it 's all right , go along '' ; and Rose departed as if satisfied . `` She 's a queer little thing , is n't she , Prince ? '' `` Rather a nice little thing , I think . I 'm quite fond of her . '' Rose 's quick ears caught both remarks , and she retired to her tent , saying to herself with sleepy dignity , `` Little thing , indeed ! Those boys talk as if I was a baby . They will treat me with more respect after to-morrow , I guess . '' Archie did stand by her in the morning , and her request was readily granted , as the lads were coming directly back . Off they went , and Rose waved her hand to the islanders with a somewhat pensive air , for an heroic purpose glowed within her , and the spirit of self-sacrifice was about to be illustrated in a new and touching manner . While the boys got the milk Rose ran to Phebe , ordered her to leave her dishes , to put on her hat , and take a note back to Uncle Alec , which would explain this somewhat mysterious performance . Phebe obeyed , and when she went to the boat Rose accompanied her , telling the boys she was not ready to go yet , but they could , some of them , come for her when she hung a white signal on her balcony . `` But why not come now ? What are you about , miss ? Uncle wo n't like it , '' protested Charlie , in great amazement . `` Just do as I tell you , little boy ; uncle will understand and explain . Obey , as Phebe does , and ask no questions . I can have secrets as well as other people '' ; and Rose walked off with an air of lofty independence that impressed her friends immensely . `` It 's some plot between uncle and herself , so we wo n't meddle . All right , Phebe ? Pull away , Prince '' ; and off they went to be received with much surprise by the islanders .
This was the note XXXXX bore : `` Dear Uncle , I am going to take Phebe 's place to-day , and let her have all the fun she can .
Alec Archie Charlie Phebe Prince Rose milk morning queer right