"Wouldn't the hymn-books get wet, Beryl?" she asked. "I thought this cave was full of water at high tide."
"So it is. Oh, Coral! And it must be almost high tide now. What are we thinking of to stay here so long? Oh, come quickly!"
As she spoke, Beryl darted towards the mouth of the cave; but alas, the warning was too late! At that very moment there was a roar, a rush, a sudden darkening of the light, as a huge wave burst into the cave and swept almost to the children's feet, ere it receded, to be followed by another as mighty.
Coral and Beryl saw their peril at the same instant, and a cry of horror broke from their lips.
"Oh, we shall be drowned! We shall be drowned!" was all Beryl could say. "There is no hope for us; none whatever. The cave will be full in five minutes, and no one knows where we are!"
[CHAPTER XI]
THE CHILDREN ARE MISSING
BERYL little thought how near her father was to her when she held her class on that eventful Sunday afternoon. Mr. Hollys had never been known to come home without giving due warning to his household; but for once, circumstances had led him to depart from his usual practice in this respect.
Business of an unexpected nature had suddenly called him to Bristol at the end of the week, and his business being accomplished by an early hour on Saturday, it struck him as a happy thought, that since he was half-way between London and Egloshayle, he might as well go on to the latter place, and spend the Sunday there with Beryl.
How surprised the child would be at his unexpected arrival! That it would be a glad surprise, he felt no doubt. His heart grew warm within him at the thought of seeing his darling again that evening, and hearing her joyous welcome.