Page:The Cornwall coast.djvu/385

 MORWENSTOW 379 the welfare of Prince Frederick." He himself used to act as their postman. Perhaps it is mis- leading to say that Welcombe is only three miles from Morwenstow ; visitors who try to find their way through the rambling narrow lanes will find it much nearer to five or six. But the loveliness of Marsland vale is a recompense, and a charming introduction to the beauties of North Devon. On the Cornish side of Marsland-mouth is a secluded old farm-house, which Hawker solemnly averred was haunted. It was once truly haunted by smugglers. Mr. Baring-Gould introduces it into his novel. The Gaverocks. Hawker once said to a visitor, " You must go and look at the old house there — there is a very curious old lady there you may see— come into my study and I will show you her picture — she died, at least her body did, some sixty years ago. I frequently see her and talk with her." This spot must not be quitted without recalling that Marsland-mouth is the home of Lucy Passmore, the white witch in Westward Ho ! It was hither that Rose Salterne came to perform the love-charm that should re- veal her lover. It can hardly be said that such superstitions have yet died out of the West Country, but it is the older people now that cherish these ideas, secretly and furtively. The youngsters are being taught differently in the Council Schools. There are some fine headlands in this part of the coast, such as the two Sharpnose Points, but the finest of all is Hennacliff, which rises to about 450 feet, and drops sheer into the Atlantic waves. Even where there is a beach beneath these rugged cliffs, it is usually difficult to reach ; in many parts the breakers dash full against the granite preci-