ay nothing about it, because of
"_Monsieur le Commissaire de l'Inscription Maritime_," who would surely
make a fuss over the undeclared find.

"But, d'ye see," he went on, "it sarved the lubbers right to heave over
such a vallyble cask or let it 'scape the lashings, for it's superior
quality, with sartinly more jinywine grape-juice in it than in all the
wine-merchants' cellars of Paimpol. Goodness knows whence it came--this
here castaway liquor."

It was very strong and rich in colour, dashed with sea-water, and had
the flavour of cod-pickle, but in spite of that, relishable; and several
bottles were emptied.

Some heads began to spin; the Babel of voices became more confused, and
the lads kissed the lasses less surreptitiously.

The songs joyously continued; but the winds would not moderate, and
the seamen exchanged tokens of apprehension about the bad weather
increasing.

The sinister clamour without was indeed worse than ever. It had
become one continuous howl, deep and threatening, as if a thousand mad
creatures were yelling with full throats and out-stretched necks.

One might imagine heavy sea-guns shooting out their deafening boom
in the distance, but that was only the sea hammering the coast of
Ploubazlanec on all points; undoubtedly it did not appear contented,
and Gaud felt her heart shrink at this dismal music, which no one had
ordered for their wedding-feast.

Towards midnight, during a calm, Yann, who had risen softly, beckoned
his wife to come to speak with him.

It was to go home. She blushed, filled with shame, and confused at
having left her seat so promptly. She said it would be impolite to go
away directly and leave the others.

"Not a bit on it," replied Yann, "my father allows it; we may go," and
away he carried her.

They hurried away stealthily. Outside they found themselves in the cold,
the bitter wind, and the miserable, agitated night. They began to run
hand-in-hand.

From the height of the cliff-path, one could imagine, without seeing it,
the furious open sea, whence arose all this hubbub. They ran along, the
wind cutting their faces, both bowed before the angry gusts, and obliged
to put their hands over their mouths to cover their breathing, which the
wind had completely taken away at first.

He held her up by the waist at the outset, to keep her dress from
trailing on the ground, and her fine new shoes from being spoiled in the
water, which streamed about their feet, and next