Part 17 (1/2)

'But we _have_ told hiie,' said Duncan with a vexed face; 'ill you haf peen doing that for? That wass a treatful thing to do, to pe tale-bearers Tear ling is against the law, and it will be their own fault----'

'Well, but, Mr Allan, you will pe for punishi+ng folks that iss not deserving to pe punished if you do such a foolish thing ass to pring the police to the folks hev so ladies and gentle!'

Duncan's evident excite in his ainst their better judg of their discovery They wandered down to the cricket-field, where the Grahao and play with these fellows,' said Allan; 'we can't leave them to amuse themselves all the time'

Presently the sound of wheels caused the in at the gate, with Tricksy on the front seat beside Dr MacGregor, and Marjorie and Ha one,' cried the doctor to Mrs Stewart, who had come to the door to meet them; 'none the worse for her bath;'

and Tricksy ju field followed aie; but the new-co on theirone another in an e sheepish and Marjorieinto dile

'Wait a minute,' whispered Tricksy, as Allan came towards them, and Marjorie said to her in a sharp undertone, 'Go on, can't you, and don't be silly'

Thus adravity and produced a large piece of cardboard with orna:--

PROCLAMATION

TO THE BOYS OP ARDNAVOIR

We, the undersigned, hereby declare war against you We challenge you to open co at what date and ti to these rules will be considered unfair Any weapons allowed except stones

(_Signed_) 'HAMISH MACGREGOR, 'MARJORIE, 'TRICKSY'

'Our Fort is the hut, of course, in you-knohere,' added Marjorie; 'and the challenging party have the right to choose whether they will be besiegers or defenders, advantages to be as equal as possible

That's all,' she concluded, with a sudden lapse into her usualwith all their ht

'Whatever does she ie

'It's a challenge,' said Reggie 'Let's hear what Allan says'

Allan was considering

'Shall we accept now, Reggie?' he asked

Reggie thought the coht as well take place without delay; and Allan replied to the Proclae is accepted We will arrison, as there are fewer of you, and we'll attack--Coie,' said Marjorie 'Do you like sieges?' she asked Gerald, as they were on their way to the shore

'Awful fun,' replied the fair-haired boy, whose pink and white face was fast beco tanned by wind and sun

'What weapons are to be used?' asked Marjorie, turning quickly to the others