'Well,' said Marjorie at last, digging holes in the sand with a sharp-pointed shell; 'what are we to do now?'
Allan pushed his cap on to the back of his head, and Reggie looked thoughtful; but they did not reply.
It was a beautiful morning, and the distant hills showed the first flush of heather where the light fell upon them. Right in front the waves were glancing like silver, and beyond the ripples the island of the Den stood out invitingly clear.
Tricksy, who had been gazing wistfully across the water, suddenly melted into tears.
'All our fun spoilt,' she said, with the big drops rolling down her face; 'what a horrid, horrid summer we are going to have, and poor Neil——
'Buck up, Tricksy,' said Allan; 'the bottom hasn't tumbled out of the Universe yet.'
Laddie, who had been looking with a concerned expression at his young friends, rose up and thrust his nose under Tricksy's hand, wagging his tail in an encouraging manner.
'Good old dog, good Laddie,' said Allan, patting the dog's rough coat; 'he is telling us that we must not give in.'
Laddie pricked up his ears, and went from one to another of the group, endeavouring to rouse them from their despondency.
'Poor Laddie, good Laddie,' said Marjorie, caressing him and feeling a lump in her throat.