The second attempt 3/8

The dinghy foamed along against the tide and once they were level with the coastguard cottage Fern crossed the river to the opposite bank.

"We'll keep in the shallow water on this side to keep out of the strongest part of the tide,” explained Fern, “then we won't have to cross over at the island. The currents from the main river and the creek come together there on the ebb and things can get a bit tricky in a small boat like this, especially when you're not used to its ways."

The rest of the trip to the fog was uneventful. Jennifer Jane smiled quietly to herself at the thought. She was reminded of her search for words that morning, while she'd been sitting on her broom in the sunshine.

Jayjay sailed quietly into the giant's pool and moored against the new quayside that the giant had made for Misty Magic and Barnacle Bill's paddle steamer.

"You can't just come barging in here and tie up," boomed the giant's voice from way over their heads, "that quay is reserved for Jennifer Jane's Dad and....oh." He had just recognised the crew of the strange dinghy. "Hello Jennifer Jane, not another new boat surely?"

She assured the giant that the boat belonged to her friend Fern, who was a fairy working at the goblin boatyard and that they'd only be there for a little while.

"That's quite alright," he replied, "Barnacle Bill has told me about Fern Marigold Knott and any friend of yours is welcome. We can't allow any old boat to moor in here just because the port facilities are so good, so I have to check!"

Fern followed Jennifer Jane along the woodland paths to her house. It was beginning to get dark and Jennifer Jane had suggested that she stay the night and start her sailing holiday in the morning. Both her parents were at home and pleased to hear that the new dinghy had a name and was being enjoyed. Mary offered Fern a bed in the house but she refused, since the whole point of her holiday was to sleep in the dinghy.

"Perhaps Jennifer Jane could join me?" asked Fern. "She'd be very welcome. We can put up the tent cover and there's plenty of room on one side of the centreboard case for her to sleep."

"Please Mum, I could use the sleeping bag I have for camping with the guides, I promise I won't be any trouble."

Mary laughed. "Off you go then, if you're sure you really want her."

Fern assured her that she would find her help very useful. "Things are always easier with two pairs of hands."

A delighted Jennifer Jane followed Fern back to the dinghy. She was carrying her sleeping bag and the small bag of items that she always took on her camping trips. Fern assembled the boom crutches in their slots at the stern and put the boom into position. Then they unrolled the awning and fastening one edge to the port side, passed the rest over the boom and secured the other edge to the starboard side. Flaps at either end could be used to close the gaps. When they were shut, Jayjay had a very snug tent.

Fern had a camping gas stove and soon produced a supper of boiled eggs, with mugs of tea. Jennifer Jane had put some slices of bread on a stick and used the stove's flame to make toast while the eggs were boiling. After their meal, they both snuggled down in their sleeping bags, one either side of the centreboard case, while Fern turned out the portable gas light. There was a, "Good night both," from the giant and then only the sound of the wind in the trees, with an occasional splash from the giant's tears, as he cried quietly into the pool.