this new discovery for some time with the
keenest interest, but by and by there arose a dispute, for one wished to
tear it from its resting-place and carry it home, and the other to leave
it where it was. Sophia Jane declared that it was her Enemy because she
had found it, and she should do as she liked, and Susan begged her with
tears not to disturb it. When these were of no use she became angry,
and called Sophia cruel and naughty; but for that Sophia Jane did not
care one whit. She only repeated doggedly, "I shall take it home, and
keep it in a basin of salt water."

"Then it will die," said Susan hotly, "and you're very cruel and
wicked."

Sophia Jane did not answer. She was gazing fixedly over Susan's
shoulder at the spot where the basket and collection had been left.

"Ha! ha!" she suddenly exclaimed triumphantly, pointing to it.

Susan looked quickly round. Alas! while her back was turned the
deceitful sea had crawled quietly up and taken possession of her
treasures. The flat rock was covered by the waves, and the basket was
bobbing lightly up and down on the water.

With a cry of vexation she scrambled over the rocks towards it; at least
she would try and save the basket, though the other things were lost; it
was one Mother had given her, and she was very fond of it. But no, she
could not reach it. Sometimes the waves brought it back almost to her
feet, but before she could seize it, it sailed merrily away further than
ever. After many vain efforts she stood looking hopelessly at it much
cast down and disappointed. Not only had she lost her collection, the
labours of nearly an hour, but now even if she made another she had
nothing to carry it home in. Sophia Jane, who had watched her failures
with chuckles of delight, now came and stood by her with her
skipping-rope in her hand.

"I can get it," she said.

Susan looked round in surprise; this was kind of Sophia Jane after she
had said so many cross things to her.

"If I get it," she went on, tying a sort of noose at the end of the
rope, "will you give it me for my own?"

Susan hesitated. She did not want to lose the basket, and yet it would
be almost the same thing to give it to Sophia Jane. Meanwhile it came
again nearly within reach of her outstretched fingers, just escaped
them, and was borne away by the waves. Sophia Jane stood waiting her
answer.

"You may have it," said Susan, for she could not bear to see the basket
lost for ev