“Well, that will be fun!” said Nan.
“Lots of fun,” agreed Bert. “And please, Daddy, can’t we go in swimming?”
It was a hot day, and as Captain Crane said there would be no danger from sharks if the children kept near shore, their bathing garments were brought from the boat, and soon Bert and Nan, and Flossie and Freddie, were splashing about in the warm sun-lit waters on the beach of Palm Island.
Mr. and Mrs. Bobbsey were sitting in the shade watching them, while the men on the boat were working at the broken engine, when suddenly Flossie, who had come out of the water to sit on the sand, set up a cry.
“Oh, it’s got hold of me!” she shouted. “Come quick, Daddy! Mother! It’s got hold of my dress and it’s pulling!”
Mr. and Mrs. Bobbsey jumped up and ran down the beach toward the little girl.
FLOSSIE WAS TRYING TO PULL AWAY.
[CHAPTER XVII—A QUEER NEST]
Nan and Bert, who, with Freddie, were splashing out in the water a little way from where Flossie sat on the beach, heard the cries of the little girl and hurried to her. But Mr. and Mrs. Bobbsey were the first to reach Flossie.