Sure enough, Johnny was missing.
"He strolled off while we were singing," said cousin Tom: "I guess he went down to the beach; for I saw him go in that direction, and he had a box under his arm, probably to put shells in."
"I'll warrant that's where he's gone," said uncle Tom. "And he is there exploring now, I dare say. But he can't be far off. We'll call him."
Then uncle Tom shouted in his deep voice, "Johnny!" Then aunt Jane and all the girls joined in the chorus of "Johnny!"
"The boy must be deaf if he does not hear that," said uncle Tom. Then they all shouted together once more. In a moment they heard Johnny's voice in reply. "I'm coming in a minute," said he.
"Hurry up," cried uncle Tom. "We are waiting for you."
It was five minutes before Johnny appeared, and then he came holding something in his hand triumphantly.
"What in the world have you there?" said aunt Jane.
"Something better than wild flowers," said Johnny.
Now what do you suppose it was? It was a live crab, which the boy had found among the rocks on the shore.