THE MEETING When Robert revived the wind was still blowing hard, although there had been some decrease in its violence, and it was yet night.

He was wet and very cold, and, as he arose, he shivered in a chill.

The greatcoat was still wrapped about his body, and although it was soaked he always believed, nevertheless, that in some measure it had protected him while he slept.

The pistols, the ammunition and the sword were in his belt, and he believed that the ammunition, fastened securely in a pouch, was dry, though he would look into that later.
He was quite sure that he had not been unconscious long, as the appearance of the sky was unchanged.

The bushes among which he had lain were short but tough, and had run their roots down deeply into the sand.