The waves were rolling in across the sands between the Light and the Clay Head. The road to Clinkerport would soon be shut off completely.
Tobias was aware that the door had been opened behind him.
"Oh, Mr. Bassett! That wave! Look at it! Why—why, I can't get home!"
"Cal'late you'll have to stay and throw in your lot with me and Heppy," he cheerfully rejoined. "But, sugar, Lorny! I guess the Twin Rocks Light will stand for a spell yet. We don't need to worry."
As he turned, smiling broadly, he saw that her face was haggard. Her eyelids were inflamed, and there were dark wales beneath the eyes. She looked at him pitifully.
"No, no, Lorny," he repeated, "we don't need to worry."
She gestured seaward. Her voice shook with emotion.
"But how about those out there, Tobias?" she whispered. "The schooner! What about her?"
CHAPTER XXVII
WHAT THE NIGHT BROUGHT