Produced by Charles Aldarondo
1912
"We will now bathe," said a voice at the back of my neck.
I gave a grunt and went on with my dream. It was a jolly dream, andnobody got up early in it.
"We will now bathe," repeated Archie.
"Go away," I said distinctly.
Archie sat down on my knees and put his damp towel on my face.
"When my wife and I took this commodious residence for six weeks,"he said, "and engaged the sea at great expense to come up to itsdoors twice a day, it was on the distinct understanding that ourguests should plunge into it punctually at seven o'clock everymorning."
"Don't be silly, it's about three now. And I wish you'd get off myknees."
"It's a quarter-past seven."
"Then there you are, we've missed it. Well, we must see what we cando for you to-morrow. Good-night."
Archie pulled all the clothes off me and walked with them to thewindow.
"Jove, what a day!" he said. "And can't you smell the sea?"
"I can. Let that suffice. I say, what's happened to my blanket? Imust have swallowed it in my sleep."
"Where's his sponge?" I heard him murmuring to himself as he cameaway from the window.
"No, no, I'm up," I shouted, and I sprang out of bed and put on ashirt and a pair of trousers with great speed. "Where do I takethese off again?" I asked. "I seem to be giving myself a lot oftrouble."
"There is a tent."
"Won't the ladies want it? Because, if so, I can easily have mybathe later on."
"The ladies think it's rather too rough to-day."
"Perhaps they're right," I said hopefully. "A woman's instinct—No,
I'm NOT a coward."
It wasn't so bad outside—sun and wind and a blue-and-white sky andplenty of movement on the sea.
"Just the day for a swim," said Archie cheerily, as he led the waydown to the beach.
"I've nothing against the day; it's the hour I object to. The Lancetsays you mustn't bathe within an hour of a heavy meal. Well, I'mgoing to have a very heavy meal within about twenty minutes. Thatisn't right, you know."
By the time I was ready the wind had got much colder. I looked outof the tent and shivered.
"Isn't it jolly and fresh?" said Archie, determined to be helpful.
"There are points about the early morning, after all."
"There are plenty of points about this morning. Where do they getall the sharp stones from? Look at that one there—he's simplywaiting for me."
"You ought to have bought some bathing shoes. I got this pair in thevillage."
"Why didn't you tell me so last night?"
"