The other's figure would probably be invisible against the rock, but he must have moved rapidly to get in front of it.

Then Thirlwell saw that where he stood the bush was no longer behind him.

He had the inshore eddies for a background and the water reflected a faint light.

There was no obvious reason why the other should be alarmed and try to steal away, but it looked as if he had done so.
Thirlwell sat down among the driftwood and waited, but saw no more of the man; and then going back quietly, turned into a trail that led to the mine.

The trail was rough and narrow; in places, short brush had sprung up, and there were patches of outcropping rock.