"Going ashore!" For the life of her, Irene could not help the blank wonderment of that repetition.
"Yes, miss. An Arab kem for her."
"Are you sure?"
"Sartin, miss. It was about two bells when that craft hailed us—wasn't it, Bill?"
The sailor thus unexpectedly appealed to was taken by surprise. He nearly swallowed a quid of tobacco before he answered:
"That's correct. It struck two bells just arter they shoved off."
"Do you know where Mrs. Haxton meant to go? I mean, was she making for the hotel?"
"I didn't happen to hear, miss. But Mr. Tagg was talkin' to the lady. P'raps he can tell you." From the silence prevailing among her companions Irene was aware that they were as much astounded by the man's statement as she herself. It was impossible to discuss the matter further in front of the boat's crew, but the girl whispered, to Royson, who was sitting near her:
"Did you ever hear anything more amazing? She could not have missed us.
What can be her object in going off alone?"
"We may be able to answer those questions, and others, when we find out who it was that came for her."