II
KNAPP'S STORY
CHAPTER LXXXI
THE RETURN
I
A mile from shore, under the lee of the land, the wind fell away.
The lugger, with lolling mainsail, flowed down a path of gold. The shore was dark and still before them, and the sun poised above the Downs, blue at the back.
As they neared the land, the calm grew. Save for the lap of waters at the bow, all was hushed in the gracious evening.
Kit, steering, peered under the swaying boom at the shore.
The Parson, Polly in hand, stood in the bows, viking-like.