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splashing deeper into the water. When she was in waist deep, she thrust herself forward and swam.The water was refreshingly cold and she shivered in delight. At once her legs melded together to kick like a tail. Relieved to be on her way, Antonia dived down and swam underwater so no one would notice her swimming in her clothes.
    Spirit’s call was coming from the east. Antonia was pleased. She’d not answered the call as quickly as she wanted to, but Cai and Hannah would have much further to swim. With luck she could still beat them. The moment she was clear of Gull Bay she surfaced. Swimming in leaps and arcs she flew through the water, her body shimmering in the sunlight like a real dolphin. After a short while Antonia felt vibrations in the water. She swam towards them, sensing theywere caused by Spirit. The coastline was craggy with piles of rocks tumbling into the sea. Antonia swam on until suddenly she saw a shiny head in the water. It was Spirit. Gleefully Antonia hurried towards him. She’d done it. She’d got there first. This time she wouldn’t fail. She would solve the problem before Hannah arrived. But as Antonia grew nearer her hopes plummeted. Two figures were moving around on a tiny stretch of beach. Immediately she recognised them. The one nearest to her was Cai and the other person was Hannah, her striking red hair pulled back in a ponytail.
    â€œSilver Dolphin,” whistled Spirit. “Thank you for answering the call.”
    â€œIt’s too late though,” said Antonia tersely.
    She rubbed her nose against Spirit’s, but her eyes were fixed on Hannah and Cai as they paddled into the sea. Hannah was waving something. Antonia screwed up her eyes, but couldn’t make out what it was. In silence she trod water. Her heart was hammering in her chest and her face felt hot and prickly.
    â€œHi,” called Hannah, as she swam nearer. “Doesn’t this make you cross?”
    She waved a thin piece of plastic with four holes in it at Antonia.
    â€œIts one of those yoke things that holds cans of drink together. It was wrapped round a seagull’s neck. The poor thing might have been strangled if we hadn’t got here in time.”
    Antonia gave Hannah a suspicious look.What did she mean by that? She hadn’t been that slow to answer the call. Considering the circumstances she’d got there very quickly.
    â€œIt’s great to see you,” added Hannah hastily. “Claudia thought you might take a holiday from Silver Dolphins because your cousins are staying.”
    â€œI don’t want a holiday,” Antonia indignantly exclaimed.
    She glared at Hannah. How typical that Hannah should save a bird when she’d failed to. Why couldn’t Spirit’s call have been for litter-picking?
    Cai swam over.
    â€œWhat’s going on? Why aren’t you speaking in dolphin?” he clicked.
    Hannah and Antonia both stared at Cai in surprise.
    â€œSorry,” clicked Antonia, turning to Spirit to apologise.
    There was sadness in Spirit’s dark eyes. Antonia caught her breath. Spirit’s look made her feel uncomfortable. Then the sea began to churn and Antonia spun round. Three dolphins were swimming their way. The sadness vanished.
    â€œBubbly,” she squeaked, as Star, Dream and Bubbles raced closer.

Chapter Eight
    â€œS ilver Dolphins,” squeaked Bubbles. He greeted Antonia first. Enthusiastically she greeted him back, pleased that she was still his favourite.
    â€œCan we play, Dad?” begged Bubbles and Dream when they’d said hello to everyone.
    Star clicked a laugh.
    â€œI thought you wanted to come here to help the Silver Dolphins,” she said.
    â€œThey don’t need help any more,” said Bubbles.
    Spirit laughed too.
    â€œYes, you can play,” he generously clicked. “Your mother and I have things to sort out. We’ll see you later.”
    â€œBubbly! Thanks, Dad.” Bubbles