"No, no! It is nothing--a _bagatelle_. Ah, but you have found the good
Cinders! I am rejoiced indeed!"

"Yes, he came to me--ages ago. It is you I have been waiting for all this
time. I thought you were never coming. At least, of course, I knew you
would come; but oh"--with a great sigh--"it has been a long time!"

"Ah, pardon me!" he said. "But why did you wait?"

"Of course I waited," said Chris. "I said I would."

"And you were not afraid? No?"

He was standing close to her now, and Cinders was wriggling to reach and
welcome him.

"Yes, a little," Chris admitted. "That's why I whistled. But it's all
right now. Do let us get out."

"Ah!" he said. "But I fear--"

"What?" she asked, with sudden misgiving.

He hesitated a moment, then, "The tide," he said.

"Bertie!" For the first time Chris's bravely sustained courage broke
down. She thrust out a clinging hand and clutched his arm. "Are we going
to be drowned--here--in the dark?" she said, gasping.

"No, no, no!" His reply was instant and reassuring. He took her hand and