Wilmot looked round. "Come, Mary; come, Miss Arundel; we will all keep together."
He did not slacken his speed for a moment, and Mary, who was holding Nellie's hand, caught his, and so they hurried on.
Alas! When they reached the cliff, the water was washing up at their feet, and far in front of them to their left, was the point, with the breakers rolling playfully in and out among the few stones that were still uncovered.
As the party came to a stop, and looked in each other's terror-stricken faces, they realized the full extent of their danger.
Behind them the cliff rose gaunt and tall; in front the sea crept nearer and nearer, slowly but surely advancing upon them.
Their eyes scanned the horizon, not a boat or sail within sight, all smiling and sunny; the ocean, holding so many secrets in its bosom, without a change on its calm face.
"Surely we can pass by wading," said Hope, gathering her clothes together and stepping into the shallow water.
The others were following, but she and Wilmot bade them wait one moment; for they found that the point was still far ahead, and the water was already nearly to their waists. It got deeper and deeper, and Hope put out her hand to her brother as she felt her feet slipping under her.
"It is useless," said Wilmot hoarsely; "come back."
He guided her till she was within her depth again, and then he looked towards the little party on the shore. They had already retreated some feet from where he had parted from them, and now stood gazing at them with hopeless faces.