.

"I am not!" promptly answered Belle. "And just to show you that I'm not
afraid I'm going to try to swim as soon as we go in bathing."

"Which will be to-morrow," said Cora.

They motored about the bay, winding in and out among anchored and moving
craft. Cora was as adept at the wheel of the _Pet_ as she was at that of
the _Whirlwind_, and many admiring comments were made by other steersmen
in the Cove, though Cora knew it not.

"She stood her land journey well," remarked Bess, as she noted how well
the engine was running.

"But you should have seen the trouble we had," complained Walter. "We
thought she'd never go!"

The day was lovely, and it was a temptation to stay out, but Cora was
wise enough not to remain too long on the water. Already the effect of the
hot sun was evident on the hands and faces of all, and the girls were
secretly wishing for some talcum powder.

They went back to the float, arrangements having been made to dock the
_Petrel_ there. Then came a hasty meal and another spin.

They were getting matters down to a system in the bungalows now--at least
the girls were. The boys lived haphazard, as they always did, and perhaps
always would. Mrs. Chester--Aunt Susan--in the absence of Mrs. Fordam, who
had returned home--assumed charge of Cora and her friends to the extent
of seeing that meals were ready on time.

It was their third day at the coast, the time having been well
occupied--every hour of it almost--and the girls were out alone in the
_Pet_--the boys having gone fishing--when Cora observed a figure in a
red bathing suit near the lighthouse float waving to them.

"Rosalie--the mermaid!" exclaimed Bess. "What can she want?"

"Perhaps her little brother is in the water again," said Belle.

"No, she doesn't seem excited enough for that," spoke Eline.

"We'll go see," was Cora's decision.

The _Pet_ circled up to the float and came to a stop at its side, not a
jar marring the landing.

"Well done!" said Rosalie to Cora. "There are not many girls who can run
a motor boat like that."

"I have had some practice," was the modest reply.

"Father will be glad to see you," went on the mermaid, with a smile. "He
has just been polishing the light, and I know he'll be glad to show you
through."

She glanced meaningly at Cora, who returned the look.

"Welcome, ladies!" greeted Mr. Haley. "I'm real glad to see you. Visitors
are always welcome. Are you good climbers?"

"Why?" asked Eline