The cable to the rock was led through a ring at the stern and carried forward to the windlass.

By the time the tide had begun to rise again they had got the hull free of water, taking turns at the hand-pump and operating the bilge-pump at the same time.

Then they waited to see how well they had succeeded at their caulking.

It was noon by that time, and they ate cold rations in the galley, and while they were below a transient gleam of sunlight shone for an instant through the hatch above and they tumbled to deck.

The fine rain had almost ceased and although the sunlight was gone again, the clouds were breaking.