The old man had been associated with the trade all his days, took a pride in it, he could not leave the groove, did not desire to do so, looked on his profession as manly and honourable. He had no wish, no thought, but that Jack should continue in it, but carry it on upon a grander scale, and it was with this in view that he was furnishing him with a fast-sailing cutter. But Jack felt a repugnance against deliberately, at the outset, entering on a career that placed him in antagonism with the laws of his country. Of moral scruple he had not an atom, nor did any moral objection enter into the composition of Winefred's dislike to the trade. His objection was founded on inexpediency; hers on the business being one of 'hole and corner,' as she termed it. 'No,' said Jack, half to himself, 'never again.' 'What――never again?' asked Winefred in a whisper. He did not answer. He was not responsible to her for his thoughts. 'Jack,' said she in a low tone, 'why did you come out to-night?' 'Why,' he answered, 'for one reason, because you told me not to do so. A man hates to be ordered about by a woman.' 'Even when her advice is good.' 'Yes. Because she orders one way, there is something in him that forces him to go contrary.' 'I always thought that men were fools,' said Winefred. 'Now you tell me they are so, and I believe you with all my heart. Women are men's good angels.' 'That you are to-night, Winney.' He looked at her trudging by his side in the uncertain light, and he thought how much he owed to her. It was she, and she alone, who was leading him out of the toils. But for her intervention, in another half-hour he would have been in the hands of the officers of the Crown. The men did not speak, and Winefred comprehended that it was not for her to break the silence. The train had crossed the brook, and was now mounting the hillside that led to the downs which overhung the sea. The growl of the waves became more audible. Presently they were on the common, crossing it as a black worm, aiming at one point towards which Winefred led confidently. 'We shall need a light,' she whispered. 'Not on the cliff. We should attract attention.' 'No, in the chasm. I am not a fool; why should you consider me one?' 'When we reach the place――――.' 'We are almost there now. Walk cautiously. If one were to fall over it would be worse than falling into the hands of the guard. Bid them halt.' Jack elevated both his arms, and the convoy stood still. With precaution, observing every yard of ground in front of her, Winefred advanced. All at once she stopped dead, looked back and said――'Hist! Here is the crack. Do not come to the edge lest it break away.'