It must be well on for five o'clock.

The wind still blew furiously, and the oaks on the fringes of the wood were whipped like saplings.

Ruefully he admitted that the gale would not defeat the enemy.

If the brig found a sheltered anchorage on the south side of the headland beyond the Garple, it would be easy enough for boats to make the Garple mouth, though it might be a difficult job to get out again.

The thought quickened his steps, and he came out of cover on to the public road without a prior reconnaissance.