For once, the true had outrivaled the fabulous.
The steamer crept on lazily, and Iris fancied the hour must be nearer five o'clock than two when she heard Hozier's voice ring out clearly: "Buoy on the port bow!" There was a movement among the dim figures on the bridge.

A minute later Hozier cried again: "Buoy on the starboard bow!" She understood then that they were in a marked channel.

Already the road was narrowing.

Soon they would be ashore.

At last Hozier came.
He saw her as he jumped down from the forecastle deck.
"Why are you here, Iris ?" was all he said.