Anna could not listen to anything but “The boat is coming!”

“Oh, but they don’t see!  They are going away from it!”

“That’s the current,” said Mrs. Norris.  “My man knows what he is about, and so does the gentleman, never fear.”

There was another terrible interval, and then boat and swimmers began to approach, though in what condition could not be made out.  A dark little head, no doubt that of Fergus, was lifted in, then another figure was raised and taken into the boat; Gerald swam with a hand on it for a short distance, then was helped in, and almost at once took an oar.

“That’s right,” said Mrs. Norris.  “It will keep out the cold.”

“They are not coming here,” exclaimed Anna.  “They are going round the point.”

“All right,” was the answer. “’Tis more direct, you see, no shoals, and the young gentlemen will get to their own homes and beds all the quicker.  Now, miss, you will come in and take a cup of tea, I am sure you want it, and I had just made it when Norris saw the little lads.”

“Oh, thank you, I must get back at once.  My little brother—-”

“Yes, yes, miss, but you’ll be able to ride the faster for a bit of bread and cup of tea!  You are all of a tremble.”

It was true, and to pacify her, Mrs. Norris sent a child up to bid Petros have the horses ready, and Anna was persuaded to swallow a little too, which happily had cooled enough for her haste, but she hurried off, leaving Mrs. Norris to expend her hospitality on Davy, who endured his drenching like a fish, and could hardly wait even to swallow thick bread-and-butter till he could rush off to hear of his dear Master Fergus.

The horses were ready.  Petros had been joined by other spectators, and was able to entrust the bicycles to one of them, while he himself undertook to lead Mr. Underwood’s horse to the stable.  Anna rode off at as much speed or more than was safe downhill among the stones.  She had to cross the broad parade above the quay, and indeed she believed she had come faster than the boat, which had to skirt round the side of the promontory between Anscombe Cove and Rockquay.  In fact, when she came above the town she could see a crowd on the quay and pier, all looking out to sea, and she now beheld two boats making for the harbour.

Then she had to ride between walls and villas, and lost sight of all till she emerged on the parade, and thought she saw Uncle Clement’s hat above the crowd as she looked over their heads.

She gave her horse to a bystander, who evidently knew her, for a murmur went through the crowd of “Little chap’s sister,” and way was made for her to get forward, while several rough voices said, “All right”; “Coast-guard boat”; “Not this one.”

Her uncle and Miss Mohun wore standing together.  General Mohun could be seen in the foremost boat, and they could hear him call out, with a wave of his arm—-