“Are you going too?” said Titty.
“I’m going in the launch with the others,” he said. “I’ve something to say to your mother about next year. And I’ve a lot to do, for I’m going to London tomorrow. There’s that monkey to see about, you know. But I’ll keep a lookout for you towards evening.”
At last the launch chug, chugged away from the island, with the two rowing boats towing astern, Captain Flint’s on a short painter, and Mr. Jackson’s on a long one, from the port and starboard quarters. The natives waved as the launch moved off.
“Goodbye, Swallows,” called Mrs. Blackett. “I shall expect you others when I see you.”
“Don’t be late,” called mother. “If you’re home by seven, I’ll bring Vicky down to the boathouse. She’d like to meet the sailors coming home from sea with a parrot. Goodbye, Amazons.”
“Goodbye, goodbye,” called Nancy and Peggy. “You will promise to come again next year?”
“We’ll come,” said mother.
After they were gone the Swallows and Amazons looked at each other. They were rather glum.
“It’s the natives,” said Nancy. “Too many of them. They turn everything into a picnic.”
“Mother doesn’t,” said Titty.
“Nor does ours when she’s alone,” said Nancy.
“And Captain Flint’s not a bit like a native when he’s by himself,” said Titty.