We dug for an hour, and got clams enough for a regiment. All the baskets were filled to overflowing. And we stopped digging, one by one, and straightened our backs slowly, with many creaks and groans, and we drifted to the bank and in and out; and when the drifting process was over, I found myself next to Eve, with Elizabeth on the other side of her, and Ogilvie completing the circle. Bobby stood afar off, looking out over the water as if he were seeing his best friend swallowed by a submarine; and Olivia watched him from a distance.
"I notice, Jack," Elizabeth observed, "that Olivia has a lonesome look."
Ogilvie turned and looked, and turned back again and smiled.
"She has, hasn't she? Bobby too."
Elizabeth never quivered. "Don't you want to relieve her loneliness?"
He shook his head. "I couldn't relieve it. I told you. I'll try later—her last chance."
Elizabeth laughed. I was picking up a bushel basket filled with clams. Clams are a heavy fruit. Ogilvie seized one handle.
"Here!" cried Elizabeth. "I'm going to take that side. I want to help Adam. You go with Eve, Jack. She has something for you to carry."
Ogilvie protested, and so did I, but she was firm.
"I want to go with you, Adam. You needn't think I can't carry my side, for I can."