He had heard all about Captain Hervey in connection with the mummy, and thought that he would like to ask that sailor a few leading questions.
"And if I see fit I shall detain him until the inquest is over," said Date, which was mere bluff, as the inspector had no warrant to stop The Firefly or arrest her skipper.
The three men therefore were joined by Date, when they came along the cinder path abreast of the cottage, and the quartette proceeded further immediately, walking amongst the bents and grasses to the rude old wooden jetty, near which Hervey intended to stop his ship.

The night was quite clear of fog, strange to say, considering the late sea-mist; but a strong wind had been blowing all day and the fog-wreaths were entirely dispersed.

A full moon rode amongst a galaxy of stars, which twinkled like diamonds.

The air was frosty, and their feet scrunched the earth and grasses and coarse herbage under foot, as they made rapidly for the embankment.
When they reached the top they could see the jetty clearly almost below their feet, and in the distance the glittering lights of Pierside.

Vague forms of vessels at anchor loomed on the water, and there was a stream of light where the moon made a pathway of silver.