`` The savages are probably eating their victims now ; do n't you hear the knives rattle in that tent ? '' `` We ought to creep up and peep ; Crusoe was cautious , you know , and Friday scared out of his wits , '' added Rose , still keeping up the joke . `` But this Crusoe is going to pounce upon them , regardless of consequences . If I am killed and eaten , you seize the basket and run for the boat ; there are provisions enough for your voyage home . '' With that Uncle Alec slipped round to the front of the tent and , casting in the big bundle like a bomb-shell , roared out , in a voice of thunder , `` Pirates , surrender ! '' A crash , a shout , a laugh , and out came the savages , brandishing knives and forks , chicken bones , and tin mugs , and all fell upon the intruder , pommelling him unmercifully as they cried , `` You came too soon ! We are not half ready ! You 've spoilt it all ! Where is Rose ? '' `` Here I am , '' answered a half-stifled voice , and Rose was discovered sitting on the pile of red flannel bathing clothes , which she had mistaken for lobsters , and where she had fallen in a fit of merriment when she discovered that the cannibals were her merry cousins . `` You good-for-nothing boys ! You are always bursting out upon me in some ridiculous way , and I always get taken in because I 'm not used to such pranks . Uncle is as bad as the rest , and it 's great fun , '' she said , as the lads came round her , half scolding , half welcoming , and wholly enjoying the double surprise . `` You were not to come till afternoon , and mamma was to be here to receive you . Everything is in a mess now , except your tent ; we got that in order the first thing , and you can sit there and see us work , '' said Archie , doing the honours as usual . `` Rose felt it in her bones , as Dolly says , that something was in the wind , and wanted to be off at once . So I let her come , and should have kept her away an hour longer if your fish had not betrayed you , '' explained Uncle Alec , subsiding from a ferocious Crusoe into his good-natured self again . `` As this seat is rather damp , I think I 'll rise , '' said Rose , as the excitement lessened a little . Several fishy hands helped her up , and Charlie said , as he scattered the scarlet garments over the grass with an oar , `` We had a jolly good swim before dinner , and I told the Brats to spread these to dry . Hope you brought your things , Rose , for you belong to the Lobsters , you know , and we can have no end of fun teaching you to dive and float and tread water . ''
`` I did n't bring anything -- '' began Rose , but was interrupted by the XXXXX -LRB- otherwise Will and Geordie -RRB- , who appeared bearing the big bundle , so much demoralised by its fall that a red flannel tunic trailed out at one end and a little blue dressing-gown at the other , while the knobs proved to be a toilet-case , rubbers , and a silver mug .
Brats Charlie Crusoe Dolly Rose afternoon crash first lobsters oar