“But he may have got hold of the buoy, sir,” observed Mr Collinson.
“True! If he has, I wish we could see him. I do not like to give him up.”
Another five minutes passed. Again the captain looked at his watch. The time had appeared an age to him, as it had to most on board. He took another turn on deck, and then looked out once more.
“Does nobody see him?” he asked; and there was sorrow and regret in his tone.
There was no answer. The silence was very sad. Once more he returned to the lamp.
“Half an hour has passed,” he observed to Mr Barker. “I am afraid the matter is hopeless.”
“I am afraid so too,” answered the lieutenant, who was a kind-hearted man.
“It must be done!” he said. “Hands, wear ship!” he shouted out, in a startling voice, evidently giving the order with no good will.
The men were hurrying to their stations to obey it, when Grimshaw shouted out:—
“I heard a voice. It’s Bill! It’s Bill! Away to windward there!”