I will not return to the cave; my task must be to repair the
boat." He mentioned certain articles which he begged her to provide,
pressed her to his breast, and disappeared in the darkness.
At daylight he examined the little vessel. She was no worse than she had
been, as each incoming tide, reaching the place where she was secured,
had floated her, but the rock had opened a large jagged fissure. Hilda
brought him such materials as she could procure, a log of wood, bark
which she stitched with her own hands, a hatchet and nails. Jean
utilized also the vraick with which the sand was strewn. He worked
without fear of detection, knowing that the whole population was inland;
but the lovers had to rely on themselves alone, for, when there was a
question of flight, Tita was no longer to be trusted.
On the third day Jean found the boat fairly seaworthy. Hilda felt a
severe pang at leaving Judith, who had not reverted to the subject of
her marriage. Whether her parent or not, she loved her dearly; she felt
also the pain of parting with Tita, but her resolution never swerved.
She had given her heart to Jean; she felt also a presentiment that she
would discover her father; while it was her belief that the parting from
her old associates was but temporary.
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