'Whatever does she mean?' they asked in an aside, turning to Reggie.
'It's a challenge,' said Reggie. 'Let's hear what Allan says.'
Allan was considering.
'Shall we accept now, Reggie?' he asked.
Reggie thought the combat might as well take place without delay; and Allan replied to the Proclamation in these terms:
'The Challenge is accepted. We will meet you at the Fort. You will be the garrison, as there are fewer of you, and we'll attack.—Come along.'
'Call the dogs, Reggie,' said Marjorie. 'Do you like sieges?' she asked Gerald, as they were on their way to the shore.
'Awful fun,' replied the fair-haired boy, whose pink and white face was fast becoming tanned by wind and sun.
'What weapons are to be used?' asked Marjorie, turning quickly to the others.
'Turfs,' replied Allan, 'and lumps of wet sea-weed if you like.'