"Let's go and swim a while, and after that take a run over to the lighthouse," suggested Joe.
"And show the boys the place where Walt and Ned acted Robinson Crusoe," added Don.
"Which was Robinson, and which Friday?"
"I don't think that question was ever decided," answered Ned good-naturedly.
"Ho, for a swim! Who will go in?" cried Fred.
"I," and "I," answered the boys, as they ran for their bathing-suits.
They soon appeared dressed in all imaginable costumes, and a band of fantastics could hardly have been funnier. Into the water they walked or leaped or dived, with much shouting and shrieking over the cold. Ralph was a timid swimmer, and did not like the water well enough to attempt any fancy motions, contenting himself with paddling about where he could reach the shore very quickly, if he chose. Ben, however, was strong and bold, and followed Joe and the others in diving from the rocks and swimming under water. Nearly the whole school were in the water together this morning, to celebrate Ralph and Ben's arrival. The two boys from the lighthouse were there also, and under Joe's instruction were learning to "strike out" quite boldly. Little Max was also learning, and he shouted to his father, who sat on the rocks, laughing at the antics of his boys, "See, father, how many strokes I can take. Now you count. I can go 'dog paw,' too."
The time passed so quickly that the boys could hardly believe that Mr. Bernard's watch was reliable when he gave the signal for an exodus from the water. As usual, there was pleading for a few minutes more,--one more dive, or one more race across the pool,--then a great splashing and dashing and general commotion, as the multitude obeyed the order, followed by a scamper of the dripping mermen to the tents. After dressing, they met for further discussion as to the next thing in order, and, after much debate, most of those who were not intending to practise for the matches decided to go over to the lighthouse.
"Is the wreck there now?" asked Ralph.
"Yes, it's there, what there is of it, but it is 'most all to pieces," answered John Kramer.