"What's this?" he cried fiercely, as James came within hearing.
"What is't?" returned the weaver eagerly.
If Thomas had been a swearing man, what a terrible oath he would have sworn in the wrath which this response of the weaver roused in his apprehensive soul! But Truffey was again trying to speak, and with a
"Be ashamed o' yersel', Jeames Johnstone," the mason bent his ear to listen.
"They'll be droont. They'll be taen awa. They canna win oot."
Thomas and Alec turned and stared at each other.
"The boat!" gasped Thomas.
Alec made no reply. That was a terrible water to look at. And the boat was small.
"Can ye guide it, Alec?" said Thomas, his voice trembling, and the muscles of his face working.
The terrors of the night had returned upon Alec. Would the boat live? Was there more than a chance? And if she went down, was he not damned for ever? He made no reply. He was afraid.