As Ranulph had surmised, the ship was the Narcissus, and its first lieutenant was Philip d'Avranche.

The night before, orders had reached the vessel from the Admiralty that soundings were to be taken at the Ecrehos.

The captain had at once made inquiries for a pilot, and Jean Touzel was commended to him.

A messenger sent to Jean found that he had already gone to the Ecrehos.

The captain had then set sail, and now, under Jean's skilful pilotage, the Narcissus twisted and crept through the teeth of the rocks at the entrance, and slowly into the cove, reefs on either side gaping and girding at her, her keel all but scraping the serrated granite beneath.