A faint, vaporous mist obscured the horizon and floated in tangled wreaths upon the face of the sea.

Only that line of sand seemed still clear-cut and distinct, and as she glanced along it her eyes were held by something approaching, something which seemed at first nothing but a black, moving speck, then gradually resolved itself into the semblance of a man on horseback, galloping furiously.

She watched him as he drew nearer and nearer, the sand flying from his horse's hoofs, his figure motionless, his eyes apparently fixed upon some distant spot.

It was not until he had come within fifty yards of her that she recognised him.

His horse shied at the sight of her and was suddenly swung round with a powerful wrist.