Sefton recognized the man as one who figured frequently in the "Captain's Report". Young as he was, the sub had a keen insight into human nature, and although he knew nothing of the first slip that had marred the A.B.'s career he was certain that there were good points in the man, and that underneath his rugged, surly exterior there was something of true worth.
"No need for you to tumble into the ditch after me, sir," said the man. "I can shift for myself."
He spoke gruffly, but underlying the remonstrance was an unmistakable tone of gratitude. In the circumstances he was glad of company. He would have welcomed his "raggie", or chum, in preference to an officer, but at such times the difference of rank gives place to the equality of human peril.
"They'll pick us both up," declared Sefton, although in his mind he had grave doubts as to the matter.
"Not they," rejoined A.B. Brown, indicating the direction of the now invisible flotilla with a jerk of his closely-cropped head. "The cruisers might. But take hold of this, sir," he added, pushing the buoy to within reach of the sub. "You looks as if you want it a long sight more'n me."
Both men relapsed into silence. Further conversation meant a waste of precious breath. At intervals, as the buoy rose on the billows, Sefton "hiked" his head and shoulders well clear of the water in the hope of sighting the armoured-cruiser squadron.
"They're a precious long time in coming up," he soliloquized. "Seven minutes ought to have done the trick."
As a matter of fact, the First Cruiser Squadron had received a wireless message from the Calder within ninety seconds of Sefton's leap overboard, requesting the vessels to keep a sharp look-out for the two men.
On receipt of the intelligence the armoured cruisers' speed was reduced to 10 knots, and this accounted for the seemingly endless time that elapsed before the vessels came within sight of the two well-nigh exhausted men as they clung to the lifebuoy.
At length, through the light haze that prevailed throughout the morning, could be discerned the grey outlines of the First Cruiser Squadron.