he could see, was still, and this meant the tide had not yet entered
the channel. He thought he ought to have an hour before it did so, but
the current would run fast then. Tides rise high when high-water comes
at twelve o'clock with a full moon.

After a few minutes he set off again. There was no need for him to lie
down and he stood on deck, using the pole. It sank about a foot, but
presently the water shoaled and when the punt touched bottom he got
over and dragged her by a line. He wore a yellow oilskin, long waders,
and thin canvas shoes. At length, the punt would float no farther, and
putting her on rollers, he pulled her a short distance up the bank and
afterwards carried a small anchor as far as the line would allow. He
was a mile and a half from land, the tide would soon flow, and if the
geese were about, he might be away some time. Then, picking up his
gun, he set off up the nearly dry channel. There was a salt-water
lake, bordered by a weedy scar, not far off, and he might find some
brant geese or ducks.

In the meantime, Dick Halliday called at Langrigg, and was received by
Mrs. Winter.

"Are you all alone?" he asked.

Mrs. Winter told him where Jake and Carrie had gone, and that Jim was
shooting. Dick inquired when Jake had started and looked thoughtful
when Mrs. Winter replied.

"They ought to have been back some time since," he remarked. "The road
is very bad where it runs across the head of the bay and high tides
cover the causeway for an hour or two. I don't think Jake would wait
until dark; the car has probably broken down."

"Then they would have to stop all night?"

"I doubt if anybody could take them in. There are only a few cottages
and the mussel-gatherers and farm-hands have swarms of children. I
rather imagine Jake would walk across the sands----"

He stopped and looked at the tall clock, and then crossing the floor,
pulled back the window-curtains and opened a light. Mrs. Winter noted
that his movements were quick and thought him anxious. Dick came
rather often to Langrigg and she imagined Carrie attracted him,
although she knew the girl had not meant to use her charm.

"It's nearly full-moon," he remarked when he came back. "I don't think
Jim will mind if I borrow one of his guns. I know where they are.
Don't bother to ring."

"Are you going to shoot?" Mrs. Winter asked.

"I might get a shot," Dick replied carelessly. "Anyhow, I'll walk
across the sands. I ma