But, though gentle, it had an edge of chill which by and by brought me to my feet again.

Far out on the dark waters of the Sound glimmered the starboard light of the _Glad Tidings_, and it seemed to me that she was heading in for shore.
Had the Pengellys too discovered that the boat was not the water-guard's?
And was O.P.working the ketch back to give me a chance of rejoining her?
Else why was she not slackening sheets and running?
Vain hope! I suppose that the new slant of wind took some time in reaching her; for, just as I was preparing to creep back between the furze-whins and scramble down to the foreshore again, the green light was quenched.

She had altered her helm and was clearing the Sound.
I dared not hail her.

Indeed, had I risked it, the odds were against my voice carrying so far, to be recognised.

And while I stood and searched the darkness into which she had disappeared, my ear caught again the muffled tramp of the soldiers, this time advancing towards me.