'Euan Macdonnell,' said Reggie, quickening his pace; 'let's hear whether he has any news.'
'I was on the lookout for you, young ladies and gentlemen,' said Euan. 'We've just got a telephone message from the Corrachin lighthouse sent by Rob MacLean. We were to tell you that Neil has reached the caves and is safe for the meanwhile, and he supposes that you, young ladies and gentlemen, have remembered the message to his mother.'
'If only Andrew hasn't seen him,' said Marjorie after the first exclamations of thankfulness.
Euan looked grave as he heard how Andrew had witnessed the landing.
'I don't trust that fellow for an instant,' he said. 'He would think nothing of putting the police on the alert if he had a mind to. We can only hope that he hasn't recognised Neil, or that Rob will find a way of getting the poor lad out of the island before any harm comes.'
When the young people had reached Ardnavoir, weary and discouraged, Mr. Stewart was in the hall. 'I know who was with you this morning,' he said abruptly. 'Was it by accident that you met?'
'Yes,' said Allan.
'Your boat was stranded on the Reachin Skerry,' went on Mr. Stewart, 'and the men have brought her home. You may have the use of her again.'
'Thank you, Father,' said Allan.
They all scanned Mr. Stewart's face to read, if possible, his intentions regarding Neil; but nothing was to be gathered.