CHAPTER XV.
HOW A LADY AND A YOUTH, BEING SEPARATED FROM THEIR COMPANY, VISITED A SHIP THAT HELD NOTHING BUT WATER.
Mr.Fogo and Paul performed the journey back to Kit's House in silence; for Paul was yet wondering at his sister's behaviour, and Mr.Fogo busy with thoughts he could hardly have interpreted.
As they drew near the little quay, they discerned through the darkness, now fast creeping over the river, a boat pushed off by a solitary figure that jumped aboard and began to pull towards them.
"Ahoy, there!" It was Caleb's voice.
"Ahoy, Caleb!" shouted Paul in answer; "anything wrong ?" "Have 'ee seen maaster ?" "Iss, an' got un safe an' sound." Caleb peered through the gloom and descried Mr.Fogo.
Whatever relief this may have been to his feelings, it called forth no expression beyond a grunt.

He turned his boat and pulled back in time to help his master ashore.

Paul was dismissed with some words of thanks which he declared unnecessary.

He would row back in Mr.
Fogo's boat, he said, if he might be allowed, and would bring her down in the early morning.

With this and a hearty "Good-night" he left the pair to walk up to the house together.
Caleb was unusually silent during supper, and when his master grew cheery and related the adventures of the day, offered no comment beyond a series of mysterious sounds expressing mental discontent rather than sympathy.