2 a.m.
Between , the shallow expanse of sea was already beginning to shrink away into lagoons , chief among which was the narrow passage by which we had approached from the east . This continued its course west , directly parallel to the island , and in it , at a distance of half a mile from us , three galliots lay at anchor . Before supper was over the yacht was high and dry , and when we had eaten , Davies loaded himself with cans and breakers . I was for taking my share , but he induced me to stay aboard ; for I was dead tired after an unusually long and trying day , which had begun at 2 a.m. , when , using a precious instalment of east wind , we had started on a complete passage of the sands from the Elbe to the Jade . It was a barely possible feat for a boat of our low speed to perform in only two tides ; and though we just succeeded , it was only by dint of tireless vigilance and severe physical strain . ` Lay out the anchor when you 've had a smoke , ' said Davies , ` and keep an eye on the riding-light ; it 's my only guide back . ' He lowered himself , and I heard the scrunch of his sea-boots as he disappeared in the darkness .