It occurred to me that they would be more apt to take a course well in toward shore, anticipating I would endeavor to reach the protection of the coast under cover of darkness.
Someone would discover the loss of the tell-tale compass, which would naturally confirm that suspicion.

Convinced of this I steered more to the eastward, feeling of the face of the compass again to assure myself of the direction.

I found even this small change an advantage in more ways than one, as the boat moved steadier, and I was able to spread a larger amount of canvas.

Lashing the tiller, I crept forward and shook out an additional reef, hauling the ropes taut.

By this time the wind had steadied into a brisk breeze, and the rain had ceased.