"Well, fun or no fun, you won't get Mr. Bernard's permission to go before to-morrow, and very likely not then."
"Oh, bother! Mr. Bernard is always tying us up so. We can't go here, we can't go there," said Ned angrily.
"That's so. I should think we were old enough to do as we choose. My father doesn't want me to be made a Miss Nancy; he wants me to rough it," growled Walter Martin.
"I've managed a boat ever since I was out of petticoats," continued Ned, "and father knows it; but I suppose Mr. Bernard would be horrified if I should ask leave to borrow the light-keeper's boat for a sail."
"I don't think Mr. Bernard is a bit too strict," said Joe boldly. "Just remember that he has the care of a big crowd, and feels responsible for our safety. I believe most of our folks would say he couldn't be too careful in such a place as this."
"Oh, of course you would stand up for him!" sneered Walter, "you and he are such friends."
Joe laughed good-naturedly.
"Well, if we can't use our boat we might as well set her adrift. What's the use of having a boat?" growled Walter.
"Bite off your nose to spite your face!" whispered Dave.
"I'll tell you what we'll do. I'll get Mr. Bernard to let us go off to the other end of the island down by the place John told us about, and we'll bring our lunch and have a high time!" exclaimed Joe.