"Not yet, Miss Robertson. By-and-by, perhaps. We have more work before us, and are only resting. Steward!"
He came from behind the companion, where I think he had fallen asleep.
"Yes, Mr. Royle, sir."
"Cut below and mix all hands a jug of brandy-and-water, and bring some biscuits. Here, bo'sun, is some tobacco. Smoke a pipe. Fire away, Cornish. It's more soothing than sleep, mates."
"The lightning's growin' rayther powerful," said the boatswain, looking astern as he loaded his pipe.
"Don't it look as if it wur settin' away to the eastards?" exclaimed Cornish.
"No," I replied, watching the lurid gleams lighting up the piled-up clouds. "It's coming after us dead on end, though slowly enough."
I pulled out my watch and held it close to the binnacle.
"Half-past two!" I cried, amazed at the passage of time. "Upon my word, I didn't think it was twelve o'clock yet. Miss Robertson, I know I cannot induce you to go below; but you must allow me to relieve you for a spell at the wheel. I can sit and steer as well as you. You'll find this grating comfortable."
Saying which I pulled out some flags from the locker, made a kind of cushion for her back, and I then took her chair, keeping the wheel steady with my foot.