More and more distinct grew the light; then we heard the thud of hoofs where the track is clear of sand; and at last Andrew, seated on a rough pony, and holding the lantern in his left hand, emerged from the darkness.
“Good evening, gentlemen. I was afeerd I was too late, though I’ve shogged on as fast as I could.”
The old shepherd having taken charge of the steaming pony, we soon had the Earthstopper before the furze fire.
“That looks cheerful after the black night, tho’ et do make ee blink like a cat at fust.”
“You’ve had a lonely ride, Andrew?”
“No, sir, I’m never lonely, unless maybe when stopping the Land’s End cliffs on a wild night. Why, Lelant flats was all alive with curleys and seabirds as I crossed the Caunsway. Niver heerd such whistlin’ in all my born days. Et must be gettin’ on for low water.”
“Well now, drink up that glass of toddy and we’ll be on the move. It’s half an hour to low water, and it’s time we were on our way.”
Whilst my friend was saying this, I looked at the hands of the clock in the corner. It was seven minutes past twelve. Our equipment having been divided among us, we set out across the fields for the cliffs.
“We’ve forgotten the sack,” I said, as we crossed the stubble.
“That’s all right,” replied my friend.