"How far can we see, do you think, Watkins?"
"Perhaps a couple of miles, sir."
"That will be enough. I think we both know the position of every
reef to within a hundred yards, so we will shape our course for
Guernsey. If we happen to hit it off, we can hold on to St. Helier,
but if when we think we ought to be within sight of Guernsey we
see nothing of it, we must lie to again, till the storm has blown
itself out or the clouds lift. It would never do to go groping our
way along with such currents as run among the islands. Put the last
reef in the trysail before you hoist it. I think you had better
get the foresail down altogether, and run up the spitfire jib."
The Seabird was soon under way again.
"Now, Watkins, you take the helm; we will go down and have a cup
of hot coffee, and I will see that the steward has a good supply
for you and the hands; but first, do you take the helm, Jack, whilst
Watkins and I have a look at the chart, and try and work out where
we are, and the course we had better lie for Guernsey."
Five minutes were spent over the chart, then Watkins went above
and Jack Harvey came below.
"You have got the coffee ready, I hope, Johnson?"
"Yes, sir, coffee and chocolate. I didn't know which you would
like.
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