There was a small crowd on the sea wall, all gazing intently seaward. By the steps a cluster of women knelt, praying. As sir Hugh passed he heard them say “From the fury of the Northmen, good Lord deliver us!”
“Amen,” said Sir Hugh. Though I little thought to hear that again!”
The crowd drew aside to let him pass. A little way along the wall stood the harbour-master, with some seamen. He broke away and joined Sir Hugh.
“Well, master?” said the knight.
“Look yonder, sir, and see our danger!” cried the harbour-master, sweeping his arm towards the fog-bank, now much nearer. The tide was nearly full, and covered the rocks below the wall. Richard strained his eyes but saw nothing, until as a long-drawn-out gasp went up all around him something gleamed in the mist. Suddenly, close inshore a great polished horse’s head hung ten feet above the water. Behind it was a huge square shadow, and there was a faint ripple below where its feet might have been.
From The Wide Blue Road, by Marion Campbell.