A man with his liver in such a state might very well have seen a floating spark in the corner of his eye when stealing a hurried glance over his shoulder.

They had seen no light of any sort though they were well within range, and they could only explain this in one way: the ship had gone down.

It was obvious and comforting.

The foreseen fact coming so swiftly had justified their haste.

No wonder they did not cast about for any other explanation.