At last the sound of a firm, ringing step was heard without, and Esther sprang to her feet. The big door was open, for it was quite warm still, though the rain had taken the sultriness out of the air. She ran out, and met Mr. Earle face to face. He was wet through and almost dripping, but he looked as quiet and composed as ever.
"O Mr. Earle, where are the boys?"
"Safe at home in bed, like a pair of drowned rats. It was a good thing you came to warn me, Esther, or they might have been miles out at sea by this time, or else at the bottom of it."
Esther's face paled a little.
"O Mr. Earle, what did they do?"
"You'd better run home and hear all about it from them. I thought you'd be back before I was."
"O Mr. Earle, I couldn't go till you came. Mr. Trelawny has hurt himself. They've sent for the doctor now. But they couldn't just at first, the storm was so bad. Please, will you go to him? Then I can go home. But may I come again to-morrow to see how he is?"
Mr. Earle had uttered a startled exclamation at hearing Esther's words, and was now striding into the hall, almost forgetful of her.
"Trelawny!" she heard him exclaim; and then Mr. Trelawny said in his dry way,—
"Yes; crow over me now as much as you like. I neglected your valuable advice, and see the result!"