The others were all assembled around Snuffy 's boat . Young Si was throwing out the mackerel with marvellous rapidity , but at the sound of a footstep behind him he turned and straightened up his tall form . They stood face to face . `` Miles ! '' `` Ethel ! '' Young Si staggered back against the mast , letting two silvery bloaters slip through his hands overboard . His handsome , sunburned face was very white . Ethel Lennox turned abruptly and silently and walked swiftly across the sand . Agnes felt her arm touched , and turned to see Ethel standing , pale and erect , beside her . `` Let us go home , '' said the latter unsteadily . `` It is very damp here -- I feel chilled . '' `` Oh , dear ! '' exclaimed Agnes penitently . `` I ought to have told you to bring a shawl . It is always damp on the shore after sunset . Here , Snuffy , give me my mackerel . Thank you . I 'm ready now , Miss Lennox . '' They reached the lane before Agnes remembered to ask the question Ethel dreaded . `` Oh , did you see Young Si ?
And what do you think XXXXX him ? ''
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