They stopped alongside a little white buoy which floated on the water.

The buoy was attached to a rope; that again to a chain.

A mat was folded over the side of the boat and the chain drawn cautiously in and coiled without noise.

Hillyard saw the two men who were hauling it in bend suddenly at their work and heave with a greater effort.
"It is coming," said one of them, and the man at the tiller went forward to help them.

Hillyard leaned over the side of the heavy boat and stared down into the water.