On the other hand, had we turned to the left, we might have run less chance of meeting opposition, but, all the same, our opportunities for finding a craft would be smaller.
At the time Hildegarde cried out upon discovering blood upon her gown, I had hastily withdrawn my supporting arm.
Without the assistance I had given her, she made poor progress, indeed, so that I was forced to once more encircle her waist; the mischief had already been done, and it could not be made worse.
A shout from Robbins—a shout that gave me sudden pleasure, for it seemed to prophesy good news.
I saw him rush forward and bend over some dark object on the beach.
It was a boat!
Alas! there was no sign of oars, or any other propelling power, and, without these, what folly to think of going upon the great bay.
We could not linger to lament our wretched fortune; already the leaders of the pursuing mob had come stringing out from among the houses, and were even now chasing along the strand.
Better luck next time. Because one boat proved unavailable was no reason for despair.
There would be a number of them presently, and it would be a singular thing on this still night if we did not find one already in the water, ready for use.