"Well, ma'am, all I know is that Miss Lucy says so; and, as I can't find him nowhere, I think it must be so."
"Run down to the beach and see if he is there," says papa. "If he is disobedient like this, we must be more severe with him in future."
They began luncheon.
Suddenly, in the midst of carving a fowl, Mr. Beetham dropped the carving knife and fork.
"My dear," he said to his wife. "I hope it is not a spring-tide to-day. If it be, and that boy has got among the rocks, it might be a bad business."
The almanac was consulted, and announced a high spring-tide for that day. Any little boy or girl who had seen the dismay on Mr. and Mrs. Beetham's faces on learning this would have resolved never to be disobedient again so as to grieve such kind parents.
Mr. Beetham was starting up to go himself in search of the naughty little truant, when nurse rushed in to the room.
"Oh, sir!" she cried, "Master Willie is standing on a rock far out in the sea. He is waving his handkerchief and shouting, but there is no getting to him."
"Run for Fisherman Ralph," said Mr. Beetham.
"My dear," to his wife, "don't be afraid. Ralph's boat will soon get him ashore. Mind little Lucy while I run down and help to get it out."