They pushed off, and the boat was rapidly borne from the shore by the ebbing tide. For a long time the motionless outline of the Indian was seen through the foam of the waves.
At that instant the Duncan's boat approached, and, gliding into the narrow channel between the sand-banks, grounded on the beach.
"My wife?" asked Glenarvan.
"My sister?" cried Robert.
"Lady Helena and Miss Grant await you on board," replied the cockswain. "But we have not a moment to lose, my lord, for the tide is beginning to ebb."
The last acknowledgments were given, and Thalcave accompanied his friends to the boat. Just as Robert was about to embark, the Indian took him in his arms and gazed at him tenderly.
"Now go," said he; "you are a man!"
"Adieu, my friend, adieu!" cried Glenarvan.