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 Brats -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 . `` Oh , that sly Phebe ! This was the secret , and she bundled up those things after I went down to the boat , '' cried Rose , with sparkling eyes . `` Guess something is smashed inside , for a bit of glass fell out , '' observed Will , as they deposited the bundle at her feet . `` Catch a girl going anywhere without a looking-glass . We have n't got one among the whole lot of us , '' added Mac , with masculine scorn .
`` Dandy has ; I caught him touching up his wig behind the trees after our swim , '' cut in XXXXX , wagging a derisive finger at Steve , who promptly silenced him by a smart rap on the head with the drum-stick he had just polished off .
Alec Archie Charlie Crusoe Geordie Mac Phebe Rose first lobsters