His eyes misty with unshed tears Master Tommy came at her call for their big sister’s word was law with the twins. And in a sad plight he was after his misadventure. His little man-o’-war top and unmentionables were full of sand but Cissy was a past mistress in the art of smoothing over life’s tiny troubles and very quickly not one speck of sand was to be seen on his smart little suit. Still the blue eyes were glistening with hot tears that would well up so she kissed away the hurtness and shook her hand at Master Jacky the culprit and said if she was near him she wouldn’t be far from him, her eyes dancing in admonition.

―Nasty bold Jacky! she cried.

She put an arm round the little mariner and coaxed winningly:

―What’s your name? Butter and cream?

―Tell us who is your sweetheart, spoke Edy Boardman. Is Cissy your sweetheart?

―Nao, tearful Tommy said.