here," said the Colonel, "and then we can walk
back along the shore to our boat."

On arriving at the long ledge of rocks that ran straight out into the
ocean, and which they called the "Whale's Back," they entered the little
cove that was situated on the side nearest to the castle. There was Miss
Vyvyan's basket half filled with the shells that Cora so much desired;
but where was she?

In another moment, Cora with her quick step was springing up to the
highest part of the rocks. A shriek of anguish from the child, and the
cry in her former baby language, "Anna be back, Anna be back," brought
her parents instantly to her side. Looking from the high wall that
nature had formed, and across the larger cove on the other side, they
saw far out toward the open sea Miss Vyvyan's upturned face. She was
floating on an enormous wave which was bearing her rapidly toward the
shore.

"Oh Anna, poor Anna; save her Dudley," cried Mrs. Carleton, believing
anything possible to the brave and kind-hearted man, who had dared and
surmounted all obstacles for her own sake.

"Yes, dearest; yes, trust me. I will do my utmost," replied the Colonel,
quickly scaling the outer side of the cliff, and dashing over and among
the broken masses of rock that laid between him and the sea. Throwing
off his hat and heavy uniform coat, he stood with extended arms at the
water's edge, exactly at the spot where he knew the wave would strike.
Miss Vyvyan was being swiftly borne toward him and was within a few feet
distance.

"Keep calm," he called to her, "for heaven's sake, keep calm, and I can
save you."

The great wave bearing its living burden, broke upon the beach with
unusual violence. Colonel Carleton was struck and thrown far up toward
the shore by its mighty force. In another instant, he was on his feet
again, rushing forward after the receding water, which was carrying Miss
Vyvyan out. She still floated on the crest of the wave. Raising one hand
and unclasping it, she threw upon the beach a small white shell, saying
as she did so, "for dear Cora." She saw the friendly outstretched arm of
the brave man; she looked up to the rocks; she saw the pure, classic
features of gentle, loving Ada, paralyzed with distress, white as
marble, pallid and death-like, as on the day that she had kissed them
back to life seven years before. She saw the beautiful child, who was so
precious to her; she noted the terror, pain and love in its fair, young
face. She h