"Why only eight?" asked Rayburn.
"Because, if we cracked on at full speed we'd stand to pile ourselves upon the rocks on t' other side in the darkness," replied the Patrol Leader.
Stratton was kept fairly busy. The Olivette was now in the steamer track, where vessels proceeding up and down Channel make it a practice of keeping within certain limits of St. Catherine's. There were ships of all sizes and descriptions. A P. & O. liner, homeward bound, was passing a Bullard mail-boat on the way to the Cape and East Africa. Ambling along at a very modest speed were colliers, "tankers", and tramps, while a full-rigged Dutchman, carrying every stitch of canvas, formed a striking contrast to the mechanically propelled craft.
A little later a couple of destroyers, in line ahead, came pelting down Channel. Although they passed not less than a quarter of a mile from the Olivette, their "wash" broke furiously over the boat's bows, sending spray high above the wheelhouse.
Then, as the Olivette drew away from the "lane", the stream of shipping ceased, and as sunset approached she was alone on a waste of placid water.
At ten the relief watch was called. Mr. Armitage came on deck wearing his pilot coat. He made no attempt to check the course or to offer any suggestions. He was placing his crew entirely on their mettle, but from what he saw he had no cause to criticize.
Stratton, having "handed over" to Warkworth, went below, where Hepburn had a hot supper ready for those of the crew who had come off duty.
"Where's Roche?" he inquired, seeing that the rest of the watch—Woodleigh and Rayburn—were already "tucking in" with avidity.
"Yarning with Flemming about something," replied Woodleigh. "I fancy there's trouble in the engine-room."
Presently Roche appeared.