The Mystery of the Sea : Large Print

I HAD just arrived at Cruden Bay on my annual visit, and after a late breakfast was sittingon the low wall which was a continuation of the escarpment of the bridge over the Water ofCruden.

Opposite to me, across the road and standing under the only little clump of trees inthe place was a tall, gaunt old woman, who kept looking at me intently.

As I sat, a littlegroup, consisting of a man and two women, went by.

I found my eyes follow them, for itseemed to me after they had passed me that the two women walked together and the manalone in front carrying on his shoulder a little black box-a coffin.

I shuddered as I thought,but a moment later I saw all three abreast just as they had been.

The old woman was nowlooking at me with eyes that blazed.

She came across the road and said to me withoutpreface:"What saw ye then, that yer e'en looked so awed?" I did not like to tell her so I did notanswer.

Her great eyes were fixed keenly upon me, seeming to look me through andthrough.

I felt that I grew quite red, whereupon she said, apparently to herself: "I thocht so!Even I did not see that which he saw."