For the third time the Leader of the "Wolves" tackled the madman, but ere he could obtain a hold his feet slipped on the smooth rock. Tassh's fingers closed on Simpson's throat with a force that threatened to choke the Scout into insensibility. Simultaneously, by a back kick, the maniac sent Neale staggering, and well-nigh breathless, upon the prostrate Fraser. A multitude of lights flashed before Simpson's eyes . . . then his opponent's grip suddenly relaxed, and Atherton's voice was heard exclaiming: "It's all right, Simpson. Pull yourself together, man. I hope I haven't killed the fellow." Atherton had arrived in the nick of time. Something had prompted him to follow Simpson's scanty patrol; he knew by the sounds from the rogue's lair that a desperate struggle was taking place. He leapt into the little cave and with his staff struck the violent madman a stunning blow, causing Tassh to sink inertly to the ground. As soon as Simpson and Fraser had sufficiently recovered, steps were taken to get the insensible thief from his den. With a bowline round his waist, Tassh was hauled out of the hole, carried across the inner cave and out into the open air. "We've found the rest of the silver, sir," announced Simpson. "That's good business," replied Mr Buckley. "It's time we had a rest. Put those lights out, Green, it must be close on dawn. Why, where is the yacht?" In the pale grey light, the sea showed an unbroken expanse of rippling water. The yacht with Phillips and Mayne had vanished. * * * * "I trust that rascal on board hasn't got the better of Phillips and Mayne," said Mr Buckley. "So do I, sir," added Atherton. "He must be very smart to get the better of those two fellows." "Criminals are usually smart," remarked Green. "Not necessarily," replied the Scoutmaster. "They are frequently only clever in comparison with their dupes. But there is Hayes standing on the cliff." Hayes and Coventry, having accomplished their task of signalling to the coastguard, had returned to their post of observation, and had dutifully remained there during the whole of the night, since the Scoutmaster had given no further instructions as to what they were to do. "Seen anything of the yacht?" shouted Atherton. "Yes," replied Hayes, "the coastguards towed her away." "Then Phillips and Mayne are all right," said the Scoutmaster, thankfully. "Now, lads, let's get our prisoners to the top of the cliff. The sooner we hand them over to the proper authorities the better." In very little time the police arrived from Polkerwyck, and Bill and the madman, Tassh, were conveyed to the mainland. The Scouts, after a well-earned meal, were one and all soon sound asleep, never waking till close upon five in the afternoon, when Sir Silas Gwinnear crossed over to Seal Island to personally compliment the Scouts on their success.