"Couldn't you take us with you ?" asked Vernon, breathless with his run.
"I'm afraid not, Verny," said Montagu; "the boat won't hold more than six, will it, Jim ?" "No, sir, not safely." "Never mind, you shall have my place, Verny," said Eric, as he saw his brother's disappointed look.
"Then Wright shall take mine," said Wildney.
"O dear no," said Wright, "we wouldn't turn you out for the world.
Vernon and I will take an immense walk down the coast instead, and will meet you here as we come back." "Well, good bye, then; off we go;" and with light hearts the boaters and the pedestrians parted.
Eric, Graham, Duncan, and Montagu took the first turn at the oars, while Wildney steered.

Graham's "crabs," and Wildney's rather crooked steering, gave plenty of opportunity for chaff, and they were full of fun as the oar-blades splashed and sparkled in the waves.

Then they made Jim sing them some of his old sailor songs as they rowed, and joined vigorously in the choruses.

They had arranged to make straight for St.
Catherine's Head, and land somewhere near it to choose a place for their pic-nic.

It took them nearly two hours to get there, as they rowed leisurely, and enjoyed the luxury of the vernal air.