ce made an inspection of the gipsy camp, but
there seemed to be no evidence against them. Well, we are all very
pleased that you are so kindly disposed towards Neil, and we can only
hope that you or some one else may be able to find out who really did
it. If you must go, young ladies and gentlemen, will you not look in
at Mrs. Macdonnell's cottage and tell her that you have resolved to
help Neil? Poor soul, she is very sorrowful, and it might comfort her
to know what true friends her son has.'

'Do you think she would care to be disturbed to-day?' said Marjorie,
somewhat doubtfully.

'I think she would be very glad to see you, Miss Marjorie, when you
come on such an errand.'

Mrs. MacLean said nothing; but she filled the young people's pockets
with oat-cakes, and stood watching them as they walked soberly along
the path.

'It's too late to go to Mrs. Macdonnell before dinner-time,' said
Allan, who seemed to be glad of an excuse to postpone so trying an
interview. 'You'd better come with us, Hamish and Marjorie; it's
half-past twelve now; much too late for you to go home.'

Places were found for the MacGregors at the hospitable table of
Ardnavoir; and after dinner, Tricksy drew her mother aside, while
Marjorie lingered to hear what Mrs. Stewart would say.

'Mummie,' said Tricksy, 'Rob MacLean wants us to go and see Mrs.
Macdonnell and tell her that we don't believe that Neil stole the
letters. Do you think we can go?'

'Perhaps you might, as Rob wishes you to do so,' replied her mother.
'Don't stay long, and don't talk much, for, poor woman, this has been a
terrible blow to her. Give her your message, and then say good-bye.'

'Do you think we need to go too?' said Allan, as the young people were
discussing their intention.

'Of course we must all be there,' declared Marjorie; 'it will encourage
her when she sees that we have all joined the compact.'

'Whatever are you doing that for?' asked Allan, when he saw his little
sister gathering flowers in the garden.

'They are for Mrs. Macdonnell,' said Tricksy, looking up with her soft,
dark eyes; 'I think she would be glad if we brought her some.'

Allan said nothing, and Reggie's dark face looked approving.

A walk of a mile or two brought the young folk to the heather-roofed
cottage where Mrs. Macdonnell lived. A dog rushed out and barked, but
wagged his tail when he saw who the visitors were.

'Neil's dog,' said Allan; 'look how he speaks to Laddie.