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 exp