The great seas that came hurling into the little fishing-harbour were sufficient proof of that, even to the most inexperienced landsman.
Seton, learning the news when lunch was half over, rushed off to New Silverstrand in the hope that the boat might have been driven in that direction by the strong current.

But nothing had been seen from there of the missing craft, and though he traversed the entire distance by way of the cliffs, he saw nothing throughout his walk but flecks of foam here and there over the tumbling expanse of water.
He returned an hour or so later, reaching Old Silverstrand by five.

But nothing had been heard there.

The fishermen shook their heads when he questioned them.

It was plain that they had given up hope.
Seton raged up and down the quay in impotent agony of mind.