Clam River was a harbor for fishing and lobster boats, and they could run into it and be safe from storms at sea.

“I’m going out and dig in the sand!” cried Mun Bun.

“I’ll come, too,” said Margy.

“Well, don’t pick up any stray dogs or cats,” warned her mother.  “Perhaps you had better go with them, Rose,” she said to the oldest girl.

“All right, Mother.  I’ll look after them,” was the answer, and Rose became her mother’s little helper again.

Vi and Laddie seemed to be looking for something.  They wandered about the big porch of the bungalow, and out in front, up and down.

“What do you want?” asked Cousin Ruth, who saw them.

“Something we can use to dig for gold,” answered Laddie.

“Dig for gold!” exclaimed Cousin Ruth.  “Is that a riddle?” for she had heard that Laddie was very fond of asking riddles.

“No, this is real,” answered the little fellow. “’Tisn’t a riddle at all.  Sammie Brown’s father dug for gold, and we’re going to.  There is always gold in sand.”

“Oh, I’m glad to know that,” answered Cousin Ruth.  “We have so much sand around us that if it all has gold in it I’m sure we shall soon be rich.  But I wouldn’t be too sure about it, Laddie.  Some sand may not have any gold in it.  But you may dig all you like.  You’ll find some shovels and pails on the side porch.  I put them there on purpose for you children.”

Vi and Laddie found what they wanted, and hurried down to the beach to dig.  Margy and Mun Bun went also, with Rose, while Russ, having found some bits of driftwood, began to whittle out a boat which he said he was going to sail on Clam River, where the water was smooth.

Mr. and Mrs. Bunker sat in the bungalow talking to Cousin Tom and his wife, telling them about their trip and the visit to Aunt Jo’s, from whose house they had just come.

“I hope you can stay the rest of the summer with us,” said Cousin Tom.

“It is a lovely place,” said Mrs. Bunker, “And we shall stay as long as you like to have us, for I think the children will like it here.  And we are more than glad to be with you and Cousin Tom.  But we have half promised to visit Grandpa Ford.”

“Yes, and he surely expects us,” added her husband.  “Is it all right for the children to play on the beach?” he asked his nephew.

“Oh, yes, surely.  Did you think anything could hurt them?”

“Well, I didn’t know.  It’s so near the water——­”

“The beach is a very safe one, and the water is shallow, even at high tide,” said Cousin Tom.  “At low tide you can wade quite a distance out.  The children will be all right.  But do they really expect to find gold by digging?”

“I believe they do.  It’s a story they heard,” said Mr. Bunker with a laugh.  “Near Aunt Jo’s lived a boy whose father was a sea captain, and who, I believe, did once find gold on an island.  It set Laddie and Vi to thinking they might do the same.  But, of course, there isn’t any gold here.”