Two or three sand-pipers ran about among the pebbles , and Jill envied them their nimble legs so much , that she could not resist getting up to take a few steps . She longed to run straight away over the firm , smooth sand , and feel again the delight of swift motion ; but she dared not try it , and stood leaning on her tall parasol with her book in her hand , when Frank , Jack , and the bicycle boy came rowing lazily along and hailed her . `` Come for a sail , Jill ? Take you anywhere you like , '' called Jack , touched by the lonely figure on the beach . `` I 'd love to go , if you will row . Mamma made me promise not to go sailing without a man to take care of me . Would it spoil your fun to have me ? '' answered Jill , eagerly . `` Not a bit ; come out on the big stones and we 'll take you aboard , '' said Frank , as they steered to the place where she could embark the easiest . `` All the rest are gone to the Chasm . I wanted to go , because I 've never seen it ; but , of course , I had to give it up , as I do most of the fun ; '' and Jill sat down with an impatient sigh . `` We 'll row you round there . Ca n't land , but you can see the place and shout to the others , if that will be any comfort to you , '' proposed Frank , as they pulled away round the pier . `` Oh , yes , that would be lovely ! '' and Jill smiled at Jack , who was steering , for she found it impossible to be dismal now with the fresh wind blowing in her face , the blue waves slapping against the boat , and three good-natured lads ready to gratify her wishes . Away they went , laughing and talking gayly till they came to Goodwin 's Rocks , where an unusual number of people were to be seen though the tide was going out , and no white spray was dashing high into the air to make a sight worth seeing . `` What do you suppose they are about ? Never saw such a lot of folks at this time . Should n't wonder if something had happened . I say , put me ashore , and I 'll cut up and see , '' said the bicycle boy , who was of an inquiring turn .
`` I 'll go with you , '' said XXXXX ; `` it wo n't take but a minute , and I 'd like to discover what it is .
Frank Goodwin Jack Jill course rowing sand-pipers saw sigh something