'Can't tell Pater, Tricksy,' replied Allan. 'It would be all right if they hadn't made him a Justice of the Peace; that's some kind of a judge, you know. He couldn't help any one like Neil; indeed I'm not sure that he wouldn't have to telegraph for the Sheriff and let him know that Neil is here, and it would be a dreadful thing for Father to have to do that.'
'Then how are we going to get Neil away from the Den,' said Tricksy. 'They'll find him if he stays there.'
'Allan,' said Marjorie firmly, 'Hamish and I will go. We haven't been forbidden the use of the boat.'
'We'll go too,' said Harry. 'We aren't his children, and Mr. Stewart didn't say anything to us.'
'All right, Marjorie,' said Allan; 'you'd better all go, for Neil's old boat is pretty heavy to get through the water. Quick, there isn't a minute to lose.'
Little was said as the old herring-boat was pushed off and manned, for even Harry was feeling subdued.
'It's all right, Neil,' said Marjorie as the boat landed and Neil looked inquiringly for the others; 'they've been kept at home by their father. We'll land you at the Skegness Cliffs as there's least chance of being seen there.'
The passage was accomplished without incident, but as Neil stood up to spring ashore Hamish uttered an exclamation and pointed to the top of the cliff. All looked up. A man was standing on the verge, and looking down.
'It's Andrew MacPeters again,' said Hamish.
'Let's land somewhere else,' said Marjorie.