Tom, Zach, and Will go to a beach town called Salmouth. After a three-day journey, they leave Tom’s carriage and Dodds at a nearby farm and ride the final miles on bikes; Will—who hasn’t learned yet how to ride a bike—goes on a tandem with Tom. When they see the sea, they all dance with joy. After knocking on a few doors, they find an old woman called Mrs. Clarence, who is happy to have them for a fortnight.

Will is amazed and delighted with the ocean. They enjoy a delicious meal; it is Will’s first time eating fish. Mrs. Clarence misunderstands that Will is Tom’s son and that Zach is a refugee; Tom doesn’t correct her.

They go to the beach the next day, and Will is scared of the ocean. Tom carries Sammy in and encourages Will, who learns to swim.

Meanwhile, the bombings in London increase. Zach feels fearful for his parents. Tom finds a phone and calls the Littles, who confirm that Zach’s parents are fine.

They return home through days of rain. Mrs. Fletcher has left soup on the stove for Tom, Will, and Zach. Zach stays for dinner and then sets off toward the Littles.