While thus hurrying on, however, he found it impossible to express his sentiments.
The beach which formed the inner side of the little harbour was at length reached, but no boat could Edward discern.
“It is farther out, concealed under the rocks,” said Donna Isabel. “We must endeavour to reach it by walking along them.”
The undertaking appeared very hazardous to Edward, who remembered that there were numerous crevices, and smooth, slippery places, down which it would be difficult to avoid falling. Donna Isabel, however, assured him that she was acquainted with a secure path which had been cut in the rocks.
After searching for a short time the path was found, and cautiously she led the way along it. It was necessary in the dark to feel every step in advance, lest a false one might precipitate her into the water. The delay was very trying. Neither of them had once looked behind; there would have been no use in so doing. Even if pursued, they could not have fled faster than they had done. Suddenly Donna Isabel stopped.
“I cannot find the path,” she exclaimed, after searching round for some time.
In vain Edward tried to discover it.
While stopping in consequence of this, their eyes were directed for the first time towards the castle. In front of it appeared several bright lights; they were those of torches and lanterns. After flitting about for some time, the lights began to move towards the harbour. They were pursued. If the boat could not be found, they would inevitably be captured.
“I will go first and search for the boat, at all hazards,” exclaimed Edward.
He walked on. Donna Isabel in her alarm had fancied that they were out of the path, though it was but some roughness of the rock that had misled her. They were soon again in it. With renewed spirits Edward pushed on. He fancied that he saw the boat close under a projecting part of the rock. He hailed.