"I have acquitted myself," said Cruikshank.
I looked at him for explanation.
"Bellwattle will ask me if I saved any of the sprats. I shall be able to tell her the truth for a change."
CHAPTER XVI
It was half-past eleven. I had heard the little tinkling chime of it from the open drawing-room window as I stood out in the garden.
Now, whether it were intuition or no, I cannot guess, but at that moment came Bellwattle to me, pulling off her garden gloves.
"Come round the cliffs," said she, "and have another look at the cottage in the hollow?"
"Will it look any different to-day?" I asked.
She shook her head.
"Just the same."