"Even now we may be too late.

And if that yacht once sails away from here--" There were signs that the yacht's departure was imminent when they went down to the south quay and came abreast of her.

The lights on the shore were being extinguished; the estate labourers were gone; only two or three sailors were busy with ropes and gear.

And Vickers hurried his little party up a gangway and on to the deck.

A hard-faced, keen-eyed, man, evidently in authority, came forward.
"Are you the captain of this vessel ?" demanded Vickers in tones of authority.