Cedars and sycamores grew near it and sheltered it pleasantly.
Everyone dismounted, and the donkeys were led away.
'Why is this like Rosherville ?' whispered Robert, and instantly supplied the answer.
'Because it's the place to spend a happy day.' 'It's jolly decent of the skipper to have brought us to such a ripping place,' said Cyril.
'Do you know,' said Anthea, 'this feels more real than anything else we've seen?
It's like a holiday in the country at home.' The children were left alone in a large hall.

The floor was mosaic, done with wonderful pictures of ships and sea-beasts and fishes.

Through an open doorway they could see a pleasant courtyard with flowers.
'I should like to spend a week here,' said Jane, 'and donkey ride every day.' Everyone was feeling very jolly.

Even the Egyptian looked pleasanter than usual.

And then, quite suddenly, the skipper came back with a joyous smile.