But I perceived in time the folly of resistance.

This was no doubt the joint "expedient" on which Prestongrange and Fraser were agreed.

The first, I was very sure, had done something to secure my life; the second was pretty likely to have slipped in some contrary hints into the ears of Neil and his companions; and if I were to show bare steel I might play straight into the hands of my worst enemy and seal my own doom.
These thoughts brought me to the head of the beach.

I cast a look behind, the boat was nearing the brig, and Alan flew his handkerchief for a farewell, which I replied to with the waving of my hand.

But Alan himself was shrunk to a small thing in my view, alongside of this pass that lay in front of me.