'It iss ahl right now, sir,' said Rob composedly; 'but we cannot pe teking her back to catch a wind tat will tek her to Corrachin after this.'
Dr. MacGregor was looking surprised.
'I can't think what ails the men,' fumed Mr. Stewart. 'There is nothing unusual in the appearance of the sea so far as I can make out, and I ought to know as well as they can.'
'Successful mutiny,' muttered Marjorie; and the boys grinned.
Mr. Graham walked to the side and looked down at the water, but did not take it upon himself to express an opinion.
'It looks as though the fellows were keeping something back,' continued Mr. Stewart.
'Perhaps it's one of their Highland superstitions,' suggested Mrs. Stewart. 'I wouldn't take any more notice if I were you.'
Silence fell as the Kelpie glided past the caves. The vessel passed near enough for those on board to look into the yawning hollows beneath the overhanging cliffs, and to hear the thunder of the angry sea which always beat upon that shore.
Marjorie and the boys felt a lump rise in their throats as they thought of the comrade driven to seek refuge in that desolate spot.