The old dog is very wise; he will guide us quickly to where Mary is lying," Katherine said.

Then she threw off the mooring rope, rowed out to midstream, where she could get the full advantage of the current, and then began to row down river as fast as she could pull.
The sky was still overcast, the wind howled through the trees, and it was so chill that she was glad of her coat, despite the vigorous exercise which she was getting in rowing.

Never had it taken so long to get to Seal Cove, or so it seemed in her impatient haste; and after the first half-mile the current did not help her, for the tide was coming in fast and making itself felt.
Seal Cove appeared to be deserted when she got there.

Neither of the portage men was to be seen, although both the Selincourt boats were drawn up side by side on the beach near the fish shed.

The office was locked and the key gone.