"Where's Bob ?" "He's gone to bathe," replied poor Nell, very disconsolately.

"He said he'd get here as soon as we did, but he hasn't come yet, and I'm afraid he'll be too late." "That he will," said the Captain, looking equally distressed.

"I hear the steamer's bell ringing--in fact, I heard it before, and that made me quicken my movements.

The stupid fellow!--Why did you let him go ?" "Wilful would have his way," answered Mr Strong, shrugging his shoulders.

"It is his own fault, and he must suffer the consequences.
Come on, you people; I don't see why we should sacrifice our trip, at any rate." Mrs Gilmour and his wife tried in vain to combat the barrister's resolution, suggesting that the excursion might be postponed; but he would not consent to this for a moment.
"No," he said determinedly, "this is the only day we could go; for, when the boat next leaves for Southampton, we'll most probably be back in town." So saying, he pushed them all through the turnstile before him, and taking their tickets, including one for Bob, in case he still contrived to turn up in time, led the way to the steamer, which was blowing off her steam alongside the pier, as if in the greatest haste to start.
They were none too soon; for, hardly had they got on board, ere the engine-gong sounded and the steamer's paddles began to move, the vessel gliding out into the stream as her hawsers were cast-off.
All looked out eagerly, Nellie especially, almost in tears, hoping to the last that Bob would come scurrying up; but, much to the general disappointment, no Bob came, nor did they even have the poor satisfaction of seeing him appear in the distance after the steamer had left the pier.
"Poor Bob!" bewailed Nell, for whom all the fun of the expedition had departed with his absence.