And really, that did seem to be all there was to it. Even such a go-ahead sort of a person as Mr. Hicks seemed balked by the lighthouse keeper's attitude. There seemed nothing further to do here.
Ruth was rather interested in what Mother Purling had said about Thimble Island, and she lingered to look at the conical rock, with the sea foaming about it, when the others started down the stairway. Tom came back for her.
"What are you dreaming about, Ruthie?" he demanded, nudging her.
"I was wondering, Tommy," she said, "just why Jack Crab went so often to the Thimble, as she says he does. I'd like to see that island nearer to; wouldn't you?"
"We'll borrow the catboat and sail out to it. I can handle the Jennie S. I bet Helen would like to go," said Tom, at once.
"Oh, I don't suppose that Crab man is there. It's just a barren rock," said Ruth. "But I would like to see the Thimble."
"And you shall," promised Tom.
But neither of them suspected to what strange result that promise tended.
