"Oh, what a pity!" cried Dick, as he stood there panting and regaining
his breath; "only to think of it turning so still now that we are here."

"Turning so still!" said Will, laughing; "why, it's blowing harder than
ever. Look at the foam-balls."

"Yes; it's blowing there," said Dick; "but it's quite calm here. Never
mind; I'll wait. There'll be a regular guster directly."

"No," said Will quietly; "you may stand here all day and you'll hardly
feel the wind."

"But why's that?" cried Dick.

"Because we are right at the edge of a tall flat-faced cliff," said
Will. "It's generally so."

"But I don't understand it," cried Dick. "It's blowing very hard, and
we are not in shelter. Why don't it blow here?"

"Because we are right at the edge of the cliff."

"Don't talk stuff and nonsense, Will," said Dick testily. "How can you
be so absurd? Why, that's where the wind would blow hardest."

"No, it isn't," replied Will.

"Now look here," said Dick. "I know that we London chaps are all behind
you country fellows over sea-side things--catching fish, and boating,
and about winds and tides; but I do know better than you here. The edge
of a cliff like this must be the place where the wind blows hardest."

"But you feel for yourself that it doesn't," said Will laughing.

"Not just now," cried Dick, "but it will directly."

"No, it will not."

"But look at the foam flying and the spray going like a storm of rain."

"Yes," said Will, "but not at the edge of the cliff. Look at the grass
and wild flowers; they grow longer and better here too. The wind off
the sea never blows very hard here."

"Oh, what stuff!" cried Dick; "you're as obstinate as old Taff. It will
blow here directly."

"Come along," said Will quietly; and he walked a short distance inland,
taking his companion into the full force of the gale once more.

"There!" cried Dick. "I told you so. It has come on to blow again.
Let's get back to the edge."

Will made no objection, but walked back quickly with Dick; but before
they reached the cliff edge it was nearly calm once more.

"Look at that, now," cried Dick pettishly. "Did you ever see such a
stupid, obstinate old wind in your life? It's blowing everywhere but
here."

Will smiled so meaningly that Dick turned upon him.

"Why, what do you mean?" he cried.

"I'll try and show you," said Will. "Lie down here. It's quite dry."

Dick threw himself on the short soft turf, and Will