`` Oh , yes , pitch about like nutshells when the sea is a bit rough , '' answered her sailor uncle , never guessing her secret woe . `` Is it rough to-day ? '' `` Not very ; it looks a trifle squally to the eastward , but we are all right till the wind changes . Come . '' `` Can you swim , uncle ? '' asked Rose , clutching at his arm as he took her hand . `` Like a fish . Now then . '' `` Oh , please hold me very tight till I get there ! Why do you have the stern so far away ? '' and , stifling several squeaks of alarm in her passage , Rose crept to the distant seat , and sat there holding on with both hands and looking as if she expected every wave to bring a sudden shipwreck . Uncle Alec took no notice of her fear , but patiently instructed her in the art of steering , till she was so absorbed in remembering which was starboard and which larboard , that she forgot to say `` OW ! '' every time a big wave slapped against the boat . `` Now where shall we go ? '' she asked , as the wind blew freshly in her face , and a few , long swift strokes sent them half across the little bay . `` Suppose we go to China ? '' `` Is n't that rather a long voyage ? '' `` Not as I go . Steer round the Point into the harbour , and I 'll give you a glimpse of China in twenty minutes or so . '' `` I should like that ! ''
and XXXXX sat wondering what he meant , while she enjoyed the new sights all about her .
Alec China OW Rose harbour larboard minutes nutshells right squeaks