"The surf would level the sand in a tide," Andrew said; and turned to Rankine. "What do you think of doing now?"
"I don't know, but I'm afraid I can't stay here as long as I expected. The steamer's in Loch Ryan. We went in to make some repairs after a hammering we got. Now, perhaps we had better join the others."
Andrew left them in the drawing-room and found Mackellar alone in the library.
"I'll have finished with these in a few minutes," he remarked, indicating the papers before him. "Mr. Staffer's accounts don't give much trouble. He's a man o' parts."
"Yes," agreed Andrew; "the estate is managed well."
"We must give him all the credit he deserves, but there's another matter I'm anxious about. We have not got to the bottom o' your cousin's debts."
Andrew frowned.
"Do you mean that Williamson has got hold of him again?"
"No; I'm thinking he's out of the game, and the borrowed money's none o' his. But Dick has incurred some fresh liabilities. Here's a bit statement; ye can study it."
Andrew felt disturbed, but he waited until Mackellar put the papers into his pocket.