It looked as if she had crossed the shoal and Lister let go the wheel and got his breath.

He had used no effort, but he gasped and his hand shook.
The gong signaled _half-speed_, and when he slowed his engines the roar of escaping steam pierced the turmoil of the surf.

This was significant, because he could not have heard the steam a few minutes earlier.
_Terrier_ rolled, but the rolling was not violent and began to get easy.
The gong signaled _stand by, stop_; he shut the valve and presently heard the anchor plunge and the rattle of running chain.

Then _Terrier_ swung languidly and all was quiet but for the monotonous rumble in the background.

Lister gave some orders and went to his room.
In the morning, he put a greasy jacket over his pajamas and went on deck.