As the three cousins silently made their way across the rugged cliffs, the moon cast a silver beam of light across the sea, making Kirren Island seem more mysterious and dangerous.

"I'm cold," Anne muttered and wrapped her jersey tighter around her arms. The boys stayed closer to her as they knew from past experiences how easy the night could turn to danger and mayhem.

As they reached the crooked steps leading down to the sand Julien turned to his brother and sister and whispered, "If Dick and I row over to Kirren Island, you keep watch Anne, if we're not back before the sun sets, wake Aunt Fanny and Uncle Quentin."

The young girl nodded and silently made her way to a thick bush and slid between the prickly leaves. She crouched down and pulled her jersey down over her arms and got ready to settle for a long watch. From her vantage point, Anne could see both the Island and the dark silhouette of her cousins home.

Julien and Dick made their way down the steps and reached the sandy strech of Kirren Bay. "Over here," Julien called to Dick, and his brother swiftly followed. The boys pulled off a tarpaulin from one of the fishermans boats. "Will the fisherman mind us taking this boat?" Dick quizzed his brother. "No," he replied, "they'll understand this is an emergency."

The brothers used their strong frame to drag the heavy boat down to sea, the waves crashing and roaring. "It looks like there's a storm brewing," Dick remarked. Julien nooded grimly, as he knew how dangerous this exercise could be if that was the case.

They eventually managed to get the boat into the waves, then swiftly the jumped in and reached for the oars. The boys had travelled to Kirren Island on many occasions, and knew the rough rocks around the area, as to an unknown it could be very hazardous.

"I hope George is okay," said Dick as he heaved the oars across the battling spray, "She should be," replied Julien, "She knows this Island like it's her home."

"It is," laughed Dick, but deep down they knew it was no joke.

The boys grew silent as they approached Kirren Island, and navigated the tricky rocks, they pulled up the boat onto the beach and spotted George's boat. Inwardly the boys sighed with relief. They knew George was safely on the island.

As they stood and gazed around they suddenly heard a steady throb of the motorboat. The boys looked at each other in panic. "Quick Julien," shouted Dick, "hide!"