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.

'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