"Yes, I think he would. He wanted so much to see a wreck—he seemed to have made up his mind there would be one to-night—and he is quite fearless."
"I expect he is safe. Oh, how wet you are, Miss Margaret!"
"Yes, and the wind blew away my hat coming down the hill, but no matter. Oh, where can Gerald have gone? I believe he must be on the beach."
"If he is, father will be sure to notice him and take care of him," Salome said consolingly. "Don't be frightened, miss; I feel sure Master Gerald will come to no harm."
"If he does, it will kill mother!" Margaret cried, despairingly. "She loves him so dearly. No, I mustn't stay; I must go and find Gerald if I can;" and opening the door, she rushed away into the darkness again.
After a few minutes of indecision, Salome put on her jacket, tied a shawl around her head, and leaving the cottage door unlocked, hastened towards the beach. She had not gone far, however, before she came upon a group of fishermen, one of whom was her father. She explained that the little boy from Greystone was missing from his home, but no one had seen him. Her father was vexed that she had ventured out in such a storm, and peremptorily ordered her to return.
"I'll look around an' see if I can find Master Gerald," he said. "But he'll come to no harm, I warrant."
"Oh, I am so glad to hear you say that!"
It was Margaret who spoke. She had been led in the direction of the group by the sound of voices; and clutched Josiah by the arm to steady herself, as a fierce gust of wind nearly took her off her feet.
"Do you go back with Salome, miss," he said. "This is no fit place for you two little maids. I promise I'll look for Master Gerald, and find him, too, if he's hereabouts."