Up jumped Ruby.
“That’s capital,” she said. “We can easily make out way to the old wizard’s cottage from here. And before we peep in on him himself, Bertrand, we may as well look round his garden, as he calls it. It is the queerest place you ever saw, full of caves and grottoes.” Both Bertrand and she had jumped on shore.
“Come on, Mavis,” cried they. “What are you so slow about?”
For Mavis sat perfectly still in her place.
“I am not coming on shore,” she said quietly, “not unless you promise to give up whatever mischief it is that you are planning.”
“Nonsense,” said Bertrand. “You just shall come; tell her she must, Ruby, you’re the eldest.”
“Come, Mavis,” said Ruby. “You’d better come, for everybody’s sake, I can tell you,” she added meaningly. “If you’re there you can look after your precious old wizard. I won’t promise anything.”
“No,” Mavis repeated. “I will not come. We have no right to go forcing ourselves into his cottage. It is as much his as the castle is ours, and you know you have locked up Winfried on purpose so that he can’t get out. No, I will not go with you.”
“Then stay,” shouted Bertrand, “and take the consequences.”
And he dragged Ruby back from the boat.