Do you mean, away from up there ?" She pointed to the cupola-stairs.
"Yes." "Have-have you seen my father ?" The question came out of such a depth of incredulousness that it was more an articulation of the lips than a sound, but he caught it; and, with it not hope, but the shadow of a shadow of hope, a hand waving from the far shore to the swimmer who has been down twice.

Did she fear for his sake?
"No--I have not seen him." He was groping blindly.
"You did not come from that" "How did you enter the house ?" The draught through the hall was blowing upon him; the double doors upon the veranda had been left open for coolness.

"There," he said, pointing to them.
"But--I heard you come from the other direction." He was breathing quickly; he saw his chance--if Jefferson Bareaud did not come now.
"You did not hear me come down the stairs." He leaned toward her, risking it all on that.
"Ah!" A sigh too like a gasp burst from Crailey.

His head lifted a little, and his eyes were luminous with an eagerness that was almost anguish.

He set his utmost will at work to collect himself and to think hard and fast.
"I came here resolved to take a man away, come what would!" he said.