The children were told of the sudden decision when they got back to lunch that day. Joan had to tell them, because Aunt Fanny and her husband had already departed, complete with two suit-cases, one containing precious papers and the other clothes for two days.

“Gosh!” said Julian, surprised. “I hope nothing horrid’s happened.”

“Oh no — it was just a sudden telephone call from Master Leslie’s father,” said Joan, smiling at Berta. “He had to see your uncle in a hurry — about some figures.”

“Why didn’t Pops come down here — then he could have seen me?” demanded Berta at once.

“Because everyone would have known who you are, then,” said Dick. “We’re hiding you, don’t forget!”

“Oh yes — well I do believe I had forgotten,” said Berta, rather surprised at herself. “It’s so lovely down here in Kirrin with you all. The days seem to swim by!”

“Your mother said you had better go off on all-day picnics in the boat,” said Joan to George. “That was to make things easy for me, of course. But I don’t mind what you do — you can come back to lunch each day, if you like.”

“I do so like you, Joan!” said Berta, giving the surprised cook a sudden hug. “You’re a real honey!”

“In fact, she’s quite wunnerful!” said Dick. “It’s all right, Joan — we’ll go out for the midday meal, and for tea, till my aunt comes back. And we’ll make the sandwiches and pack up everything ourselves.”

“Well, that’s nice of you,” said Joan. “Why don’t you go across to Kirrin Island for the day? Master Leslie keeps wanting to go.”

Berta grinned at Joan. It always struck her as extremely funny to be called Master Leslie, and Joan never once forgot.

“We’ll go if the boat is ready,” said George rather reluctantly. “You know James is mending one of the rowlocks. We’ll go and see if it’s finished.”

They all went to see, but James was not there. His father was working on another boat, over by the jetty, and he called to them.

“Do you want my James? He’s gone off in his uncle’s boat for a day’s fishing. He said to tell you the rowlock’s not mended yet, but he’ll do it for certain tonight when he comes back.”

“Right. Thank you,” called back Julian. Berta looked very disappointed. “Cheer up,” he said. “We’ll be able to go tomorrow.”

“We shan’t,” said Berta, mournfully. “Something else will happen to prevent us — or George will think of another excuse not to go. Gee, if I had a wunnerful — wonDERful — island like that, I’d go and live on it.”

They went back to Kirrin Cottage and packed up a very good lunch for themselves. Berta’s father had sent down a parcel of American goodies three days before, and they meant to try them.

“Snick-snacks!” said Dick, reading the name on a tin. “Shrimp, lobster, crab and a dozen other things all in one tin. Sounds good. We’ll make sandwiches with this!”