'Can't do anything just now,' said Allan; 'there is no way of getting him out of the island while the _Heroic_ is here, and this afternoon the men were declaring that as soon as they got shore leave they would search the island for the man who they say is "skulking round." We can only hope that they won't go very far into the caves, or that the ship will soon be ordered north. But, Marjorie, don't go about with a face like that, whatever you do, or you'll show people that something's the matter. Remember that if either the Pater or your father were to find out that Neil is here, it would be their duty to let the police know, and they wouldn't like to have to do that.' Marjorie drew herself together. 'You needn't be afraid of me, Allan,' she said, as she turned away. 'I can keep a secret as well as you and Reggie, and you know it.' On the following morning Allan was hardly surprised to encounter Marjorie upon the little hill which commanded a view of the sea near Ardnavoir. Her pony was beside her, and she had evidently risen with the dawn and ridden over the moors. 'Any news?' she inquired anxiously. 'Nothing at all,' he replied. 'The _Heroic_ is quite quiet yet, as you see.' They looked at the dark hull which was lying motionless upon the water. 'Duncan rode over to the caves last night to tell Neil to keep out of sight while the _Heroic_ is here,' said Allan. 'The only fear is if the men should try exploring with torches. There are openings from the caves on to the moors, but if the island is swarming with men it wouldn't be much good trying to escape by them.' 'Oh,' cried Marjorie, looking at the _Heroic_, 'if only they would go away. Couldn't we invent some excuse for getting them out of the way while we get Neil into safety.' 'No good, I'm afraid,' said Allan. 'They have their orders from the Admiralty, and they wouldn't attend to anything else.' Marjorie looked hopeless. 'I shall have to go home now,' she said; 'there's some one moving about in your garden, so it must be nearly breakfast-time. Let me know if there's any news.' 'Don't go yet,' said Allan decidedly. 'You must stay and have breakfast with us. I bet you didn't have anything before you left?' 'I had a crust of bread,' said Marjorie reluctantly. 'Elspeth keeps everything locked up at night, and I couldn't wait.' 'Come along,' said Allan. 'You'll be in the best place for seeing what the _Heroic_ is about.' The argument was irresistible and Marjorie yielded. 'Never mind Cheeky,' said Allan; 'he won't wander far.' The bridle was taken off the shaggy little pony whom Marjorie had not waited to saddle, and Marjorie and Allan went down the hill. Reggie and Harry were already out of doors, Harry addressing himself with sparkling eyes to Reggie, who was unusually silent. When Allan came in view together with Marjorie, Reggie studied the pair inquiringly and received a reassuring nod from Allan.