Slung along by his own impetus, the Parson hurled down the steep.
"Warm work!" he panted, grinning luridly at the boy, and he brought up with a bang against the lugger.
As he shocked against the boat, the great tan sail filled. Shock and wind together gave the necessary impulse. The lugger, light as a bubble, swayed, slithered, crunched down the shingle, felt the greased bat, and took the water with a dip and lovely curtsey.
"We're through!" roared the Parson, sprawling upon the side.
CHAPTER LXXIII
NOBLESSE OBLIGE
I
The anchor was trailing down the shingle-bank after them.
The Gentleman had picked it up, and came walking down the slope, leaning back a little as he came.
He was smiling the brave man's wistful smile.