Part 19 (1/2)

Reggie looked at her with a provoking sht it was you anted the place kept water-tight,' he suggested, 'in case we ht there----'

'That's all very well,' interrupted Marjorie, 'but that's not what's ether yesterday, and stay away for such a tiuests? You're busy with so that you don't want us to know about and I'd just like to find out what it is It always irritates ie was looking grave, and his dark eyes studied Marjorie intently

'Hullo, you two,' said Allan, co on?'

Marjorie rose up froround, and seated herself upon the pile of cut heather

'I've just been telling Reggie that I know that you and he have a secret between you,' she said, looking boldly at Allan 'I'd just like to knohat it is Hardly fair, I call it; keeping so from the otherthe grave, concerned expression in Allan's eyes

'It's all right,' she said, looking fixedly out to sea; 'it's sooing to find out what it is'

She had beco fast as a suspicion forced itself upon her She turned, and stooping down, took up her ar to carry this to the boat,' she re round

The boys looked after her retreating figure

'H'irl'

Marjorie's reflections were interrupted by a about, and Harry caht her by the arm

'Well, what's theher round 'Look at that! Well, if you're so cross you needn't, but youround that headland----'

Marjorie's eyes followed in the direction pointed out by his shaking finger, and her face cleared

A large vessel was gliding into view

Tricksy cas would carry her, the two dogs barking in her wake

'Marjorie,' she gasped, it's a man-o'-war; oh, don't you hope it's that nice one that cahted by the others, who came down to discuss the situation

'Perhaps she's a stranger,' suggested Haht be better to prepare for a disappoint vessel, whatever she is,' said Harry

'She's like the one that was here last year,' said Marjorie

'Oh, don't you hope she's the sagie, whose eyes were the best; 'I'm certain it's the old _Heroic_'