It must be close by." Not a tree or post to guide him, nothing but the thick darkness on all sides, as Squire Winthorpe cautiously moved one foot before the other, keeping one upon solid ground while he searched about with the other, and as he moved _splash_--_splish_--_splash_, the water flew, striking cold to his legs, and sending a chill of dread to his very heart.
"It's very strange," he cried; "but don't be frightened, Dick.

We shall be all right directly." "I'm not frightened, father," replied the boy.

"I'm puzzled." "And so am I, my lad, for I did not know we could find such solid bottom off the road.

Ah!" "What's the matter, father ?" "I told you not to move, sir," roared the squire, for he had heard a slight splash on his right.
"I couldn't help it, father; my foot seemed to slip, and--why, here's the road!" "There ?" cried the squire eagerly.
"Yes, father, and my foot's slipped down into a big rut." "Are you sure, boy ?" "Sure! Yes, father, it _is_ the road.

I say, what does it mean ?" The answer was a quick splashing sound, as Squire Winthorpe hurried to his son's side and gripped his arm, to stand there for a few moments listening and thinking as he realised the meaning of the strange rushing, plashing noise that came from all round.
"I know," cried Dick suddenly; "the sea-bank's broke, and we're going to have a flood." "Yes," said the squire hoarsely; "the bank has gone, my boy." "Hadn't we better push on, father, before it gets any deeper ?" "Stop a moment, Dick," said the squire, "and let me try to think.
Home's safe, because the Priory's on the Toft; but there's Tallington and his wife and boy.