Mr. Bernard and two other teachers went to the beach with drills, iron staples, cement, and ropes, to make the bath-beach as safe as possible.
As it was ebb-tide, it was easy to see by the wet sea-weed on the sides of the little cove the height of the water when the tide was in; so there was no delay in locating the position of the first rope to be used at high-water.
Holes were drilled in the rocks, and strong iron staples cemented in, in which the rope was fastened.
After that was accomplished they sat on the rocks and watched the sea, or read until the tide was at its lowest, and the boys began to gather around, anxiously questioning whether there was "a chance yet."
"That looks like a first-rate swimming-pool, Mr. Bernard, just as Jonas said," remarked Joe, coming to stand by his favourite teacher.
"So it does, Joe; but wait till I make sure. The water is much deeper than it looks. I will get my bathing-suit and try."
"Hurrah! be all ready, boys; Mr. Bernard is going to try the water."
Led by Joe, the crowd scampered away for their trunks, and returned before Mr. Bernard appeared.
He came at length from the bath-tent, and went down into the water amid the cheers of the boys; and probably their applause prevented a hasty retreat when he learned from experience the temperature of the water.
"I am not taking this plunge for my own pleasure, boys!" he said, shivering and laughing. "I hope you will appreciate the act, for I am a martyr in your behalf."