CHAPTER XIII
A Visit, A Discovery and a Kiss
In the cool of the evening, I came to the conclusion that I had earned for myself the privilege of the enjoyment of a swim, so I threw my clothes on my bed, got into my costume, ran out on to the rocks, dived in and away.
I did not go out into the Bay this time, but kept leisurely along the beach fronting the neighbouring property, keeping at a safe distance from the tangle of seaweed, which, somehow, seemed to gather at that particular part of the Crescent.
I amused myself for half an hour, then I returned dripping and in splendid humour with myself, with my friends and even with Joe Clark.
I did not notice an extra boat moored alongside the miscellaneous small craft at the wharf, so, when I stepped noiselessly into my front room, I was more than surprised to find Rita Clark standing there, in the fading light, looking over my book shelves.
She turned with an exclamation, and her face lit up with a smile which was bewitching, although I fancied it just a little bit forced.
"Oh!—it's you," she cried. "I knew you wouldn't be very long away. Been having another try to see whether you're a man or a fish? Guess the fish will win out if you're not careful."
She became solemn suddenly.
"Say!—you go in there and get dressed. I just got to talk to you about something."