nst the walls of the fort and the battle
became fiercer than ever. For some time the issue appeared doubtful,
but gradually the besiegers gained a footing on the walls from which
they could not be dislodged. Panting, buffeted, they forced their way
upwards, while the defenders rained blows and clods upon them.

With a shout of victory, Allan had swung himself on to the roof, when a
cry of dismay was raised.

'The roof is giving way!'

Hastily they all jumped, and not a minute too soon, for some gaping
holes appeared in the thatch, and there was a rumble of falling stones.

'It's all right,' panted Marjorie; 'we can put that right in a
morning's work. Oh, wasn't it a first-rate fight!'

'Capital,' agreed the others, and Tricksy's voice piped in. 'I fought
very well too, didn't I, Marjorie?'

'Oh, very well,' replied Marjorie, who had been greatly hampered by
Tricksy getting in her way at critical moments. 'But I think we all
need a rest now, don't we?'

No second suggestion was needed; and they all flung themselves on the
ground and lay where they were, letting the sea-breeze blow upon their
heated faces.

'Awfully jolly,' murmured Gerald; 'I should like to have a fight like
that every day.'

Harry lay stretched out with a restless face looking about him with
eyes that sparkled notwithstanding his fatigue, and kicking his heels
when he had the energy to do so. Had he been less completely
exhausted, he would have got up and explored the island, taking Gerald
with him, but a cricket match and a siege in one afternoon, following a
long walk in the morning, are as much as most boys are capable of.

Presently Reggie jumped up.

'Allan,' he said, 'don't you think we ought to be going?'

Allan looked at the waves which were beginning to jostle one another in
mid-channel.

'Just about time,' he said.

'Couldn't we show them the inside of the house first,' said Marjorie;
'it won't take a minute.'

'All right,' said Allan, 'but we must be quick.'

'Is this where you stay when it is wet,' said Harry, as they pushed
open the door of the cottage. 'What a jolly place. Can you light
fires on the hearth?'

'Of course we can,' said Marjorie, 'and bake bannocks--why, Allan; some
one has been here since we left!'

'Nonsense,' said Allan, looking about him. 'Why, I declare, some one
has!'

'There has been a fresh fire lighted on the hearth,' said Marjorie,
'and the things are not as we left them. There ar