Artingale noted the flush that came into his companion's face, and he could see that it was more due to excitement and returning health than to fever. And then, saying little but thinking a great deal of their plans, they strolled on and on, leaving town and castle behind, and having the glistening, ever-changing sea on one side, the undulating spread of well-wooded hills and valleys in the Sussex weald upon their left; but far as eye could reach no sign of human being. "These cliffs are much higher than I thought for," said Artingale at last, as he stopped for a moment to gaze down at the beach. "How little the people look. See there, Mag, those stones lying below, you would not think they were as high as you? Some of them weigh tons." "Was it on one of those you left Miss Mallow seated?" said Magnus, eagerly. "Oh no, quite half a mile farther on, more or less. I don't know, though, seashore distances are deceitful. That was the pile, I think," he continued, pointing, "there, below where you see that dark streak on the face of the cliff." "I see," said Magnus. "Come along." "All right, but don't walk so close to the edge. You know, of course, that a false step means death." "Yes, I suppose so," replied Magnus, going close to where the weathered cliff suddenly ceased and there was a perpendicular fall to the rough stones beneath. "It looks an awful depth," he continued, gazing down as if fascinated. "Awful!" cried Artingale, "but hang it all, Mag, come away. You give a fellow the creeps. You are weak yet; suppose you turn giddy." "No fear," said Magnus, quietly; "but do you know, Harry, whenever I look over from a height I quite realise how it is that some people end their wretched lives by jumping down. There always seems to be a something drawing you." "Yes, I dare say," cried Artingale, with a shudder, "but if we are to play amateur detectives here goes to begin. Now then, young fellow, move on. It's agin the law to jump off these here places." He spoke laughingly, and in supposed imitation of a constable, as he took his friend by the wrist, and pulled him away from the giddy edge of the cliff. But the next moment he was serious. "Why, you wretched old humbug," he cried, "what are you talking about? I've a good mind to go back." "No, no, let's go on," said Magnus smiling, "I was only speaking scientifically." "Indeed," said Artingale, gruffly; "then don't talk scientifically any more." They walked on for some little distance in silence, Artingale keeping on the dangerous side, as if he doubted his friend's strength of mind, and looking down from time to time for the spot where they had found Julia, and the head of the cliff where Jock Morrison had made his ascent. "What should we do if we met the fellow?" said Magnus suddenly.