It was the middle of September and the schoolmaster's bride hadn't come--never would come, we thought.
"There was a big storm then that lasted three days, and on the evening after it died away I went to the shore.

I found the schoolmaster there, leaning with his arms folded against a big rock, gazing out to sea.
"I spoke to him but he didn't answer.

His eyes seemed to be looking at something I couldn't see.

His face was set, like a dead man's.
"'John--John,' I called out--jest like that--jest like a frightened child, 'wake up--wake up.' "That strange, awful look seemed to sorter fade out of his eyes.
"He turned his head and looked at me.

I've never forgot his face--never will forget it till I ships for my last voyage.
"'All is well, lad,' he says.