It was evident that he would not make the French coast before dark, and he expressed his determination to push on all night if necessary.

The wind and sea were both rising, promising a bad night.

It would be impossible to follow him in the darkness and fog.

He would inevitably be lost and if he should miss Cape Grisnez, he would be carried up into the North Sea.

At length, towards six o'clock, the pilot declared that he would not be responsible for the safety of the ship, so near the coast in the darkness and fog.