As he moved through the bracing autumn air, his spirits rose yet higher; that night--that very night he would crown Mrs.Dangerfield's devotion with his avowal of an answering passion.

He pressed forward swiftly like a conqueror; and like a conqueror he whistled.

Then he found the clothes-line, suddenly, pitched forward and fell, not heavily, for the mud was thick, but sprawling.

He rose, oozy and dripping, took a long breath, and the welkin shuddered as it rang.
The Terror did not shudder; he was going home like the wind.
Having sent Erebus to bed at a few minutes to nine Mrs.Dangerfield waited restlessly for her tardy guest, her charming face still set in a troubled frown.

Her woman's instinct assured her that Captain Baster would propose that night; and she dreaded it.