'I am sure,' she said, 'that Neil did not realise what he was doing,' and here she looked at her husband; 'he was hurt and disappointed at finding that some of the people were able to believe that he could have done such a thing, and that made him think that he might not get justice. It is a great pity, but those who have known Neil all his life would never believe him capable of dishonesty.' 'Of course not,' said the laird kindly, 'and I only regret that Neil did not wait to see the thing out, as I am convinced that some evidence would have turned up which would have {74} enabled us to prove his innocence. As it is, he remains under a cloud, and it will be a great grief to his mother.' The young people went out, feeling very much discouraged, and wandered down to the seashore, Laddie following with drooping ears and tail. Mechanically they seated themselves upon the beach to discuss the position of affairs, but no one seemed to have anything to suggest. 'Well,' said Marjorie at last, digging holes in the sand with a sharp-pointed shell; 'what are we to do now?' Allan pushed his cap on to the back of his head, and Reggie looked thoughtful; but they did not reply. It was a beautiful morning, and the distant hills showed the first flush of heather where the light fell upon them. Right in front the waves were glancing like silver, and beyond the ripples the island of the Den stood out invitingly clear. Tricksy, who had been gazing wistfully across the water, suddenly melted into tears. 'All our fun spoilt,' she said, with the big drops rolling down her face; 'what a horrid, horrid summer we are going to have, and poor Neil---- 'Buck up, Tricksy,' said Allan; 'the bottom hasn't tumbled out of the Universe yet.' Laddie, who had been looking with a concerned expression at his young friends, rose up and thrust his nose under Tricksy's hand, wagging his tail in an encouraging manner. 'Good old dog, good Laddie,' said Allan, patting the dog's rough coat; 'he is telling us that we must not give in.' Laddie pricked up his ears, and went from one to another of the group, endeavouring to rouse them from their despondency. 'Poor Laddie, good Laddie,' said Marjorie, caressing him and feeling a lump in her throat. 'Laddie, dear, don't lick me in the face--you're knocking me over, Laddie!' cried Tricksy, as her big pet became more demonstrative. When Laddie had been induced to sit down, which he did with the expression of a dog convinced that his endeavours had been crowned with success, Allan resumed: 'Well, we must remember that we've made a compact, and we've got to stick to it and help Neil somehow, although it looks pretty difficult at present.' A murmur of approval went round the group. 'Yes,' said Tricksy, sitting with knitted brows; 'but we don't seem to be doing anything.' The others were silent. 'What would you have us do, Tricksy?' inquired Allan. 'Do? I'd do something.' 'Well?' Tricksy's face puckered again.