"There now, you proud thing, be off! He's just jealous of your fine appearance, Papa." With her kerchief she flipped into submission the haughty bubbly-jock and drew her father out of the steading.

"Come away, Papa, and see my pigs." But the Captain was in no humour for pigs.

"Nonsense, child," he cried, "let us get out of this mess! Besides, I wish to speak to you on a matter of importance." They passed through the gate.

"It is about Allan," he continued, "and I'm really vexed.

Something terrible has happened." "Allan!" the girl's voice was faint and her sunny cheek grew white.
"About Allan!" she said again.