"Not much chance of that," remarked his father. "I imagine the tramps took the box of rings and other things, and Mrs. Brown will never see them again."
"Oh, that's too bad!" exclaimed Mrs. Bunker, who knew how Mrs. Brown must feel at losing her keepsakes.
But, as Captain Ben had said, the grown folks did not want the six little Bunkers to worry over matters which could not be helped, and so spoil their late vacation.
"May we go down and play on the beach while we're waiting for Captain Ben to take us out in the motor boat?" asked Rose of her mother, when breakfast was finished.
"Yes," was the answer. "And look after Mun Bun and Margy. I think they'll be careful, but watch them just the same."
Rose promised, and soon the six little Bunkers were shouting and laughing on the sands of the bay which came up almost to Captain Ben's bungalow at Grand View. The bungalow stood on a little hill, at the foot of which was the water. This water was the bay, and, farther out, was the big ocean. On the bay were many boats, for it was a place of shelter during storms. Not far from the bungalow was a pier that extended out into the water, and the captain's rowboats, motor boat, as well as the boats belonging to several other bungalow and cottage owners, were tied near by.
"I think this is the loveliest place!" exclaimed Rose, as she sat down on the sand and looked out across the water.
"Yes, it's dandy," replied Russ. "And this is the nicest part of the year. I'm glad we don't have to go back to school right away."
"Can I make some sand pies?" asked Mun Bun, coming up to Rose with some shells in his hand.
"Yes, make all you want, but don't get wet," Rose warned him.