By their footsteps and voices there were two persons.

And when they came nearer, and I caught a momentary glance as they climbed the path to the cabin, I recognised in one of them the face of one of my late captors.
Whether they were here after me or on some other mischief I could not guess.

But I hid low, as you may fancy.
Then a sudden thought came to me.

The boat was down at the pier.

Why should I stay where I was, hunted like a partridge, while across the lough I should at least be no worse off, and have seven clear miles of water between me and my pursuers?
Now was my time if ever.