"Oh, but it is grand!" Constance went on. "Corbiére light is smothered in spray to the very top of the tower. We haven't had a storm like this since I was a tiny kiddie."
To talk above the uproar of the surf was difficult. Asking them to be at the Manor promptly by three, the two rode away.
"Why three?" asked Frances as they regained the shelter of the house.
"I think we are going down into the cave," said Win happily. "Mr. Max told me just now that we were to begin exploring there and that things would be arranged so that it would not be hard for me. I suppose he and Pierre have some plan."
"But you aren't going into the cave on a day like this?" exclaimed Mrs.
Thayne, quite horrified at this announcement.
"Why, yes, Mother," said Win. "The tide will be as low as usual when it does ebb."
"Of course," assented his mother. "I forgot. But how about this wind?
You must have the pony, Win."
"I will if it keeps up, but I imagine the gale will blow itself out by noon."
Win's prophecy proved correct. When the four started to keep their engagement, the wind was greatly abated and the only trace of the tempest was the ruined vines and gardens that marked their road. At the Manor gates, Colonel Lisle, Constance and Max met them.
"It is to be the cave," Connie said gayly. "Max has things all mapped out for us."