Mr. Graham said nothing, but after his eyes had travelled over the group, and he had, as Tricksy afterwards expressed it, 'counted his boys,' he placed himself between them and set off in the direction of Ardnavoir, still without speaking except to ask them whether they had wet feet.
Reggie, as the quickest runner, was sent on ahead to tell his mother that they had returned, and a brisk walk brought them all to the house.
'By the way,' said Mr. Stewart as the young people were refreshing themselves with a good breakfast; 'what man was that who was with you on the island?'
A startled movement went round the group, and Allan looked at his father without replying.
'That man who helped you with the boat,' said Mr. Stewart; 'he stayed behind after you left; who was he?'
CHAPTER XIII
ANDREW MACPETERS
For a moment no one stirred; then Allan braced himself to meet the difficulty.
'I'm sorry, Father; but I can't tell you that,' he said.