Winefred: A Story of the Chalk Cliffs

by S. Baring-Gould

'What! Winefred Marley?'

'Yes—I want to speak to Captain Rattenbury. Where is he?'

'He is not here. I am his son.'

'Jack!—You! Your father has been betrayed. I overheard the officer from Lyme arranging to take you all. He has sent for the soldiers. He knows that you are to meet the carts at Heathfield Cross.'

'When did you hear this?'

'To-day—some hours ago—on the beach, below the station. I was behind a rock, and they did not see me.'

'Why did you not speak of this before?'

'Your father was not at home, or I would have done so. I waited, expecting every hour to see him come in. Now I have run away whilst mother is asleep.'

'You are a brave, good girl,' said the young man. He turned to the men. 'What is to be done?' he asked.

'We must go back,' said one or two.