In the East, water and sky faded to dusky blue, but presently a faint light began to blink as if it beckoned.

The light got brighter and gradually drew abeam.

The foaming wake glimmered lividly in the dark, the beat of screws seemed quicker, and Lister thought the ship was carried forward by a stream of tide.
Other lights began to blink.

They stole out of the dark, got bright, and vanished, and Lister, leaning on the rails, felt they called him on.

One knew them by their colors and measured flashes.