Jasper knew that Jeremy talked sound sense.
"It goes against the grain, Jeremy."
"I know, lad, I know. I shall love you the more for giving in to me."
They started down through the furze, Steyning, Parsloe, and their men giving them a short start, since Jeremy's party had farther to go. Tom Stook led, winding in and out among the furze bushes. Jeremy and Stott followed close on him, with Jasper in the rear. Jeremy had given him his sword to carry, having unbuckled it before their advance upon the beach.
Stook paused from time to time. The noise of the sea washing along the shingle smothered any slight sound they made in brushing through the grass or against the bushes. In five minutes they were close to the shore, and could hear De Rothan speaking.
"My Nance, it is no use your putting up your pretty hands against fate. Come now and kiss me, and let us forgive."
"Only let me be!"
They heard De Rothan's laugh, and then Nance's voice in sudden alarm.
"Look, there is a boat."
"Where?"