Part 28 (2/2)

'They're not fighting seriously,' cried Marjorie; 'it's only fun'

Mr Mattheas looking both grieved and puzzled

'DearTo fight when you have not any ground for quarrelling Why did you not endeavour to dissuade theht,' said Marjorie 'What would be the good of interfering?'

The Sheriff said nothing, but he was looking so grimly amused that Marjorie added hastily, 'Why, it doesn't ht if it amuses them? When once you learn to understand boys you know that it's no use being surprised at anything they do!'

'Allan! Reggie!' Mr Stewart's voice was calling soentlemen, Duncan; quick, don't lose time, we're late already'

'Tear ie's somewhat battered faces as they passed; 'so there hass peen a fight between you two young gentle from Mr Allan's looks these last days tat there would pe soht, Miss Marjorie, it iss ahl right,' he said soothingly, in response to her glance; 'we hev made the _Kelpie_ an hour and a quarter late, whateffer That iss ferry good, although Rob says he will pe thinking it iss a pity that the sea will not pe going to pe at ahl rough'

There was only enough breeze to fill the sails as the _Kelpie_ glided gently towards the island of Erricha The gulls sat balancing themselves on the smooth swell of the waves; and as the vessel passed a low rocky islet a number of seals flopped into the water and swam in her wake

'It's awfully nice,' observed Gerald, his blue eyes shi+ning with enjoyment

'Yes,' replied Tricksy; 'we've had an awfully jolly day, but I've been thinking, that all this tiht to, you know, as we've an whittling it

'It would be nice if we could begin now,' observed Gerald

'It's all very well,' said Harry disgustedly, 'but there see to Mother that the gipsies had coie's dark eyes looked at Allan, who stopped his whittling

'Look!' said Marjorie abruptly, 'we're just rounding the headland'

The Graharoup

'We'll tack shore wards, Duncan,' announced Mr Stewart We would like to spend an hour or two at the caves'

'Aye, aye, sir,' replied Duncan stiffly

Allan and Reggie began to look intent

'There's Rob cohlander touched his cap respectfully

'I do not think we can pe landing at ta Corrachin Caves to-night, sir,'

he said civilly but fir ferry strong, sir We wass thinking it would pe too dangerous'

'Tut, tut,' said Mr Stewart; 'we're not going to be so timid as all that, Rob Just think of some of the days e have landed,that it wass a ferry tangerous sea to-day, sir, ferry tangerous indeed, and ill pe afraid for ta ladies, sir, and for ta young ladies and gentlemen'