'They can't be going round to the caves,' said Marjorie. 'Oh, dear, how can we stop them. I'll take Cheeky and go and warn him.'
Fortunately this remark passed unnoticed amid the hubbub.
'They aren't going away altogether, are they?' asked Tricksy, her eyes becoming large with dismay.
Allan made a rush for the door, and ran up against his father, who was coming in.
'Hard luck,' said Mr. Stewart, holding out the letter; 'the Heroic has received unexpected orders, and they have to sail northward without delay. No shore leave, so they take this opportunity of saying good-bye.'
'Aw—w—w,' said Harry, Gerald, and Tricksy, while the others had difficulty in repressing an inclination to cheer.
'When are they coming back again?' asked Gerald.
'Next year, perhaps,' said Mr. Stewart, smiling.
The faces became if possible more blank than before.
'She's out of sight,' said Harry in a dejected tone, going to the window.