"Yet I am here."
"The thing is impossible!"
"The tide flows at midnight. My orders are to go in with the rising tide and bring you out on the ebb, that you may make a good offing before dawn."
"It cannot be done! I'll not have the risk——"
"You have your commands, I my orders," coldly interrupted the pilot.
"Then I'll execute mine to the letter!"
"And I—we shall see."
He bent low over the binnacle, afterwards glancing swiftly shoreward.
"Keep her away a couple of points. We'll come about presently and fetch the creek on the other tack, just after dark, and with the tide half made."
Long and intently the captain studied the boy's fearless face. Then he began to recall an almost forgotten memory.