"No matter," said Leicester. "Come on; remember that she is waiting there all alone."
Arm in arm, Captain Howard Murpoint and Leicester Dodson descended the cliff.
The heart of the latter was beating fast with joy born of hope.
In a few minutes he should be near his sweet Violet; should, perhaps, clasp her in his arms—for might she not in the excitement of the moment be won to confess that she returned him love for love?
"Come along!" he said. "Every moment——"
"Gently!" replied the captain, cheerily. "Remember, this path is narrow and somewhat dangerous; a false step, and over we should be."
"Nonsense!" exclaimed Leicester, who felt fit for any mad thing. "I could run down it blindfolded."
Thus exhorted, the captain quickened his pace.
While going through the village, Leicester nodded toward the "Blue Lion".
"All quiet now," he said. "As I passed this evening they were just coming out. By the way, your old servant still remains at Penruddie; he was drunk, as usual, to-night, and noisy."