Though Hozier knew not what was said, the significance of this pantomime was not lost on him.

The local pilot was afraid of these treacherous waters in the dark, but next day Frade de Francez (which is the islanders' name for the Grand-pere Rock) would surely be explored if a landing could be made.

At a guess, the silent watcher took it that the steersman had declined to make a circuit of the rock until the light was good.
Away bustled the launch, but Hozier did not move until there was no risk of his figure being silhouetted against the sky.

Even then, he wormed his way backward with slow caution.

Iris was crouched where he had left her, wide-eyed, motionless.
"Good job we came here," he said.