Constance looked at her watch.
"Only eight o'clock! What a long day it has been," she commented.
"You must go to bed early. Sleep in my room. You will soon forget where you are; each of the bunks is comfortable. Now I will leave you in charge of the lamp whilst I go and lock up."
They laughed. It sounded so home-like.
"Any fear of burglars?" cried Enid.
"Yes, most expert cracksmen, wind, and rain, and—sleet," he added quietly. "I must fasten all the storm-shutters and make everything snug. Don't stir until I wake you in the morning."
"Poor old dad!" sighed Constance. "What a vigil!"
He was making new entries in the weather report when she remarked thoughtfully:
"It is high-water about half past one, I think?"
He nodded, pretending to treat the question as of no special import.