As it was, Phips had to work the thing out according to his own lights.

One afternoon, when Gering was away with the canoes on the long search, the crisis came.

It was a day when life seemed to stand still; a creamy haze ingrained with delicate blue had settled on land and sea; the long white rollers slowly travelled over the Boilers, and the sea rocked like a great cradle.
Indefiniteness of thought, of time, of event, seemed over all; on board the two ships life swung idly as a hammock; but only so in appearance.
Phips was leaning against the deck-house, watching through his glass the search-canoes.

Presently he turned and walked aft.

As he did so the surgeon and the chief mate came running towards him.