"She's hove-to," observed Sir Reginald later on.
"The cruiser—yes. That's a mistake."
Sir Joseph made a sound of impatience with his tongue.
Again a prolonged silence fell. Both men were absorbed. The passage of time seemed of no consequence. The cold of the night seemed to concern them not at all.
"I don't know," Steele said much later, in answer to his chief's remark. "You can't tell what's doing from here. Nor what arrangements young Farlow has made. Ah!"
"Lights." Sir Joseph waited.
"Green astern. White ahead. Red amidships. The foreigner has shed a pinnace. It's coming ashore. It's getting interesting. That boy seemed pretty clear. I hope things are all right."
The boat was racing towards the shore at a point to the right of the two watchers. Sir Reginald was following it closely with his night glasses. The other continued his survey of the vessels beyond.
Presently he spoke.
"She's steaming again—the cruiser."