They went down
the river very rapidly, for the tide was running out and at length
Jem Green pointed out the neat little garden. On the step sat a
woman, apparently weeping bitterly. Could it be the object of their
search? No, but as they came nearer, and she was roused so as to
catch sight of the scarlet coat, she beckoned and gesticulated with
all her might; and as they approached Sir Amyas recognised her as
his mother's maid.
"You will be in time yet," she cried breathlessly. "Oh! take me in,
or you won't know the ship!"
So eager and terrified was she, that but for the old steersman's
peremptory steadiness, her own life and theirs would have been in
much peril, but she was safely seated at last, gasping out, "The
_Red Cloud_, Captain Karen. They've been gone these ten minutes."
"Aye, aye," gruffly responded Green, and the oars moved rapidly, while
Loveday with another sob cried, "Oh! sir, I thought you would never
come!"
"You sent the warning?"
Yes, sir, I knew nothing till the morning, when my Lady called me
up. I lie in her room, you know. She had given orders, and I was
to take the sweet lady and go down the river with her to Mrs. Darke,
the perfuming woman my Lady has dealings with about here hair and
complexion. There I was to stay with her till--till this same sea-
captain was to come and carry her off where she would give no more
trouble.
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