The argument was irresistible and Marjorie yielded.
'Never mind Cheeky,' said Allan; 'he won't wander far.'
The bridle was taken off the shaggy little pony whom Marjorie had not waited to saddle, and Marjorie and Allan went down the hill.
Reggie and Harry were already out of doors, Harry addressing himself with sparkling eyes to Reggie, who was unusually silent. When Allan came in view together with Marjorie, Reggie studied the pair inquiringly and received a reassuring nod from Allan.
'Seen the Heroic?' began Harry; 'I say, if the men get their leave to-day do you think they will let us come with them?'
'We might show them the interesting places on the island,' said Reggie, with a sidelong glance at Allan.
'Oh, I say, what fun,' exclaimed Harry; 'I'd take them to the Smugglers' Caves and let them explore.'
Reggie looked at Allan again.
'I wouldn't do that, if I were you, Harry,' said Allan. 'You don't know much about the caves yourself yet, you know, and they're most awfully dangerous; great holes full of water where you don't expect them, and rocks that might fall on the top of you and crush you to pieces; and then the smugglers might be lying in ambush round the corners, you know.'
Tricksy, who had come out to join the others, opened her eyes very widely at this account of the hidden perils of the caves.