“Well, I have seen more than quite enough,” exclaimed Bob. “We needn't wait here any longer. Let's go straight up to them. Charlie and I will take Davenport and you two can manage Lawrence. We needn't worry about the others; they won't interfere and in fact, they'll be only too pleased to see the tables turned.

“Now walk slowly. Don't make a rush and they'll never suspect anything till we have them nicely. This is going to be a bit of fun. Wait a minute, have we got anything that we could tie them up with? That would be still better.”

“Yes,” replied Jimmy.” I've got a couple of little straps in my pocket that will be just the thing for their hands. And your and Blackie's belts, Bob, they're leather, and they will do splendidly for their legs. Won't it be glorious,” he added, rubbing his hands gleefully at the prospect. “They'll be just like a pair of trussed turkey cocks.”

“Come on then,” said Bob, and we boldly rounded the corner and made straight for the little crowd.

“Hullo,” shouted Rutherford as we approached. “Where have you chaps sprung from? Who would have thought of meeting you here? I fancied we had the whole beach to ourselves.”

They roused themselves as we advanced and Davenport and Lawrence released Benson, who hurriedly buttoned up his breeches.

“We thought we'd like some sea air this afternoon, the same as you, I suppose,” said Davenport in answer to Rutherford.

“Yes,” continued Bob, “it is a great treat to get to the seaside after having been boxed up in the country for some time, isn't it?”

Davenport laughed and Lawrence joined in with his idiotic giggle. “We were just having a look at Benson's pretty little cock when you came up,” said the elder boy.

“So I could see,” returned Bob. “I say, Davenport, I don't believe you and Lawrence have ever shown us yours. You seem to have been having a display in that vein; suppose you oblige us now.”