"Well, I—never—in—all my life," she cried. "It's little Walter Harris! What on earth are you doing here?"
"I discovered this island," said Pee-wee; "we're exploring it. One of these fellers is a native because he was on it before it was an island."
"Look out you don't get your feet wet on the stern and rock-bound coast," said Townsend. "Hold the lantern, Brownie."
"Did you ever see such a thing!" said Minerva Skybrow, emerging through the bushes, accompanied by her official staff. "Walter Harris, what in goodness' name are you doing here? I thought you were robbers. What in all creation are you up to? And how did you happen to get here?"
"We've been going around quite a little lately," said Townsend quietly.
"This is Townsend Ripley," said Pee-wee; "he's a friend of mine; these fellers are all friends of mine. We're exploring."
"We're very glad to meet you, Mr. Ripley," said Minerva, while Miss Daring whispered in the ear of Miss Timerson, "Isn't he nice? So tall."
"We thought we'd come to the party," said Pee-wee.
"Have you any parking space for islands?" Townsend asked.
"Oh, indeed we have," said Minerva, "and you're going to be the star guests. May we step on the island?"