He was a tall , stout man , dressed in a rough fishing suit , and wearing an oilskin cap on his head . His hair was very thick and curly and fair ; his cheeks were tanned and red ; his teeth , when he smiled , were very even and white . Rachel thought he must be quite old , because there was a good deal of gray mixed with his fair hair . `` Are you watching for the mermaids ? '' he said . Rachel nodded gravely . From any one else she would have scrupulously hidden such a thought . `` Yes , I am , '' she said . `` Mother says there is no such thing as a mermaid , but I like to think there is . Have you ever seen one ? '' The big man sat down on a bleached log of driftwood and smiled at her . `` No , I 'm sorry to say that I have n't . But I have seen many other very wonderful things . I might tell you about some of them , if you would come over here and sit by me . '' Rachel went unhesitatingly . When she reached him he pulled her down on his knee , and she liked it . `` What a nice little craft you are , '' he said . `` Do you suppose , now , that you could give me a kiss ? '' As a rule , Rachel hated kissing . She could seldom be prevailed upon to kiss even her uncles -- who knew it and liked to tease her for kisses until they aggravated her so terribly that she told them she could n't bear men .
But now she promptly put her arms XXXXX this strange man 's neck and gave him a hearty smack .
about as at by if of on that to with