Part 16 (2/2)

'Do you think theyto do with the robbery?' said Marjorie

'Shouldn't wonder,' replied Allan 'Anyhoe'll see what Pater says'

'In the meanwhile,' said Marjorie, 'we had better be quick; the breakers are close under the rocks, and we're alry-looking water was running up into a hollow on the shore, and the young folk could only escape by ju on to a stone in the middle of the flood, and froie half impatiently, as his little sister hesitated

Tricksy, as pale and overwrought, sprang, but fell short and plunged overhead in the water

Instantly two or three were in the flood, trying to prevent her being swept out to sea

Allan secured her; and gasping, struggling, ater running over her face, Tricksy was pulled on to dry land

'It isn't so very bad, is it, Tricksy?' inquired Reggie, in a tone of so to do, to jump in when you're told to jump over!'

Tricksy tried to smile; a miserable attempt, for her teeth chattered and her lips were blue with the cold

'Run to Rob MacLean's cottage, Reggie,' said Ha it round Tricksy; 'ask him to lend us his pony, and we'll take Tricksy to Corran by her side and holding her on to the pony, Tricksy was not long in reaching Corranmore, and when the others arrived she was already in bed, with Mrs MacGregor beside her; the little girl drinking hotto restrain the tears that _would_ roll down her cheeks, even when she forced herself to laugh

'Feeling better, Tricksy?' asked Reggie apprehensively

'She has had a nasty fall,' said Mrs MacGregor somewhat reproachfully, 'and we o hoht; you had better tell your parents that she is safe with us'

A look of relief overspread Tricksy's tired features

'Oh, you _are_ a dear,' she exclaior's neck, forgetting that the lady had once said that Tricksy Steas a spoilt little girl 'Hooray, I'll sleep with Marjorie and we can talk about e have seen to-day!'

CHAPTER VII

THE SIEGE

'No, Mr Allan,' Duncan was declaring, 'if I wass you, I would not pe telling the laird whateffer; it can do no good pringing honest folk into trouble'

'But they are not honest folk if they're s to the conversation without joining in

A peculiar expression flitted across Duncan's face

'Well, but, Mr Allan,' heyou, that it will pe petter if you will not pe telling the laird; you will only pe ood at ahl, at ahl'

'But what if it was they who robbed the post-office?' said Allan

'Robbed the post-office, Mr Allan!' cried Duncan; 'ill they pe doing that for? Not the the laird----'