Page:Silver Shoal Light.djvu/285

 is very small; and you can't swim. No!"

She sat down gloomily upon the sand.

"I've lost the Ailouros," she said dully, "your father's beautiful boat. Do you realize that? I've not distinguished myself to-day. I went on beyond Trasket when I saw that the wind was freshening. I jibed and nearly killed you. I lost the rudder. I have—lost—the Ailouros."

She put her hands to her forehead in bitter self-accusation. Garth flung his arms about her neck.

"Oh, don't, Joan!" he begged. "Don't be silly. None of it was your fault. Lots of people jibe when they don't mean to. And the Ailouros isn't lost, either. Look at the tide; she couldn't possibly go out. Somebody'll pick her up, or her anchor will stick. Come on back to the fire. Now it is a real adventure! Don't feel so badly, Joan."

They went slowly back to the fire and piled more wood on the embers.

"What a lark!" Garth observed, nearly exploding with gleeful excitement.

"You incorrigible optimist!" Joan said, shaking her head.

"I'm not!" Garth protested hotly. "Look,