The appointed hour had come, but no boat came with it.
In vain the colonel and his servant strained their gaze towards the spot where they supposed the boat was lying. No boat could be seen.
Sometimes they fancied they could descry it, but the delusive object, whatever it might be, quickly vanished.
Another hour passed by, and found them at their post, still gazing at the sea, still hoping the boat would come, vainly hoping, as it proved.
The tide had turned, but had not yet perceptibly receded.
Though staggered and uneasy, Colonel Wyndham had not lost faith in the shipmaster.
"Should Limbry turn out a traitor, I will never trust man again," he said.
"Perhaps the seamen have gone ashore to the fair, colonel, and he has not been able to get them back again," rejoined Peters.
"The delay is unaccountable," cried the colonel. "His majesty will be distracted."
"Shall I ride back, and inform him that no boat has yet come ashore?" said Peters.