"Cut the rope and unstrand the ends," he ordered, "then heave the buoy overboard."
By so doing, it would give the impression that the buoy rope had parted in rough weather. In all probability the coast watchers would find the buoy pounding against the rocks off Godrevy Point.
Almost imperceptibly the Alerte continued to drift. Every half-minute Captain Cain took angles with his sextant, while Pengelly attended to the compass bearings. Although the shore lights were visible, it was an impossible matter to distinguish the outlines of the coast. Conversely, no one ashore—not even the lightkeepers of Godrevy lighthouse—could discern the black hull of the Alerte as she was borne with all lights extinguished towards the gateway to safety. Even at a hundred yards the steady downpour of rain was sufficient to obliterate her from watching eyes.
Presently, the Alerte entered the red sector of the lower Godrevy Light. She was now in the danger zone. There was quite a nasty tide-rip, while the thunder of the breakers across the Stones on one hand and upon the rock-bound Godrevy Island on the other, were indications that spelt disaster to any vessel that missed the passage of the Sound.
It was an anxious time. More than once Captain Cain grasped the handle of the engine-room telegraph, fearing that the ship was drifting too close to the breakers. Then with remarkable suddenness the Alerte passed beyond the warning red sector.
"All clear, Pengelly!" exclaimed the skipper. "We're through. Pass the word to the hands to lower masts and funnel and make all snug. Smartly, but with no unnecessary noise. Keep the lead going, there."
In ten minutes the work of snugging down was completed. The soundings gave a depth of ten fathoms.
Captain Cain descended from the bridge—slowly this time.
"Hands to diving stations!" he ordered.
For the second time that night the buoyancy tanks were flooded. The Alerte, two and a half miles E. by N. of her previous and enforced resting place, lay snug and sound to await the passing of the threatening storm.