“To be sure I will. When did I ever blaze out anything you told me? If I am plain, I am faithful.”
“Well, I am afraid of pain,” said Nora.
“Pain! You? But I have seen you scratch yourself ever so deep and not so much as wink; and I mind that time when you twisted your ankle and you didn't even pretend you were hurt.”
“Oh, it is not that sort of pain. I am terrified of pain when it affects those I love. But there! don't ask me any more. Here are the boys; we'll jump into the boat and be off. Why, it is half-past ten, and it will take half-an-hour's good rowing to cross the bay, and then we have to enter the cave and——”
“I don't like those clouds,” said Biddy. “I wonder if it is safe to go.”
“Safe?” said Nora. “We must go. Mother won't allow me to spend another night here, and I shall lose my chance. I am determined to speak to the Banshee or die in the attempt.”
The splash of oars was now distinctly audible, and the next moment a four-oared gig swiftly turned the little promontory and shot with a rapid movement into the bay.
“Why,” said Biddy, running forward, “who's in the boat?”
A lad and a man now stood upright and motioned to the girls.
“Where's Neil?” said Biddy.