g, and was being driven eastward with terrific force
by the gale.

Marjorie ran to her brother's room; but a glance showed her an empty
bed.

'No time to lose,' said Marjorie to herself; 'perhaps he has gone to
warn Neil, and perhaps he hasn't; in any case I'd better go too.'

She hurried on some clothing and ran out of doors. The wind had swept
the clouds towards the east, and an angry dawn was breaking above the
hills. Marjorie sped over the drenched grass and heather, the wind was
lifting her nearly off her feet, and blowing her frock in front of her
like a sail. There were more than three miles of rugged country
between Corranmore and the headland. It was a race between herself and
the tide; and the tide seemed to be gaining.

Marjorie ran on and on. Neither Hamish nor any other living creature
was in sight. The sheep had left the moors and the gulls were taking
refuge inland.

At last the headland came in view. A glance showed Marjorie that the
waves had not yet reached high-water mark. Mechanically she chose the
road by the shore.

Now the wind was partly against her, and at times threatened to pin her
against the cliff; but Marjorie struggled forward. Soon the rocks were
frowning above her head, while the breakers were coming closer, rising
in solid walls which thundered as they fell. Showers of spray were
flung shoreward; and looking up at the wet glistening cliffs Marjorie
wondered whether foothold would be possible upon them, and what her
feelings would be were she to find herself caged between the cliffs and
the breakers.

Yet she did not feel frightened, only excited.

At the caves she had only time to make a dash before a huge breaker
fell; and some of the water swirled after her into the opening.

'Neil!' she cried; 'Neil!'

Neil was lying watching the flood quite calmly, as though it did not
concern him in the least.

Catching sight of Marjorie he looked up in amazement; then sprang to
his feet.

'Is Hamish here?' shouted Marjorie.

Her voice was drowned in the thunder of waves and wind.

Neil led her to a small chamber in the rocks, lighted from above, and
where the tumult was softened into a dull roar; and she repeated her
question.

'No, Miss Marjorie, I hef not seen him,' answered Neil. Their voices
sounded strangely muffled, the force of the breakers making the walls
of the little cavern tremble.

'Then, Neil, you must leave this at once; the caves will be flooded in