flying south, like the swallows."
"And I have to go furthest of all," said Rick ruefully. "I'm booked for the Pacific Station, as sure as fate."
"Then you must send me home a real Numbo Jumbo if you come across one," she replied, smiling up into his eager boyish face with a confidence absolutely free from all alloy.
"Won't I! and some of those jolly shells too; all the pretty things I can pick up."
"Thank you, Rick; I like pretty things."
He flushed with pleasure at her tone and words.
"Well, good-bye," she said, turning to Will Lockhart. "I hope the elements won't be too strong for you."
"Or for you."
Confidence here also, but of a different sort,--the sort which can give a reason for the faith that is in it. It seemed, however, as if Lady Maud's wish was not to be fulfilled; for as Rick Halmar and his companion set off across the moor, the southwest wind, even at that distance from the shore, sent a shower of spindrift in their faces.
"No leaving Carbost Bay for you tonight," shouted Rick against the wind. "You had better stay at our place. You used to know Aunt Will long ago, didn't you?"