The tide was at the ebb, and the fresh breeze dropped as I got under the shadow of Dead Man's Rock and looked through the archway on to Polkimbra Sands.
Not a soul was to be seen.

The long stretch of beach had scarcely yet caught the distinctness of day, but was already beginning to glisten with the gathering light, and, as far as I could see, was desolate.

I passed through and clambered out towards the south side of the rock to watch the sea, if perchance some bit of floating wreckage might explain the mystery of last night.

I could see nothing.
Stay! What was that on the ledge below me, lying on the brink just above the receding wave?
A sailor's cap! Somehow, the sight made me sick with horror.

It must have been a full minute before I dared to open my eyes and look again.