There certainly were "larks" on Campbell's Island next day, asCharlie had foretold, and Rose took her part in them like oneintent on enjoying every minute to the utmost. There was a merrybreakfast, a successful fishing expedition, and then the lobsterscame out in full force, for even Aunt Jessie appeared in redflannel. There was nothing Uncle Alec could not do in the water,and the boys tried their best to equal him in strength and skill, sothere was a great diving and ducking, for every one was bent ondistinguishing himself.

　　Rose swam out far beyond her depth, with uncle to float her back;Aunt Jessie splashed placidly in the shallow pools, with Jamiepaddling near by like a little whale beside its mother; while thelads careered about, looking like a flock of distracted flamingoes,and acting like the famous dancing party in "Alice's Adventures inWonderland."Nothing but chowder would have lured them from their gambols inthe briny deep; that time-honoured dish demanded theconcentrated action of several mighty minds; so the "WaterBabies" came ashore and fell to cooking.

　　It is unnecessary to say that, when done, it was the mostremarkable chowder ever cooked, and the quantity eaten wouldhave amazed the world if the secret had been divulged. After thisexertion a siesta was considered the thing, and people lay about intents or out as they pleased, the boys looking like warriorsslumbering where they fell.

　　The elders had just settled to a comfortable nap when theyoungsters rose, refreshed and ready for further exploits. A hintsent them all off to the cave, and there were discovered bows andarrows, battle clubs, old swords, and various relics of aninteresting nature. Perched upon a commanding rock, with Jamieto "splain" things to her, Rose beheld a series of stirring scenesenacted with great vigour and historical accuracy by her giftedrelatives.

　　Captain Cook was murdered by the natives of Owhyhee in themost thrilling manner. Captain Kidd buried untold wealth in thechowder kettle at the dead of night, and shot both the trustingvillains who shared the secret of the hiding place. Sinbad cameashore there and had manifold adventures, and numberless wrecksbestrewed the sands.

　　Rose considered them by far the most exciting dramas she hadever witnessed; and when the performance closed with a grandballet of Feejee Islanders, whose barbaric yells alarmed the gulls,she had no words in which to express her gratification.

　　Another swim at sunset, another merry evening on the rockswatching the lighted steamers pass seaward and the pleasure-boatscome into port, ended the second day of the camping out, and senteveryone to bed early that they might be ready for the festivities ofthe morrow.

　　"Archie, didn't I hear uncle ask you to row home in the morningfor fresh milk and things?""Yes, why?""Please, may I go too? I have something of great importance toarrange; you know I was carried off in a hurry," Rose said in aconfidential whisper as she was bidding her cousins good night.

　　"I'm willing, and I guess Charlie won't mind.""Thank you; be sure you stand by me when I ask leave in themorning, and don't say anything till then, except to Charlie.

　　Promise," urged Rose, so eagerly, that Archie struck an attitudeand cried dramatically"By yonder moon I swear!""Hush! it's all right, go along"; and Rose departed as if satisfied.

　　"She's a queer little thing, isn't she, Prince?""Rather a nice little thing, I think. I'm quite fond of her."Rose's quick ears caught both remarks, and she retired to her tent,saying to herself with sleepy dignity"Little thing, indeed! Those boys talk as if I was a baby. They willtreat me with more respect after to-morrow, I guess."Archie did stand by her in the morning, and her request was readilygranted, as the lads were coming directly back. Off they went, andRose waved her hand to the islanders with a somewhat pensive air,for an heroic purpose glowed within her, and the spirit ofself-sacrifice was about to be illustrated in a new and touchingmanner.

　　While the boys got the milk Rose ran to Phebe, ordered her toleave her dishes, to put on her hat, and take a note back to UncleAlec, which would explain this somewhat mysteriousperformance. Phebe obeyed, and when she went to the boat Roseaccompanied her, telling the boys she was not ready to go yet, butthey could, some of them, come for her when she hung a whitesignal on her balcony.

　　"But why not come now? What are you about, miss? Uncle won'tlike it," protested Charlie, in great amazement.

　　"Just do as I tell you, little boy; uncle will understand and explain.

　　Obey, as Phebe does, and ask no questions. I can have secrets aswell as other people"; and Rose walked off with an air of loftyindependence that impressed her friends immensely.

　　"It's some plot between uncle and herself, so we won't meddle. Allright, Phebe? Pull away, Prince"; and off they went to be receivedwith much surprise by the islanders.

　　This was the note Phebe bore:

　　"Dear Uncle, I am going to take Phebe's place to-day, and let herhave all the fun she can. Please don't mind what she says, but keepher, and tell the boys to be very good to her for my sake. Don'tthink it is easy to do this; it is very hard to give up the best day ofall, but I feel so selfish to have all the pleasure and Phebe none,that I wish to make this sacrifice. Do let me, and don't laugh at it; Itruly do not wish to be praised, and I truly want to do it. Love to allfrom"Rose.""Bless the little dear, what a generous heart she has! Shall we goafter her, Jessie, or let her have her way?" said Dr. Alec, after thefirst mingled amusement and astonishment had subsided.

　　"Let her alone, and don't spoil her little sacrifice. She means it, Iknow, and the best way in which we can show our respect for hereffort is to give Phebe a pleasant day. I'm sure she has earned it";and Mrs. Jessie made a sign to the boys to suppress theirdisappointment and exert themselves to please Rose's guest.

　　Phebe was with difficulty kept from going straight home, anddeclared that she should not enjoy herself one bit without MissRose.

　　"She won't hold out all day, and we shall see her paddling backbefore noon, I'll wager anything," s............