The Sea of Adventure Read Online Free PDF Page A

party, to some lonely coasts and islands off the north of Britain — you know, places that only birds live on, and only bird-lovers visit."
     
    "I know," said Bill, listening intently.
     
    "Well, Dr. Johns got hurt in an accident today," said Jack. "So we can't go because there is nobody to take us. But — why can't you take us — disguised as some bird-man or other? — then we'd have a perfectly glorious holiday, you'd be able to get off into the unknown without anyone knowing — and we could leave you behind there when we come back — quite safe!"
     
    There was a silence. All the children waited breathlessly for Bill's answer. Even Kiki seemed to be listening anxiously.
     
    "I don't know," said Bill at last. "It's too much like using you as a smoke-screen — and if my enemies saw through the smoke — well, things wouldn't be too good for you or for me either. I don't think it's possible."
     
    The mere thought of Bill's turning the wonderful idea down made the children more enthusiastic and urgent about it. They each had a few words to contribute.
     
    "We were so disappointed not to go — and now this really does seem a way — and after all, it would only be for about two weeks, as far as we're concerned. We'd be going back to school then."
     
    "You're awfully good at disguises. You could easily look like an ornithologist — sort of earnest, and always peering into the distance for birds, and with field-glasses over your shoulder. . . ."
     
    "Nobody could possibly know. We'd all be absolutely safe up in the northern seas, so wild and desolate, with you. Think of May up there — the sea so blue, the birds all soaring and gliding, the sea-pinks out all over the place. . . ."
     
    "You'd be safe, Bill — no one surely would ever dream of hunting for you in a place like that. And oh, we do so want a holiday like that. We've felt mouldy after measles."
     
    "Not so loud," whispered Bill. "I'll have to talk things over with your mother first — even if I think it's all right myself. It's a bold idea — and I don't think it would occur to anyone for one moment that I would go off openly like that. And I must say that a holiday with you four — and Kiki too, of course — is just what I'm needing at the moment."
     
    "Oh, Bill — I believe you'll do it!" said Lucy-Ann, hugging him with ecstasy. "What a lovely ending to a horrid day!"
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 5
     
    EXCITING PLANS
     
     
     
    BILL spent the night, unknown to Mrs. Mannering, in the little spare room. He said he would talk to her the next morning. He was relieved to find that a daily maid came in each morning, but that no one except the family slept in the house at night.
     
    "We children do all the beds and things upstairs, now that we have recovered," said Dinah. "So you can stay up here unseen, if you like. We'll bring breakfast up."
     
    But the next morning everything was upset again. Mrs. Mannering knocked on the wall separating the girls' room from hers, and Dinah went running in to see what the matter was.
     
    "Dinah! The most sickening thing has happened!" said Mrs. Mannering in disgust. "I've got measles now — look at my spots. I thought I'd had it when I was your age — but it's measles right enough. Oh dear, I wish I had engaged that Miss Lawson and let her take you off to Bournemouth or somewhere yesterday. Now what are we to do?"
     
    "Oh dear!" said Dinah. Then she decided to tell her mother about Bill being there. Perhaps that would help. "I'll get you your dressing-jacket and tidy the room," she said briskly, "because there's someone who wants to see you. He may help quite a lot. It's Bill!"
     
    "Bill!" said Mrs. Mannering, amazed. "When did he come? I waited up till eleven, but I felt so terribly tired I just had to go to bed. Well, now — I wonder if old Bill would take you off my hands for a bit and leave Hilda, the daily, to look after me!"
     
    "I'm sure he would," said Dinah, delighted. "Poor Mother! You feel