He sat down, and put his face in his hands. Presently he looked up.
“Jim—is there driftwood on the shore?”
“Lots,” said Jim, briefly.
“That’s all right. Could we get some up on one of the headlands?”
“Oh—easily. We were bathing off the northern point, and there’s quite an easy way up—it isn’t nearly as high as the southern headland. Do you mean enough for a fire?”
“Yes. Mr. Linton, will you tell Captain Aylwin that he need not come right in to shore. We will build a signal-fire on the northern headland, and watch the cave at low tide—that will be about two o’clock in the morning. If the Germans come ashore, we’ll light the fire—we can carry up a few bottles of petrol from the motor supply to soak the drift-wood. Aylwin can have a boat ready and come in if he sees the blaze; unless he sees it he will know they won’t land for another twenty-four hours, for they’ll never try it in the daytime. Is that clear?”
“Quite. I have only to describe the place to Captain Aylwin, tell him about the signal-fire, and accompany him if he needs me. Otherwise, I suppose I may break the speed-limit in coming back?”
“Of course. There’s a wireless station up there—they’ll get Aylwin for you. If he should be away they will know where to send a message.”
“Very well. And what will you three do?” David Linton’s eyes lingered hungrily on his son.
“We can only get the beacon ready, and then watch. Two of us can hide near the cave, and the third must be up on the point to light the fire if he hears a shot. If they come—well, we must let them land and get to the cave; and then we must try to prevent their getting back.”