`` No , sir . I 'll send it right off , '' and Phebe ran up the bank as if she had wings to her feet . `` We 'll take a look at the lighthouse first , for you have not been there yet , and it is worth seeing . By the time we have done that it will be pretty warm , and we will have lunch under the trees on the Island . '' Rose was ready for anything , and enjoyed her visit to the lighthouse on the Point very much , especially climbing up the narrow stairs and going inside the great lantern . They made a long stay , for Dr. Alec seemed in no hurry to go , and kept looking through his spy-glass as if he expected to discover something remarkable on sea or land . It was past twelve before they reached the Island , and Rose was ready for her lunch long before she got it . `` Now this is lovely ! I do wish the boys were here . Wo n't it be nice to have them with us all their vacation ? Why , it begins to-day , does n't it ? Oh , I wish I 'd remembered it sooner , and perhaps they would have come with us , '' she said , as they lay luxuriously eating sandwiches under the old apple-tree . `` So we might . Next time we wo n't be in such a hurry . I expect the lads will take our heads off when they find us out , '' answered Dr. Alec , placidly drinking cold tea . `` Uncle , I smell a frying sort of a smell , '' Rose said , pausing suddenly as she was putting away the remains of the lunch half an hour later . `` So do I ; it is fish , I think . '' For a moment they both sat with their noses in the air , sniffing like hounds ; then Dr. Alec sprang up , saying with great decision , `` Now , this wo n't do ! No one is permitted on this island without asking leave . I must see who dares to fry fish on my private property . ''
Taking the basket on one arm and the bundle on the other , he strode away towards the traitorous XXXXX , looking as fierce as a lion , while Rose marched behind under her umbrella .
Uncle air decision heads lads lantern sandwiches smell stairs tea