“Better not try it, though,” said one of the sailors, whose name was Will Gand. “We’ll put in the little bay.”
“It will be safer,” agreed the other man from the Beacon. His name was Sam Trend. “We might get in safe, because there isn’t much surf to speak of,” he went on. “But sometimes a big roller will come up out of the calmest sea, and it might upset the boat and get the children’s feet wet.”
“I could take off my shoes and stockings and wade,” declared Sue.
“Yes, but Sam is right,” said Mrs. Brown. “We don’t want to get wet when there is no need.”
“We’re often wet,” announced Sue.
“I wouldn’t be afraid if the boat upset!” boasted Bunny. “I can swim!”
“So can I!” added Sue, and it was true. Young as they were, the two little Browns had been taught by their father to take care of themselves in the water.
“Well, if the boat upset the things to eat in it might get wet,” said the sailor, Will Gand. “That would be a pity.”
“Oh, have we got things to eat in this boat?” cried Bunny. “I didn’t know that! We can have a picnic on the island, can’t we?”
“I had one of the stewards pack up some food in a basket,” said Mr. Brown, pointing to a large hamper under a seat. “I thought maybe we would eat our lunch here. It will be afternoon before the tide will rise high enough to float the ship.”