The rest of the party were well in advance, out of sight and hearing.  Tramp, tramp, the steady regular footfall of her bearers, and the light plashing of rain drops as they fell, and the stir of the wind in the leaves, were all the sounds that Daisy heard.  No rain fell now; on the contrary the heaven was clear as a bell, and light enough came through the woods to shew the way with comfortable certainty.  Overhead the stars were shining down with wonderful brilliancy, through the air which the storm had cleansed from all vapours; the moon was coming up somewhere, too.  The smell of the trees and other green things was exceedingly sweet after the rain; and the delicious soft air was very delicious after the sultry day.  Never in her life after did Daisy forget that night’s work.  This ride from the cottage to the shore was something she enjoyed with all her might.  It was so wild and strange as well as sweet.  Rocks and tree trunks, and the turnings of the road had all such a mysterious new look, different from what daylight shewed them; it was an endless pleasure.  Till the walk ended.  It came out at last upon the shore of the river and into the moonlight.  High in the eastern sky the moon hung, shedding her broad light down all over the river which crisped and sparkled under it; and there by the water’s edge the members of the party of pleasure were huddled together preparing to embark.  Over their heads the sails of Mr. Randolph’s boat stood up in the moonlight.  The doctor and Logan set down their burden and waited.  The Fish’s were getting on board their little vessel, which was moved by oars alone.

“Mrs. Stanfield, you had better come with us,” Mr. Randolph said.  “There is plenty of room.  Your boat is too small.  You would find it unpleasantly rough in mid-channel.”

“O, is it rough?” exclaimed the lady.

“For your little row-boat—­I am afraid you would find it so.  The wind has roughened the water considerably, and it has not had time to get quiet.  Come with us, and we will all take supper together at Melbourne.”

It was arranged so.  The party were stowed away in the large sail-boat, which held them all well enough; the children being happy at finding themselves seated together.

“What are we waiting for?” said Mrs. Gary when all had been in their places some minutes, and conversation was the only thing moving.  “What are we staying here for?”

“Sam.”

“Where’s Sam?”

“He is yonder—­in our late place of shelter.  James and Michael have gone to fetch him with Daisy’s chair.”

“Sam!  Why, he might have stayed there till to-morrow and no hurt.  Have we got to wait till the men go there and bring him back?  We shall be late at supper!”

“The river will be all the quieter, Mrs. Gary,” said Mr. Randolph mischievously.

“The river?  You don’t mean to say it is not quiet?”

“It was not, quiet a while ago, I assure you.”