'We couldn't possibly keep back evidence like this,' pursued Hamish.
Marjorie's and Reggie's eyes were saying 'Don't tell them.'
Allan pushed his hair back from his forehead, thrust his hands into his pockets, and then turned to Hamish again.
'We've got to think of a lot of things in an affair like this,' he said. 'For instance——'
'It seems to me there's only one way of looking at it,' replied Hamish, his slow voice becoming steadier. 'You've got an important piece of evidence which may prove the turning-point of the case, and you don't even tell your father and mother.'
'I think Hamish is in the right,' broke in Tricksy's little voice.
A glance from Reggie caused her to quail and Allan turned upon Hamish.
'Now, Hamish, old fellow, don't you jolly well make an ass of yourself. We find ourselves in this predic.; either we've got to shut up about this valuable find, or have the police poking about the island when they're not wanted.'
'We've all three voted against you, so you are in a minority, Hamish,' broke in Marjorie, her voice sharp with vexation.
Hamish became very red, and looked at them steadily.