'It iss ahl right now, sir,' said Rob composedly; 'but we cannot pe teking her back to catch a wind tat will tek her to Corrachin after this.' Dr. MacGregor was looking surprised. 'I can't think what ails the men,' fumed Mr. Stewart. 'There is nothing unusual in the appearance of the sea so far as I can make out, and I ought to know as well as they can.' 'Successful mutiny,' muttered Marjorie; and the boys grinned. Mr. Graham walked to the side and looked down at the water, but did not take it upon himself to express an opinion. 'It looks as though the fellows were keeping something back,' continued Mr. Stewart. 'Perhaps it's one of their Highland superstitions,' suggested Mrs. Stewart. 'I wouldn't take any more notice if I were you.' Silence fell as the _Kelpie_ glided past the caves. The vessel passed near enough for those on board to look into the yawning hollows beneath the overhanging cliffs, and to hear the thunder of the angry sea which always beat upon that shore. Marjorie and the boys felt a lump rise in their throats as they thought of the comrade driven to seek refuge in that desolate spot. CHAPTER XII SURROUNDED 'Twelfth of August,' said Allan; 'Pater's out on the moors with Mr. Graham, slow day for us; suppose we take the boat and go fishing for crabs!' 'All right, let's,' said Marjorie; 'Harry's in a fidgety mood and will be quarrelling with some one presently if he has nothing to do.' 'I say, you fellows,' cried Allan, 'we're going crab fishing. Come along and let's rummage out the lines, Reggie. We must be sure and get enough for all. Tricksy, you might ask Duncan to put some provisions in a basket for us, as we shan't be home for tea or supper. Let's hurry up or we'll lose the best of the afternoon.' The various belongings having been collected, the boys and girls trooped down to the cove and began loosening the Craft. Laddie and Carlo, who had followed uninvited, came and stood by the boat, pricking up their ears. 'Can't take you, Laddie,' said Allan; 'we're going a long way and there's no room for you in the boat.' Laddie smiled an intelligent dog smile and wagged his tail as though to say, 'I'll wait and see whether you won't change your mind, young sir.' 'Come now, a good shove all together,' said Allan; and the boat ran down to the water. 'All right; chuck in the things, Reggie; and now, girls, will you take your places.' They all seated themselves and the Craft was pushed off. 'Go home, Laddie,' called out Reggie to the two dogs, who were standing side by side on the shore, looking pitifully disappointed. The dogs remained looking after the boat for a minute or two; then they gave each other a resigned glance and turned tail and trotted off, having evidently made up their minds to seek consolation in some other form of amusement. The boat was rowed to where a bottom of weedy stones showed through the water, then Allan began to explain to his guests the method of fishing.