Mr. Menaida and Judith went out together, she with her workbox under her arm, he with his stick, and her hand resting on his arm. The night was dark, very dark, but the way led for the most part over down, and there was just sufficient light in the sky for the road to be distinguishable. It would be in the lane, between the walls and where overhung by thorns, that the darkness would be most profound. The wind was blowing strongly and the sound of the breakers came on it now, for the cloud had lifted off land and sea, though still hanging low. Very dense overhead it could not be, or no light would have pierced the vaporous canopy.
Uncle Zachie and Judith walked on talking together, and she felt cheered by his presence, when all at once she stopped, pressed his arm, and said:
"Oh, do look, uncle! What is that light?"
In the direction of the cliffs a light was distinctly visible, now rising, now falling, observing an unevenly undulating motion.
"Oh, uncle? It is too dreadful. Some foolish person is on the downs going home with a lantern, and it may lead to a dreadful error, and a wreck."
"I hope to heaven it is only what you say."
"What do you mean?"
"That it is not done wilfully."
"Wilfully!"
"Yes, with the purpose to mislead. Look. The movement of the light is exactly that of a ship on a rolling sea."
"Uncle, let us go there at once and stop it."
"I don't know, my dear; if it be done by some unprincipled ruffian he would not be stopped by us."
"It must be stopped. And, oh, think! you told me that your Oliver is coming home. Think of him."
"We will go."
Mr. Menaida was drawn along by Judith in her eagerness. They left the road to Pentyre, and struck out over the downs, keeping their eyes on the light. The distance was deceptive. It seemed to have been much nearer than they found it actually to be.
"Look! it is coming back!" exclaimed Judith.
"Yes, it is done wilfully. That is to give the appearance of a vessel tacking up Channel. Stay behind, Judith. I will go on."
