"So do I, sir," added Atherton. "He must be very smart to get the better of those two fellows."
"Criminals are usually smart," remarked Green.
"Not necessarily," replied the Scoutmaster. "They are frequently only clever in comparison with their dupes. But there is Hayes standing on the cliff."
Hayes and Coventry, having accomplished their task of signalling to the coastguard, had returned to their post of observation, and had dutifully remained there during the whole of the night, since the Scoutmaster had given no further instructions as to what they were to do.
"Seen anything of the yacht?" shouted Atherton.
"Yes," replied Hayes, "the coastguards towed her away."
"Then Phillips and Mayne are all right," said the Scoutmaster, thankfully. "Now, lads, let's get our prisoners to the top of the cliff. The sooner we hand them over to the proper authorities the better."
In very little time the police arrived from Polkerwyck, and Bill and the madman, Tassh, were conveyed to the mainland. The Scouts, after a well-earned meal, were one and all soon sound asleep, never waking till close upon five in the afternoon, when Sir Silas Gwinnear crossed over to Seal Island to personally compliment the Scouts on their success.
"I am afraid, sir," said Mr Buckley, "we have been acting contrary to Headquarter instructions. Particular emphasis is laid upon the fact that no Scouts' night operations should go on after eleven-thirty. I only hope that the exigencies of the case are sufficient excuse for turning day into night."
"All the same, I do not know how to express my gratitude to the Scouts," said Sir Silas. "That raises an awkward topic, Mr Buckley. You know that there is a reward out for the recovery of the silver?"