And just as it had become intense, very abruptly and without any preliminary sound I heard firm, quick footsteps on the little wharf.

Somebody coming along the cart-track had just stepped at a swinging gait on to the planks.

That somebody could only have been Mr.Powell.

Suddenly he stopped short, having made out that there were two masts alongside the bank where he had left only one.

Then he came on silent on the grass.