"When will the storm be on us?" asked Mary, trembling.
Joe laughed sardonically.
"Haven't ye hed enough of it?"
"There will be no rain after a gust like that," said MacAulay. "I'll try and get you home now. It has done its worst. It will take years to wipe out the woe this night has worked."
The wind had fallen into a dead silence, frightened at itself. And now the sudden, awful thunder of the sea broke on them, shaking the sandy soil on which they stood.
"Thank God that Van Note is so trusty a sailor as you say!" said Mary, buttoning her furs closer to her throat. "They're back in a safe harbor, I doubt not."
Joe and Doctor Dennis exchanged significant glances as they stood by the mare, and then looked again out to sea.
"Best get her home," said Joe, in a whisper.
Doctor Dennis nodded, and they made haste to bring the gig up to the horse-block.
Old Phebe Trull had been standing stirless since the gust passed. She drew a long breath when Mary touched her, telling her to come home with them.