Do you know , Aunt Plenty says she is sure you will be off in a year or two . '' `` Very likely . '' `` Oh , me ! what shall I do then ? '' sighed Rose , in a tone of despair that made Uncle Alec 's face brighten with a look of genuine pleasure as he said significantly , `` Next time I go I shall take my little anchor with me . How will that suit ? '' `` Really , uncle ? '' `` Really , niece . '' Rose gave a little bounce of rapture which caused the boat to `` wiggle '' in a way that speedily quieted her down . But she sat beaming joyfully and trying to think which of some hundred questions she would ask first , when Dr. Alec said , pointing to a boat that was coming up behind them in great style , `` How well those fellows row ! Look at them , and take notes for your own use by and by . '' The `` Stormy Petrel '' was manned by half a dozen jaunty looking sailors , who made a fine display of blue shirts and shiny hats , with stars and anchors in every direction . `` How beautifully they go , and they are only boys . Why , I do believe they are our boys ! Yes , I see Charlie laughing over his shoulder . Row , uncle , row ! Oh , please do , and not let them catch up with us ! '' cried Rose , in such a state of excitement that the new umbrella nearly went overboard . `` All right , here we go ! '' and away they did go with a long steady sweep of the oars that carried the `` Bonnie Belle '' through the water with a rush .
The lads pulled their prettiest , but Dr. Alec would have reached the Point first , if XXXXX , in her flurry , had not retarded him by jerking the rudder ropes in a most unseamanlike way , and just as she got right again her hat blew off .
Alec Belle Charlie Petrel Rose brighten first oars right year