XIV
The vessel struck with the greatest suddenness and with such force that even above the roar of the wind and the thunder of the surf pounding at the foot of the dunes the people gathered in the Vanton house heard the dull crash and jumped to their feet.
Dick Hand exclaimed: “What’s that!”
Mary Vanton answered with the thought that was in all their minds: “A ship!”
Her mind ran instantly to the children, absurdly, as if they were in danger.
Seven-year-old Mermaid, the youngest, was in bed and was not likely to be awakened by sounds outside. Keturah and the two boys were with Richard Hand and herself.
She spoke to the three of them with stern distinctness:
“Children, whatever happens, you mustn’t leave the house. You mustn’t step off the veranda. The sea is up to the foot of the dunes.”
She called the servant and governess and ordered them to keep to the house and to help her.
Richard Hand was already at the telephone and calling the Lone Cove Station.