nearly five o'clock in the afternoon
No attempt was made to preserve secrecy as to the yacht 's movements ; nor , on the other hand , were the preparations for her departure ostentatiously displayed . Soon after eight o'clock in the morning a thin film of smoke was seen to issue from the vessel 's funnel , gradually increasing in density , and it became quite apparent to all who chose to interest themselves in the matter that the _ Thetis _ was getting up steam in readiness to take her departure . And that she intended to leave almost immediately was further indicated by the arrival alongside her of a boat containing fresh water , and other boats containing fresh meat , vegetables , fruit , and supplies generally . But there were no signs of hurry on board the vessel : everything was done openly and leisurely , as is the way of people who are taking their pleasure ; and it was not until nearly five o'clock in the afternoon that the boats were hoisted to the davits , and a thin jet of steam spouting from the bows of the vessel proclaimed that her crew were getting her anchor . And when at length Perkins , the chief mate , standing in the bows of the vessel , vociferously announced that the anchor was aweigh , there was no sign of haste or anxiety in the slow , leisurely movement of the yacht as she swept round in a wide circle from the spot where she had lain at anchor , and headed seaward by way of the West Channel , dipping her ensign to the men-o ' - war in the roadstead as she went , while her crew catted and fished the anchor on its appearance above the surface . Then , and not until then , did the _ Thetis _ quicken , until she was running at a speed of about fourteen knots . The yacht had been under way about half an hour when Jack , who with the two Montijos and Milsom was on the top of the deck-house , diligently watching the roadstead which they had just left , exclaimed : `` Here she comes ! ''