This done, the mainsail was reefed and then rehoisted. The spitfire jib was then set and the Thetis increased her speed to a good five knots, lying a point closer to the wind than before.
By this time it was within an hour of sunset. The wind was still moderating and had veered another couple of points, so that it was possible to set a course to pass within five miles of Mapplewick before going about.
Nevertheless, it seemed very unlikely that the Thetis would make her port before dawn, since the harbour was a tidal one and could only be entered between half flood and half ebb.
At length darkness set in. The port and starboard lamps were lit and the electric lamp of the binnacle switched on. The breeze still held, but there seemed every prospect of another calm before very long.
At eleven o'clock the occulting light on Probert Head became visible, bearing a point on the starboard bow. Mapplewick Harbour lay in a bay three miles beyond the head.
"More grub," decided the skipper. "Peter, if you will take the helm for a spell we'll get our supper. Then you can have yours and turn in."
"I'm not sleepy, sir," protested Craddock.
"You will be," said Mr. Clifton. "A few hours' rest will do you good. Keep her as she is, she'll almost sail herself. Shout if you sight anything."
The two men went below, leaving Craddock in charge of the deck.
"That youngster's proved himself a brick!" declared Mr. Clifton warmly. "You ought to be proud of him, Grant."