he knowledge that their
drift was little more than half a knot. Yet every two hours they would
be drifting a mile farther from shore, unless their plight were
observed by passing vessels.

By this time the sea was running high. At one moment the whaler would
be tossing high upon the rounded crest of a wave, with the other boat
deep in the trough. At the next, nothing was to be seen from the
whaler save an incline of green water and a canopy of dark-grey sky.
On either side the crests were white with foam, yet, thanks to the
sea-anchor, hardly a drop of water was taken in over the boats'
gunwales.

The men sat in silence, turning their backs to the keen wind. A few
who had tobacco smoked. Those who had not were glad to chew the small
quantity given them by their more fortunate comrades. As for Ross and
Vernon, they were glad to doze, lying on the damp bottom-boards with
their heads pillowed on their arms.

Ross was almost asleep when he was aroused by one of the men announcing
that a vessel was in sight. At the prospect of rescue, all hands were
alert. The man was right, for, as the whaler rose on the crests of the
waves, a dark, grey shape could be discerned through the mirk at a
distance of about a couple of miles.

Quickly the shape resolved itself into a large four-funnelled cruiser
pelting down-Channel at full speed. Unless she altered her course she
would pass within a hundred yards of the boats.

"Lash a shirt to the boat-hook, lads!" ordered Ross.

A few moments of intense anxiety followed. Then a groan of
disappointment rose from the men as the cruiser ported helm.

She was then a couple of miles to windward. The smoke from her funnels
drifted around the boats, making it impossible for the derelict men to
see what she was doing, until the evil-smelling haze dispersed, showing
the cruiser less than two cables' length away and bearing down towards
them.

From her after bridge a seaman was semaphoring vigorously.

"Will slow down to windward of you," read the message.

"Oars, lads!" ordered Ross.

The bowman of each boat promptly cut the painter. With renewed spirit
the rowers bent to their work, and soon the boats were alongside and
under the lee of H.M.S. _Oxford_, armoured cruiser of the County class.

By the aid of bowlines the rescued men were quickly hauled over the
side. Without delay the _Capella's_ boats were cut adrift, and the
cruiser proceeded on her way.

CHAPTER XXI