Very tuneful blue-birds they were , too , for all the lads sang , and the echo of their happy voices reached Mrs. Jessie long before she saw them . The moment the boat hove in sight up went the Island flag , and the blue-jackets cheered lustily , as they did on every possible occasion , like true young Americans . This welcome was answered by the flapping of a handkerchief and the shrill `` Rah ! Rah ! Rah ! '' of the one small tar who stood in the stern waving his hat manfully , while a maternal hand clutched him firmly in the rear . Cleopatra landing from her golden galley never received a heartier greeting than `` Little Mum '' as she was borne to her tent by the young folk , for love of whom she smilingly resigned herself to three days of discomfort ; while Jamie immediately attached himself to Rose , assuring her of his protection from the manifold perils which might assail them . Taught by long experience that boys are always hungry , Aunt Jessie soon proposed supper , and proceeded to get it , enveloped in an immense apron , with an old hat of Archie 's stuck atop of her cap . Rose helped , and tried to be as handy as Phebe , though the peculiar style of table she had to set made it no easy task . It was accomplished at last , and a very happy party lay about under the trees , eating and drinking out of anyone 's plate and cup , and quite untroubled by the frequent appearance of ants and spiders in places which these interesting insects are not expected to adorn . `` I never thought I should like to wash dishes , but I do , '' said Rose , as she sat in a boat after supper lazily rinsing plates in the sea , and rocking luxuriously as she wiped them . `` Mum is mighty particular ; we just give 'em a scrub with sand , and dust 'em off with a bit of paper . It 's much the best way , I think , '' replied Geordie , who reposed in another boat alongside . `` How Phebe would like this ! I wonder uncle did not have her come . '' `` I believe he tried to , but Dolly was as cross as two sticks , and said she could n't spare her . I 'm sorry , for we all like the Phebe bird , and she 'd chirp like a good one out here , would n't she ? '' `` She ought to have a holiday like the rest of us . It 's too bad to leave her out . '' This thought came back to Rose several times that evening , for Phebe would have added much to the little concert they had in the moonlight , would have enjoyed the stories told , been quick at guessing the conundrums , and laughed with all her heart at the fun .
The merry going to bed would have been the best of all , for XXXXX wanted someone to cuddle under the blue blanket with her , there to whisper and giggle and tell secrets , as girls delight to do .
Cleopatra Dolly Geordie Jessie Phebe Rah Rose blue-jackets evening spiders