'Come, Neil,' said Rob MacLean persuasively, 'it will not pe meking Mistress Macdonnell any better, puir soul, for you to be waiting here with ta police, silly bodies, at your heels.'
Neil came forward, Marjorie and Allan following him anxiously.
'I will not pe going,' he said briefly.
'Of all ta fulish gomerals!' burst out Duncan, and clenched his fists and stormed in Gaelic to the lad, who remained unmoved.
'That will be a ferry foolish thing, Neil; gang wi ta captain,' said Bob soothingly.
'Go on board, Neil; it isn't too late yet,' implored Allan.
'Tide's on the turn,' shouted the gruff voice of the captain. 'Come if you're coming, and if not, don't keep honest folks waiting.'
Neil leaned against the cliff and looked stubbornly into vacancy. From his attitude it was plain that he was inflexible.
'Yo-ho!' sang out the sailors; 'heave-ho!' and the sails of the little vessel slowly filled as her bows swung round to the sea.
Marjorie made a bolt towards the cliff, and began to climb.