Two Penn'orth of Sky by Katie Flynn Read Free Book Online Page B

glance indeed, but Aunty Beryl had merely remarked, placidly, that she wished Becky would take more care of her clothes, as Diana did, and the talk had changed to other things.
    ‘Well, that’s the last of our castle.’ It was Charlie’s voice, near Diana’s ear, and she turned to grin at him, then tucked her pink skirt inside her white knickers and waded into the water, kicking at the remains of the castle until there was nothing left for the little waves to gobble up.
    ‘Yes, it’s all gone now,’ she admitted. ‘What’ll we do next, Charlie?’
    Charlie considered this, his head tilted a little. Secretly, Diana rather admired him. He had a straight brown fringe of hair which fell almost to his eyes and a cheeky grin, and his body was compact and strong. He could do lots of things that she could not, but then he was three years older than her, almost a grown-up, so she waited for his decision. He might suggest they should build another castle further up the beach, or they could draw out a hopscotch game on the wet sand. Or they could skim stones – except Charlie was very good at it and she was not – or simply paddle, only that would mean she ought to put on her bathing costume again because if one ran into the sea and kicked up spray, which was the best way of paddling, one’s knickers and dress would be bound to get drenched and she had no desire to have her lovely day spoiled by a telling-off, or even a slap.
    So Diana turned to Charlie, waiting for his next bright idea, and was disappointed.
    ‘You and Becky can play round the deckchairs; I’m going to climb out to Perch Castle,’ he said loftily. ‘It ain’t no place for kids. It’s real dangerous, ’specially when the tide’s in, ’cos there’s deep pools and slippery seaweed and all sorts. I can do it, ’cos I’m olderand ’cos boys is stronger an’ better’n girls any day o’ the week. Just amuse yourselves for half an hour. I’ve got work to attend to.’
    Diana’s mouth opened in an O of horror. No one was allowed to climb up Perch Rock to reach the castle at high tide. Everyone knew it was dangerous. She did hope Charlie wouldn’t really ruin the day by getting himself drowned. She started to say as much, threatening to tell Aunty Beryl, but the only result was to make Charlie laugh scornfully and give her a push towards the small group on and around the deckchairs. ‘Go on, baby tale-clat,’ he said nastily. ‘By the time you reach ’em, I’ll be on Perch Rock. See ya later, kid.’
    He set off, whistling jauntily, slowing down when he reached the first ridge of rock. Diana thought, vengefully, that he was pretending to plot his climb, and looking past him she thought that, in fact, it would not be so difficult. Why, I believe I could do it, she thought, surprised. It’s a bit of a scramble but I bet I could reach the Rock, if I really wanted to. I’ll go a little way, just to show him.
    Cautiously, she glanced towards the grown-ups. They were not even looking in her direction; their attention was fixed on something happening on the prom. She remembered, with a little stab of excitement, that Mammy had said they might all have one go on the funfair before catching the ferry home, and hesitated; would it be wiser not to clamber on the rocks? It had been such a lovely day . . . but she would not go far. It would not take her more than a few seconds to reach the first big outcrop.
    She turned back towards the sea and saw that Charlie was already more than halfway to the castle. Hastily, she hurried after him.
    She was only a few yards from him when the disaster occurred. Hurrying, not taking proper care, she did exactly what Charlie had foretold. Her foot met a patch of slippery weed and she slid sideways, grabbed at the empty air, and plunged, head first, into a deep pool.
    For a moment, there was nothing but confusion and gradually dawning fear. Salt water invaded her mouth, her eyes were full of it, her flailing hands hit