Further, the codlings having begun to run in unusual numbers, as is common upon this coast in late autumn, Morris that very morning had taken the boat out to fish for them, an amusement which he proposed to resume on the morrow in the hope of better sport.
Therefore the boat had her sails on board, and was in every way ready for sea.
Why should he not go?
For one reason only that he could suggest.

There was a certain amount of risk in sailing about the Sunk Rocks in a fog, even for a tiny craft like his, for here the currents were very sharp; also, in many places the points of the rocks were only just beneath the surface of the water.

But he knew the dangerous places well enough if he could see them, as he ought to be able to do, for the dawn should break before he arrived.

And, after all, what was a risk more or less in life?
He would go.

He felt impelled--strangely impelled--to go, though of course it was all nonsense, and probably he would be back by nine o'clock, having seen nothing at all.
By this time the injured Mr.Fregelius had sunk into sleep or stupor, doubtless beneath the influence of the second draught which he had administered to him in obedience to the doctor's orders.