`` She was expected the middle of July , but she did n't come then . Nobody felt anxious . Vessels were often delayed for days and mebbe weeks . The Royal William was a week overdue -- and then two -- and then three . And at last we began to be frightened , and it got worse and worse . Fin ` lly I could n't bear to look into John Selwyn 's eyes . D'ye know , Mistress Blythe '' -- Captain Jim lowered his voice -- `` I used to think that they looked just like what his old great-great-grandmother 's must have been when they were burning her to death . He never said much but he taught school like a man in a dream and then hurried to the shore . Many a night he walked there from dark to dawn . People said he was losing his mind . Everybody had given up hope -- the Royal William was eight weeks overdue . It was the middle of September and the schoolmaster 's bride had n't come -- never would come , we thought . `` There was a big storm then that lasted three days , and on the evening after it died away I went to the shore . I found the schoolmaster there , leaning with his arms folded against a big rock , gazing out to sea . `` I spoke to him but he did n't answer . His eyes seemed to be looking at something I could n't see . His face was set , like a dead man 's . '' ` John -- John , ' I called out -- jest like that -- jest like a frightened child , ` wake up -- wake up . ' `` That strange , awful look seemed to sorter fade out of his eyes . `` He turned his head and looked at me .
I 've never forgot his XXXXX -- never will forget it till I ships for my last voyage . ''
Mistress Vessels dawn dream face head rock school schoolmaster shore