Suddenly Magdalen saw a shadow moving over the sand--she looked round.
"Oh father, there they are," she cried in horror.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
HOW THE SEA MIST ROSE IN TERQUETE BAY.
The startled cry of Magdalen called the attention of the others to the shadows flitting over the sand.
There, against the red glory of the departed sun, were figures of horsemen looming up on the dark line of jagged rocks which edged the western sky.
"There are three, four, five--ay, a dozen or more, and they are coming apace. Up with the sail, Ralph," cried Sir George Lisle, jumping into the boat.
There was already a foot or more of water all round her, and the sea spreading out over the flat sand made the boat look as if she were far out in deep water.
The sail was run up the mast, and Ralph, still in the water, pushed with all his might, while Sir George Lisle hauled hard at the warp.
"She's moving, she's moving," cried Magdalen, in an ecstasy of excitement, jumping about, and trying to help with an oar. At the same time, a fierce cry came over the water, and the distant sparkles on the edge of the ripples told of a horseman having plunged into the sea.