It would be a dark night with that cloud shutting out the sky, with probably not a shore light visible.

Then I climbed the companion stairs to take a survey of the deck.

As the cabin lights had none of them been lit, I could stand in the shadow of the hood without fear of being seen, and my eyes, accustomed to the slow approach of darkness, could see fairly well.

No attempt had been made to spread sail, although doubtless a closely reefed jib helped to steady the vessel, which was advancing steadily under medium engine power.

Quietness, and secrecy was clearly the aim sought, for the stacks discharged only a faint haze of smoke, instantly disappearing into the cloud mass above, while the sound of the revolving screws was scarcely discernible.
Nevertheless we were slipping through the water at fair rate of speed, leaving a very perceptible wake astern.