The mate arranged the tiller lines, and then looked about him.
He directed his gaze towards the north, and seemed to be trying to find some object or point.

He satisfied himself in some manner, and then resumed his seat, from which he had risen in order to obtain a better view over the waves.

The passenger had watched him closely, and found that his vision had been directed towards the rocks awash and the East Isaac rock.

Towards these objects he steered the boat.

The Chateaugay was at least three miles to the eastward of these rocks.
Christy watched the course of the boat long enough to satisfy himself that it was headed for the rocks, which were awash at high tide, though they now looked like a minute island.