It was life--and death! Very swiftly he mounted to the castle door, looking from side to side as he went for any trace which might show that Nan had passed this way.
As he climbed the last few feet he shouted her name: "Nan! Nan!" But there came no answer.

Only the sea still thundered below and a startled gull flew out from a cranny, screaming as it flew.
Mallory's hand shook a little as he thrust the key into the heavy lock.
Practically all that remained of hope lay behind that closed door.
Then, as it opened, a great cry broke from him, hoarse with relief from the pent-up agony of the last hour.
She lay there just like a child asleep, snuggled against the wall, one arm curved behind her head, pillowing it.

At the sound of his voice she stirred, opening bewildered, startled eyes.

In an instant he was kneeling beside her.
"Don't be frightened, Nan.

It's I--Peter.