At last Eric picked up a piece of wood which he found lying on the beach, and said, "What do you say to coming crabfishing, Edwin?
this bit of stick will do capitally to thrust between the rocks in the holes where they lie ?" Russell agreed, and they started to the rocks of the Ness to seek a likely place for their purpose.

The Ness was a mile off, but in the excitement of their pleasure they were oblivious of time.
The Williams', for the boys' convenience, usually dined at one, but on this day they waited half an hour for Eric.

Since, however, he didn't appear, they dined without him, supposing that he was accidentally detained, and expecting him to come in every minute.

But two o'clock came, and no Eric; half-past two, and no Eric; three, but still no Eric.
Mrs.Williams became seriously alarmed, and even her husband grew uneasy.
Vernon was watching for his brother at the window, and seeing Duncan pass by, ran down to ask him, "If he knew where Eric was ?" "No," said Duncan; "last time I saw him was on the shore.

We bathed together, and I remember his clothes were lying by mine when I dressed.
But I hav'n't seen him since.