It was George Hawker! The Doctor knew him in a moment: but whether the
recognition was mutual, he never found out, for Hawker, stepping
rapidly from stone to stone, disappeared round the headland, and the
thunderstruck Doctor retraced his steps to the arch.
There were all the young people gathered, wondering and delighted. But
Alice came to meet him, and said,--
"Who was that with you just now?"
"A mermaid!" replied he.
"That, indeed!" said Alice. "And what did she say?"
"She said, 'Go home to your supper; you have seen quite enough; go home
in good time.'"
"Doctor, there is something wrong!" said Alice. "I see it in your face.
Can you trust me, and tell me what it is?"
"I can trust you so far as to tell you that you are right. I don't like
the look of things at all. I fear there are evil times coming for some
of our friends! Further than this I can say nothing. Say your prayers,
and trust God! Don't tell Sam anything about this: to-morrow I shall
speak to him. We won't spoil a pleasant holiday on mere suspicion."
They rejoined the others, and the Doctor said, "Come away home now; we
have seen enough.
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