All this I must have heard, for memory brought them
back later; but I did not listen. My life and circumstances had got
the upper hand of me, and were dancing a devil's riot.
At last, after much tacking and porting of helm, we navigated
Polkimbra Hill and cast anchor before the "Lugger." There we
alighted, thanked the captain, and left him piping all hands to the
horse's head. His cheery voice followed us down to the sands.
We had determined to cut across Polkimbra Beach and climb up to
Lantrig by Ready-Money Cliffs, as in order to go along the path above
the cliffs we should have to ascend Polkimbra Hill again. The beach
was so full of horror to me that without a companion I could not have
crossed it; but Tom's presence lent me courage. Tom was nearer to
excitement than I had ever seen him; he grew voluble; praised the
captain, admired his talk, and declared adventure to be abroad in the
air--in fact, threw up his head as though he scented it.
Yes, adventure was in the air. It was not exactly to my taste,
however, nor did the thought of my poor mother at home make me more
sympathetic with Tom's ecstasy; so whilst he chattered I strode
gloomily forward over the beach.
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