As I wandered forth, turning my way instinctively to the old landing-place, a flash of oars over the still water (it was a day of dead calm) sent my heart to my mouth.

The place was so desolate that even this hint of life startled me.

Who could it be that had found me out here?
Quick as thought I dropped on my hands and knees and crawled in among the thick bracken at the path-side.

There was one place I remembered of old where Tim and I had often played--a deep sort of cup, grown full of bracken, and capped by a big rock, which to any one who did not know it seemed to lie flat on the soil.

Hither I darted, and only just in time, for the boat's keel grated on the stones as I slipped into cover.
I peered out anxiously and as best I could without showing myself.