About the time they started for the house the party on the veranda became aware that a storm was rising.
Zoe saw it first, and dropped her work in her lap with the cry, "Oh, I knew it would be so! I just knew it! A dreadful storm is coming, and the Edna will be wrecked, and Edward will drown. I shall never see him again!"
The others were too much startled and alarmed at the moment to notice her wild words or make any reply. They all rose and hurried into the house, and Mr. Dinsmore began closing windows and doors.
"The children, papa!" cried Elsie; "they must be down on the beach, and—"
"The captain is with them, and I will go to their assistance," he replied, before she could finish her sentence.
He rushed out as he spoke, to return the next moment with Walter in his arms and the rest closely following.
"These are all safe, and for the others I must trust the Lord," Elsie said softly to herself as her father set Walter down, and she drew the child to her side.
But her cheek was very pale, and her lips trembled as she pressed them to the little fellow's forehead.
He looked up wonderingly. "Mamma, what is the matter? You're not afraid of wind and thunder?"
"No, dear; but I fear for your brothers out on this stormy sea," she whispered in his ear. "Pray for them, darling, that if God will, they may reach home in safety."