Sometimes he went on the water himself, and soon learned to row, tho' the first time he tried, his oar swung round and knocked him head over heels into the bottom of the boat.
This, Father explained, was called “catching a crab!”
Afterwards they made a huge sandcastle, and Jackie sat at the top of it, singing: “I'm the King of the Castle!” at the top of his voice.
Presently he began to examine some shells and treasures which he had been collecting in his pail, and was so intent on this, that he did not notice how quickly the tide had come in.
When he looked up he found, somewhat to his horror, that he was quite surrounded by water.
The castle was soon washed away; but not before the “King” was rescued from his perilous position.
Father waded out, and pick-a-backed him safely ashore.
That was the little sailor's first adventure at sea!
The last time for Jackie to sail his boat came all too soon for him, and the next day the children found themselves back in old England once more.
But they hope some day to return for another delightful holiday to the dear little French fishing village where they spent such a pleasant time.
There lived some twins named Joan and Jack, And they were eight years old; Jack's curly hair was black as black, While Joan's was fair like gold.
Their mother said to them one day— “Dears, walk to Russett Hall And take these eggs to Mrs. Gray, Mind, don't you let them fall.”—
The children started off with pride, The basket was so big, That carefully each held a side, Until they met a pig.
“Why, he's escaped from Farmer Brown,” Cried Jack, “that's very wrong!” And so they put the basket down, To chase the pig along.
And when they'd sent him back again, Joan found a pretty flow'r, Then off they wandered down a lane, And played for half an hour.
On, on they walked, and looked around. An orchard was near by, With apples lying on the ground, And others hanging high.
They scrambled through the fence, alas! T'was very wrong 'tis true, But Farmer Brown soon chanced to pass, And roared “Be off, you two!”
They rushed away, just like the wind, Then Joan exclaimed “Oh, dear, We've left the basket far behind, It will be gone, I fear!”
They hurried back with all their might, “Hurrah! it's here,” Jack cried, Yes, it was safe, to their delight, With all the eggs inside!