"Yes, sir; there's going to be a heavy gale from the southward and westward, and it will be high water at about three. You can see the scuds flying aloft already, and I'm greatly mistaken if we haven't a whole gale before a couple of hours are over. That won't give much time for the sea to get up, but I am sure she'll spout to-day even before the top of high water. Anyway, if she doesn't, I'm greatly mistaken. Would you like to go over and see it, sir?"
"Yes, Jim. I have nothing particular to do to-day, and I certainly should like to see it."
"Very good, sir. I have nothing particular to do to-day either, and if you like I'll go over with you."
"I should be very glad. When shall we start?"
"Well, sir, if you are to see it you may as well be there at the beginning, so we'll be off at once. Did you feel that?"
"Yes."
A puff of warm wind touched the two men, and then the air was still again.
"Go on, then, sir, to the hotel and put on your oilskins. I'll run and get mine, and be back in a minute."
"But I haven't got oilskins!" said O'Brien, with a smile. "Will a mackintosh and gaiters do?"
The boatman looked long and fixedly into the south-west before he answered: