“Well, it struck twelve an hour ago.”
“No; that was eleven. There—hark!”
As proof of Dexter’s assertion the church clock just then began to chime, and the heavy boom of the tenor bell proclaiming midnight seemed to make the soft night air throb.
“Thought it was twelve long enough ago. Ready!”
“Yes,” said Dexter, in an excited whisper. “Got the boat?”
“No: course I haven’t. It’ll take two to get that boat.”
“But you said you would have it ready.”
“Yes, I know; but we must both of us do that. I waited till you come.”
This was a shock; and Dexter said, in a disappointed tone—
“But how am I to get to you!”