Funnels, bridge, and masts swung with a rhythmical motion; loose gear rattled, and every now and then a distant tinkle sounded faintly from the steward's pantry.
He stood bewildered, trying to piece together the events of the preceding night, and to try and understand by what miracle he was back on board his old ship the _Conqueror_.

There was no doubt as to her identity.

He knew every inch of her, and any further confirmation that might be required was fully supplied by the appearance of the long, lean figure of Captain Hardy on the bridge.
Captain Nugent took his breath sharply and began to realize the situation.

He stepped to the side and looked over; the harbour was only a little way astern, and Sunwich itself, looking cold and cheerless beyond the dirty, tumbling seas, little more than a mile distant.
At the sight his spirits revived, and with a hoarse cry he ran shouting towards the bridge.

Captain Hardy turned sharply at the noise, and recognizing the intruder stood peering down at him in undisguised amazement.
[Illustration: "He stepped to the side and looked over."] "Put back," cried Nugent, waving up at him.