He leaped ashore.

But even as he landed on the wharf he heard a shrill shriek which pierced his very soul.
"The light was still burning in the house.

Davidson, revolver in hand, was making for it when another shriek, away to his left, made him change his direction.
"He changed his direction--but very soon he stopped.

It was then that he hesitated in cruel perplexity.

He guessed what had happened.