'Tear me,' observed Duncan, looking at Harry's and Reggie's somewhat battered faces as they passed; 'so there hass peen a fight between you two young gentlemen, and Mr. Allan hass been helping you. I wass thinking from Mr. Allan's looks these last days tat there would pe some mischief pefore ferry long! It iss ahl right, Miss Marjorie, it iss ahl right,' he said soothingly, in response to her glance; 'we hev made the _Kelpie_ an hour and a quarter late, whateffer. That iss ferry good, although Rob says he will pe thinking it iss a pity that the sea will not pe going to pe at ahl rough.' There was only enough breeze to fill the sails as the _Kelpie_ glided gently towards the island of Erricha. The gulls sat balancing themselves on the smooth swell of the waves; and as the vessel passed a low rocky islet a number of seals flopped into the water and swam in her wake. 'It's awfully nice,' observed Gerald, his blue eyes shining with enjoyment. 'Yes,' replied Tricksy; 'we've had an awfully jolly day, but I've been thinking, that all this time we've been doing nothing for Neil. We ought to, you know, as we've made a compact.' Allan produced a bit of stick and began whittling it. 'It would be nice if we could begin now,' observed Gerald. 'It's all very well,' said Harry disgustedly, 'but there seems to be nothing to do.' 'I heard the Sheriff saying to Mother that the gipsies had come back again,' said Tricksy. Reggie's dark eyes looked at Allan, who stopped his whittling. 'Look!' said Marjorie abruptly, 'we're just rounding the headland.' The Grahams wondered at the sudden silence which fell upon the group. 'We'll tack shore wards, Duncan,' announced Mr. Stewart. We would like to spend an hour or two at the caves.' 'Aye, aye, sir,' replied Duncan stiffly. Allan and Reggie began to look intent. 'There's Rob coming forward,' said Marjorie softly. The Highlander touched his cap respectfully. 'I do not think we can pe landing at ta Corrachin Caves to-night, sir,' he said civilly but firmly; 'ta wind iss north-west and ta current iss running ferry strong, sir. We wass thinking it would pe too dangerous.' 'Tut, tut,' said Mr. Stewart; 'we're not going to be so timid as all that, Rob. Just think of some of the days when we have landed, man.' 'But Duncan and I was thinking that it wass a ferry tangerous sea to-day, sir, ferry tangerous indeed, and we will pe afraid for ta ladies, sir, and for ta young ladies and gentlemen.' 'Nonsense, man,' returned Mr. Stewart; 'call this a heavy sea? I never saw a better sea in my life. Tell Duncan to put her head south-east by south.' But Duncan had taken the helm, and the vessel lay unexpectedly against the wind. 'It iss ta cross currents, sir,' said Rob. 'Yo-ho there! Slack the main-sheet!' and the boys were easing off the rope before they had realised what they were about. The vessel gave a plunge or two and then steadied herself, Duncan standing with a grim face at the wheel.