"At once," he said, and rang the bell for his hat.
Violet sat quite alone, her head leaning upon her hand.
The captain gravely sipped his coffee until his hat came; then he put it on, and prepared to accompany the men.
"There is great excitement," he said. "This sort of men rush to a conclusion directly."
"What conclusion have they rushed to?" asked Mrs. Mildmay.
"They think he met his death by foul play," replied the captain. "But," he added, quickly, "that is only ignorant fishermen's supposition. I will go down to the coastguard station and see him," and he left the room.
Outside the house was a small knot of men.
The captain went out to them, and touched his hat.
"Which is the nearest way?" he asked.
A dozen voices answered him; and, thus guided and accompanied, he set off.