The school had organized swimming classes, and on certain clean-water days detachments of girls were conducted to the public baths.

Owing to her college entrance examinations, Winona had not been able to attend the full course, but she had learnt to swim last summer at the baths, and was as enthusiastic as anybody.

Miss Medland, the teacher, was an expert from Dunningham; she was skillful herself, and clever at training her pupils.

The girls soon gained confidence in the water, and began to be able to perform what they called "mermaid high jinks." The Public Baths at Seaton were most remarkably good, so good indeed that many of the citizens had raised a protest against the Corporation for spending so much money upon them.

The High School girls, who had not to pay the rates, did not sympathize with the grumbles of ratepayers, and rejoiced exceedingly in the sumptuous accommodation.