Back to the place just left.
There, too, had the depth been increasing. The tide seemed to have risen more than a foot since they left it. It was but the breeze still freshening over the sea.
To have waded around either point seemed no longer possible; and none of the three could swim!
The cousins uttered a simultaneous cry. It was the first open acknowledgment of a fear both secretly felt.
The cry was echoed by their dark-skinned attendant, far more frightened than they.
Back again to the other side—once more back and forward—and their panic was complete.
They were no longer in doubt about their situation. On both sides the path was obstructed. Clearly was their retreat cut off! Up the precipice went their eyes, to see whether it could be climbed. It needed but a glance to tell them “No!” There was the gorge running up the cliff; but it looked as if only a cat could have scaled it!
They turned from it in despair.
There was but one hope remaining. The tide might not mount above their heads; and might they not stay where they were till it ebbed again?
With quick glances they interrogated the waves, the grotto, the rocks overhead. Unaccustomed to the sea, they knew but little of its ways. They knew that the waves rose and fell; but how far? They could see nothing to tell them; nothing to confirm their fears, or assure them of their safety!