We have a steel hawser ready, but if she breaks the hemp rope she'll probably break the wire." Lister agreed.

The thick hemp rope stretched and absorbed the strain; the wire was less elastic.

They were approaching Carmel Point, and Holyhead was not far, but they must front the gale when they got round the corner.

In the meantime, the engines were running smoothly, and Lister smoked and waited while the sea got worse.

Flashing lights ahead and the violent lurching indicated that they crept round the point.