He set about carrying his plan into effect, and in a minute or so was abreast of the pair, but they were quite invisible now; and, feeling that he had gone too far, as soon as he was opposite to the lighted door he began to advance slowly, expecting moment by moment to see the two figures move into the light; but they did not come.
They must pass the door, he felt, for he could recall no way up the cliff, the house perched up there being approached by a broad step-like path from the rough roadway leading up the ravine which came down to the shore with its stream, beside which, on either side, many of the cottages were built.
Still they did not come, but Stratton waited patiently, for, lover-like, they might be hanging back for a few moments before approaching the light.
At last a dark figure in front of the doorway was plainly enough seen, and Stratton leaned forward with eyes dilated, but only to utter a muttered interjection, for the figure he saw was undoubtedly Brettison, as he stood there apparently peering about in the darkness.
Another moment or two, and still no sign of the figures he sought, and, wondering whether they could have passed through some miscalculation on his part, he stepped forward quickly to make sure, when he became visible to Brettison, who joined him at once.
“There you are, then. I was getting uneasy. One of the fishermen saw you go along in this direction, and I was beginning to think that I must get some of them to come and help me search for you.”
“Why?” said Stratton harshly.
“Because the coast is dangerous, and there is always the risk of anyone being surrounded by the advancing tide.”
“Tide is going down,” said Stratton quietly. “See anybody pass?” he continued as he debated whether he should take Brettison into his confidence, while all the time he kept a sharp look about him.
“No, not a soul. The most solitary place a man could select for a stay.”