The log indicated a mean speed of between eight and nine miles.

The Tankadere still carried all sail, and was accomplishing her greatest capacity of speed.

If the wind held as it was, the chances would be in her favour.

During the day she kept along the coast, where the currents were favourable; the coast, irregular in profile, and visible sometimes across the clearings, was at most five miles distant.

The sea was less boisterous, since the wind came off land--a fortunate circumstance for the boat, which would suffer, owing to its small tonnage, by a heavy surge on the sea.
The breeze subsided a little towards noon, and set in from the south-west.