He sent for Walsh and Lally, who had just returned from different quarters, hoping to hear when they arrived at the house that the children had already got home.
"They're drowned," said the man. "My boat's gone with them, and where would it be but to the bottom of the sea in that storm?"
"Then you may go up to the house yourself with that news," said Walsh; "for it's not me that's goin' to carry it."
"Nor me," said Lally.
The three men stood gazing out to sea with tears in their eyes. Bridget, looking as white as a ghost, appeared and joined them.
"Nancy has to stay with Madam," she said. "She's at her wits' end to know what to tell her next. For heaven's sake, is there no news at all from anywhere?"
The men looked at her. They did not like to say, "It's your fault", so they only shook their heads.
Presently Walsh said:
"There's a boat missin'."
Bridget screamed, and began to beat her breast and clap her hands.