bathe.

'I can swim twice across the school swimming-bath,' said Harry, picking
his way barefoot over the rocks and shivering a little, for although
the sun was hot, the wind seemed cold when one had nothing on.

'You'll find it a bit rough with these waves against you,' said Reggie
briefly.

'Far jollier,' said Harry, looking at the pebbles underneath the bright
waves and the masses of seaweed swaying to and fro--'ugh, it is cold
though!'

When his splash had subsided he saw the island boys swimming far ahead
of him. In a little while he began to feel tired, and the waves seemed
to be growing bigger and bigger, and stronger and stronger. When he
was able to see over their crests he could make out the other two
sitting upon a rock which raised its head out of the water, and waiting
for him.

After considerable efforts he reached the islet, grasped a point of
rock, and drew himself on to dry land.

The others looked at him approvingly. Gerald was still splashing in
shallow water near the shore.

'Good for you,' said Reggie; 'it's a pretty stiff sea for a fellow who
has only practised in a swimming-bath.'

Harry did not look quite pleased.

'I say,' began Allan, 'look at Gerald, he's actually trying to come out
to us. He is a plucky little chap.'

'That he is,' said Hamish. 'I'll swim back and see if I can help him.'

He dropped into the water and swam to meet Gerald, who was struggling
gallantly along, making very wry faces, and swallowing quantities of
water. With the bigger boy swimming by his side and occasionally
helping him Gerald got along fairly well, and in a little while
clambered on to the rocks, looking exceedingly happy.

Diving from steep places and swimming until they were tired, then
getting out and sunning themselves on the warm rocks or sand of the
little islets, running races and pushing each other into the water, the
time passed quickly, and they were all surprised when Duncan came in
view signalling that tea was ready.

They had been in the water long enough, for their teeth were chattering
and they could hardly get into their clothes for trembling.

'I say,' began Harry with chattering teeth, 'you fellows ought to learn
to tread water and to swim on the side. They teach these things at the
swimming-baths. The ordinary kind of swimming does well enough in a
place like this----'

'It's the best way of getting along, I should say,' suggested Reggie.

'Yes,' said Harry rather