The crabs clashed their claws and frothed at the mouths as they were carried in a basket up to the bungalow where Mother Bunker boiled them. Then the meat was picked out, as though the crabs were nuts, and a nice salad was made.
This was only one of the jolly days, full of fun, that the six little Bunkers enjoyed at Captain Ben's. There seemed to be something new to do every time the sun rose. Nothing more was heard of the tramps, though the constables, or policemen, tried to find the ragged men and get back the captain's boat.
More than once Russ or Rose would wonder if that runaway boy, Tad Munson, ever reached his home in Avalon. But there was no chance to find out, though Mr. Bunker said he was going over some day and ask.
Though the days were shorter now that fall was at hand than they had been in the summer time, when the six little Bunkers were at Uncle Fred's, there was still plenty of time for fun. Sometimes Captain Ben took the whole party off on a fishing trip in his motor boat, and again they would walk through the woods, taking their lunches in boxes and baskets.
Letters came from Norah and Jerry Simms, saying that all was well at home, but no trace was found of Captain Ben's watch.
One day when it had rained so hard in the morning that the six little Bunkers had to stay in the bungalow, it cleared in the afternoon. Mrs. Bunker let the children go out to play, telling them not to get in any boats and not to go far away from the house.
She was busy writing letters, and she was just beginning to wonder if the children were all right, when suddenly Rose came rushing in, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Oh, Mother!" cried Rose, "Laddie's in and he can't get out. Laddie's in and he can't get out, and he's being picked to pieces! You'd better come quick!"