A SURPRISE—AND AN ARREST
It was late in the afternoon when the boats of the s.s. Getalong reached the beach seven miles to the east of Aberstour. Captain Quelch had set the course calculating upon the tide being slack, but he was ignorant of the fact that on that part of the coast the tide sets two hours later on shore than it does in the offing.
Consequently instead of making Aberstour, he and his crew found themselves, much to their disgust, seven miles from the town and the nearest railway station.
Leaving the boats in charge of a fisherman, Captain Quelch inquired the way to the nearest village which boasted an inland telegraph office.
From the latter the Old Man dispatched a wire to Mr. Fiandersole:—
"S.S. Getalong foundered ten miles from Oldbury Head. All hands saved.—Quelch, Master."
Then, having refreshed themselves, the shipless mariners set out to trudge to Aberstour. Footsore and hungry they arrived at the outskirts of the town, their appearance attracting a considerable amount of attention.
"Where's the harbour master's office, mate?" inquired Captain Quelch of a fisherman. "And the Sailors' Home, too."
"Up along the quay," was the reply, accompanied by a jerk of a tarry thumb.
"You can't miss either of 'em."