But Cardo heard not the latter information. He was stunned by the news of old Captain Powell's death; he had never thought of this possibility, and was thrown into despair by the blow. Valmai wandering about the world friendless and alone! The thought was distracting, and in desperation he rushed out of the house.
"Poor fellow," said Lewis Wynne, "this is a terrible blow to him."
"Yes, yes, indeed! Perhaps he will be able to get some clue in the village."
Cardo flew over the beach and up the well-known path to Dinas. Shoni was standing in the farm-yard.
"Caton pawb! wass it you, Cardo Wynne?" he said. "Well, I was swear to make you feel the weight of my fist; but if the news is true that Valmai is marry to you, I will shake hands instead."
Cardo wrung his hand.
"Yes, yes, man, she is my wife, safe and sound—but where is she? Tell me for heaven's sake where has she gone?"
"Well, indeed, that I donno—Essec Powell donno—an' nobody know. You look here now," said Shoni, "an' if you listen to me you will see everything quite plain. After you gone away Valmai wass go down to Fordsea to take care on her uncle, John Powell. He wass broke his leg, and when he cum better Valmai cum back to Dinas."
"Well," said Cardo, "what then? Tell me in Welsh, you'll get on quicker."
But Shoni indignantly declined to give up the language which he considered he had so completely mastered.