"These liftings of the boat are full of hope," resumed Paul; "I think, too, that they increase."
"I perceive but little difference, though I would gladly see all you wish."
"I am certain the swell increases, and that the boat rises and falls more frequently. You will allow there is a swell?"
"Quite obviously: I perceived it before we kept the boat away. This variable air is cruelly tantalizing!"
"Sir George Templemore--Mr. Powis," said a soft voice at a window beneath them.
"Miss Effingham!" said Paul, so eager that he suffered the tiller-line to escape him.
"These are frightful cries!--Shall we never be rid of them!"
"If it depended on me--on either of us--they should distress you no more. The boat is slowly entering the inlet, but has to struggle with a head-tide. The wind baffles, and is light, or in ten minutes we should be out of danger."
"Out of this danger, but only to encounter another!"
"Nay, I do not think much of the risk of the ocean in so stout a boat. At the most, we may be compelled to cut away the roof, which makes our little bark somewhat clumsy in appearance, though it adds infinitely to its comfort. I think we shall soon get the trades, before which our launch, with its house even, will be able to make good weather."