A group of children, eager for a morning swim, persuades their mother to allow them to go, provided they are quick. Lilly, a kind and responsible older girl, is asked to accompany them. After a fun and organized bathing session, the children return to lunch, but Lilly realizes she has forgotten her cherished watch on the shore. Concerned, the boys rush to retrieve it, but the tide has likely covered the stones where it was left. Lilly is distraught over her carelessness, but her family comforts her. The boys, Bill and Humphrey, devise a plan to return at night when the tide recedes, hoping to find the watch. They sneak out under the moonlight, navigating the rocky shore. After some searching, they spot the watch glimmering among the stones, successfully retrieving it. When they return home, they surprise Lilly with the watch, which requires repairs but remains a treasured possession. The story emphasizes themes of responsibility, family support, and the joy of friendship.
By Mary Louisa Molesworth · First published 1888 · Genre: Children's Literature, Family Drama, Adventure