"Well, you see, zur, it was a big black thing--yet not black so be it, but zumtimes you could see through it like. No, zur, it weren't no cloud. Why, thur worn't a cloud in the sky. And thur it was on top o' The Skegs, and when I come 'ome I told Daddy here, and, `Jem,' he says, `that what you've seen is the Dorrien wraith, and'--Oh, Lord, save us!" All turned quickly. Not half a dozen yards off, the two gentlemen had reined in their horses. General Dorrien's face was as white as a sheet, and the hand which held his bridle reins, though clenched and rigid, was trembling. That he had heard those last words was plain, but that one of his stern temperament should be so strangely moved by a mere bit of popular superstition seemed inexplicable. "Your servant, gentlemen!" said old Mat Pollock, hobbling to his feet, assisted by his stalwart son, Jem, which worthy seafarer looked sorely abashed in the presence in which he so suddenly found himself, and which coming about, too, so soon upon his narrative of the apparition, disturbed his superstitious soul not a little. Briefly, but clearly, Mr Curtis explained the situation, and how a search party was needed without delay, and the white-haired patriarch of the hamlet, though he had no love for the house of Dorrien, at once issued his mandates accordingly. Most of the hands were away in the boats, he said, but here were his two lads, Jem and David, who, by the way, had both well turned forty. Then they might turn out a couple of boys more--and there was--well, he didn't know whether he might make so bold, but--And here he looked inquiringly at the young gentleman with whom the three had been conversing. "I trust, Mr Curtis, that General Dorrien will allow me to take part in this search," said Eustace Ingelow, stepping forward--"I know this coast thoroughly, and can keep my head at any height, as these good fellows here will tell you," he added, eagerly looking from one to the other. The General was about stiffly to decline, but Mr Curtis interrupted quickly. "We shall be only too glad, Eustace. We want all the hands and eyes we can get, I'm afraid, and I know what a fellow you are for risking your neck. Are you ready?" he went on, looking around. "Then the sooner we start the better."