“I’m George Emory,” he introduced himself. “Have you lost something?”
“My ring,” Louise explained.
The man helped the girls search for the missing trinket. By now waves were creeping higher and higher on the beach. A particularly big one sent Penny and Louise scurrying for safety.
“It’s no use looking any longer for the ring,” Louise gave up. “Perhaps I can find it after the tide turns.”
“By then it will be washed away,” replied Mr. Emory. “Ah! What’s this?”
He stooped to pick a shiny object from the sand.
“It’s my ring!” Louise cried in delight. “Oh, thank you for finding it!”
The three retreated to higher ground. As Penny and Louise were about to start for the hotel, Mr. Emory suggested that they might like to share a picnic lunch with him. Neither of the girls was hungry, but to offend the man after he had found Louise’s ring was unthinkable. Accordingly, they accompanied him to one of the gaily painted wooden umbrellas along the beach. Beneath its shade Mr. Emory spread a paper tablecloth and produced ample supplies of sandwiches, fruit and lemonade.
“Were you expecting to eat all this food yourself?” Penny asked in amazement.
“No, I was hoping to find a companion who would share it,” replied Mr. Emory. “The truth is, I’m a pretty lonely old fellow.”