The tide was coming in and there was only a narrow strip of firm beach between the water and the white, stumbling stuff near the palm terrace. Ralph chose the firm strip as a path because he needed to think and only here could he allow his feet to move without having to watch them.

The three boys stood in the darkness,striving unsuccessfully to convey the majesty of adult life.

‘They wouldn’t quarrel ‘

‘Or break my specs-‘

‘Or talk about a beast-‘

‘if only they could