"But wait! Only wait!"
In spite of his certainty that Providence was on his side he stepped more lightly than ever as he went down to the quay.
The funnel of the Irish steamer was now throbbing hard, and a few sailors on the forward deck were swearing. Save for this and the wash of the tide against the sides of the harbour, all was still.
Stowell looked around and listened for a moment. Then he stepped up to the Deemster's door and pulled the bell, and heard its clang inside the walls.
II
"Ah, is it you, Dempster? You've come for Miss Stanley? She's just gone, Sir."
"I know. I saw her. Are you alone, Mr. Vondy?"
"Alone enough, Sir. It's shocking! The night before an execution too! That Willie Shimmin, the drunken gommeral, went off at four and isn't back yet. I wouldn't trust but I'll be here by myself until the High Bailiff and the Inspector and long Duggie Taggart come at six in the morning."
"How is your prisoner to-night, Mr. Vondy?"
"Wonderful quiet, Sir."