But we were beyond its utmost rise, save at a spring tide, and I waited long, too engrossed in my thoughts to be impatient for Marie's return.

I did not even cross the wall to see how Bontet fared under the blow I had given him--whether he were dead, or lay still stunned, or had found life enough to crawl away.

In truth, I cared not then.
Presently across the sands, through the growing gloom, I saw a group approaching me.

Marie I knew by her figure and gait and saw more plainly, for she walked a little in front as though she were setting the example of haste.

The rest followed together; and, looking past them, I could just discern a carriage which had been driven some way on to the sands.