Then the spinning cranks stopped altogether and for a minute or two there was a strange quietness.

One heard the wind, and water splashed in the bilges.
Lister got the signal _Ahead slow_, and when he restarted his engines ran up the ladder.

He could trust the man he left, and wanted to see what was happening.

It was a moment or two before he could satisfy his curiosity, and then a bright beam illuminated the tug and angry water.
Brown was burning a blue-light while _Terrier_ crept up to the hulk.

He meant to pass the fresh hawser, but could not launch a boat, and Lister doubted if the men on the hulk could heave the heavy wire rope on board.
Although one must get near to throw a line, it looked as if Brown were going alongside.
Two dark figures, crouched on _Terrier's_ rail like animals ready to spring, cut against the blaze.