Part 26 (2/2)

'Not yet,' said Haot to make up our minds whether we'd better do it or not'

Hamish looked astonished

'I don't see how there can be any doubt about that,' he began 'Surely it's the very first----'

Marjorie, Allan, and Reggie were all looking at each other

'We couldn't possibly keep back evidence like this,' pursued Ha 'Don't tell them'

Allan pushed his hair back from his forehead, thrust his hands into his pockets, and then turned to Has in an affair like this,' he said 'For instance----'

'It see at it,' replied Haot an i-point of the case, and you don't even tell your father and ht,' broke in Tricksy's little voice

A glance froie caused her to quail and Allan turned upon Hamish

'Now, Hamish, old fellow, don't you jolly well make an ass of yourself

We find ourselves in this predic; either we've got to shut up about this valuable find, or have the police poking about the island when they're not wanted'

'We've all three voted against you, so you are in a minority, Hamish,'

broke in Marjorie, her voice sharp with vexation

Hamish became very red, and looked at them steadily

'I can't act contrary to the wishes of the majority,' he said, since we'vea great ret what you are doing'

There was no reply since none could beclosed in an uncomfortable silence

'Tear, tear,' they heard Duncan's voice saying in irritable tones outside the door; 'ill hev becoentlemen? They will ahl pe away just at ta ferry time when they will be wanted They will pe after some nonsense I will ahlways pe the mosst afraid when they are ferry quiet when Mr Allan will pe with them He iss so sensible and wiselike, iss Mr Allan, that when he finds mischiefs for them to do they will ahlways pe the ferry worst kinds of mischief, whateffer'

CHAPTER XI

A NEAR SHAVE

They all trooped out, and followed Duncan's retreating figure

'Here we are, Duncan, what do you want us for?'