Captain Nugent took his breath sharply and began to realize the situation. He stepped to the side and looked over; the harbour was only a little way astern, and Sunwich itself, looking cold and cheerless beyond the dirty, tumbling seas, little more than a mile distant.
At the sight his spirits revived, and with a hoarse cry he ran shouting towards the bridge. Captain Hardy turned sharply at the noise, and recognizing the intruder stood peering down at him in undisguised amazement.
“Put back,” cried Nugent, waving up at him. “Put back.”
“What on earth are you doing on my ship?” inquired the astonished Hardy.
“Put me ashore,” cried Nugent, imperiously; “don't waste time talking. D'ye hear? Put me ashore.”
The amazement died out of Hardy's face and gave way to an expression of anger. For a time he regarded the red and threatening visage of Captain Nugent in silence, then he turned to the second officer.
“This man is not one of the crew, Mr. Prowle?” he said, in a puzzled voice.