Part 18 (1/2)

Go and lie down;' and Laddie, looking heart-broken, retired to the turf dyke and lay watching the fray in consternation

The battle raged long and furiously, neither side appearing to gain the advantage

The attacking party pressed round the walls of the cottage, only to be beaten back by the projectiles which were showered upon the themselves to fresh efforts, they rushed to the attack, Allan calie intrepid, and the two Graha one spot undefended, Gerald made a dash for it, and had already one foot on the wall, preparatory to scaling the cottage, when 'swish'

came a lump of sea-weed in his face; and before he had recovered fro hands seized him and Marjorie's voice shouted, 'A prisoner!'

A wild rush was made to effect a rescue, but Hamish ca and struggling up on the roof

'Now you had better sit down quietly,' said Haht froed to remain inactive

Furious at the loss of one of their nuainst the walls of the fort and the battle became fiercer than ever For soers gained a footing on the walls fro, buffeted, they forced their way upwards, while the defenders rained blows and clods upon the himself on to the roof, when a cry of dis way!'

Hastily they all ju holes appeared in the thatch, and there was a ruht,' panted Marjorie; 'we can put that right in a ht!'

'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 ha 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 the the sea-breeze blow upon their heated faces

'Awfully jolly,' ht like that every day'

Harry lay stretched out with a restless face looking about hiue, and kicking his heels when he had the energy to do so Had he been less coot up and explored the island, taking Gerald with hi a long walk in the , are as ie juht 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 ht,' 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, sohted on the hearth,' said Marjorie, 'and the things are not as we left them There are marks like footprints on the floor too'