sing craft, until in an attempt to
do justice to a larger ship than usual, Miss Gertrude Trimblett waved
herself off the fence on to the stones of the foreshore below.

[Illustration: Waved herself off the fence on to the stones 298]

Captain Sellers, who had been looking on with much interest, at once
descended and rendered first aid. It was the first case he had had since
he had left the sea, but, after a careful examination, he was able to
assure the sufferer that she had broken her right leg in two places. The
discovery was received with howls of lamentation from both girls, until
Dolly blinded with tears, happened to fall over the injured limb and
received in return such hearty kicks from it that the captain was
compelled to reconsider his diagnosis, and after a further examination
discovered that it was only bent. In quite a professional manner he used
a few technical terms that completely covered his discomfiture.

It was the beginning of a friendship which Tranquil Vale did its best to
endure with fortitude, and against which Mrs. Chinnery fought in vain.
In the company of Ted and the twins Captain Sellers renewed his youth.
Together they discovered the muddiest places on the foreshore, and
together they borrowed a neighbour's boat and sailed down the river in
quest of adventures. With youth at the prow and dim-sighted age at the
helm, they found several. News of their doings made Hartley congratulate
himself warmly on their departure.

"Mrs. Chinnery is just the woman to manage them," he said to Joan, "and
Truefitt tells me that having children to look after has changed her
wonderfully."

Miss Hartley, with a little shiver, said she could quite understand it.

"I mean for the better," said her father, "he said she is getting quite
young and jolly again. And he told me that young Saunders is there a
great deal." Miss Hartley raised her eyebrows in mute interrogation.

"He pretends that he goes to see George," said her father, dropping his
voice, "but Truefitt thinks that it is Jessie. I suppose Trimblett won't
mind; he always thought a lot of Saunders. I don't know whether you
ought to interfere."

"Certainly not," said Joan flushing. "What has it got to do with me?"

"Well, I just mentioned it," said Hartley, "although I suppose Mrs.
Chinnery is mostly responsible while they are with her. I am writing to
tell Trimblett that the children are at Tranquil Vale. When he comes back
perhaps, he will make oth