The other nodded: "I thought so. What part of the coast is that down there?" he asked after an interval.
Linton peering over, pondered a minute before he answered:
"Dover's left far behind by this time. We've passed Hastings. Those must be the lights of Brighton."
"We can't get down?"
"Impossible at present. We must drive straight ahead. Inside the Isle of Wight there'll be a chance for us—more shelter and more ships. Wilton knows that part."
"Can we last as long?"
"I think so—I hope so."
A long silence fell as the Bladud battled with the wind. Then there came a startling, rending sound that indicated some defect in the machinery. The boat began to veer erratically.
"Steady, sir, steady," roared Wilton, making a trumpet of his hands. "For God's sake head her north!"