nearly seven o'clock
But the only answer to her cry was the sound of the sea on the base , and the loud noise of the gulls , as they screamed and fluttered in angry surprise over their accustomed breeding-grounds . Alarmed and irresolute , Cleer sat down on the rock , and facing landwards for awhile , waved her handkerchief to and fro to attract , if possible , her father 's attention . Then she scanned the opposite cliffs , beyond the gap or chasm that separated her from the mainland ; but she could nowhere see him . He must have forgotten her and gone home to dinner alone , she fancied now , for it was nearly seven o'clock . Nothing remained but to climb down again and follow him . It was getting full late to be out by herself on the island . And tide was coming in , and the surf was getting strong -- Atlantic swell from the gale at sea yesterday .