Brett wondered if there was anything else that he ought to know. Then, in picturing himself as running the launch alongside the Sappho, and hoping that he would not bump her, a question presented itself.
"If I were going to visit the Sappho," he asked, "would I approach the gangway from the stern or from the bow?"
"I don't know," said Gryce.
"Do you mean," said Brett, "that you don't know which is the correct thing to do, or that you think I can't steer?"
"I mean," said Gryce, "that I know it's one or the other, but I don't know which."
"In that case," said Brett, "we will approach from the rear. That is always the better part of valor. But if the gangway has been taken up for the night I don't know what I shall do."
"The gangway was down when the light was on her," said Gryce. "I seen it."
And that it was still down Brett could presently see for himself. He doubted his ability to make a neat landing, but they seemed to be expecting him, for a sailor ran down to the gangway landing armed with a long boat-hook, and made the matter easy for him. When he had reached the Sappho's deck an officer came forward in the darkness, and said:
"This way, sir, if you please."
"There's magic about," thought Brett, and he accompanied the officer aft.