9 p.m.
On the other hand , however , time was of the utmost importance ; George had only five days left him in which to reach Plymouth , if he was to avail himself of the protection of convoy ; so , after discussing the question with Mr Bowen , and carefully weighing it in his own mind , he finally decided to keep the ship moving , and to trust to fortune and a good lookout . The _ Aurora _ accordingly proceeded , stretching over as far as mid-channel , when she went about ; and on drawing in with the land again Leicester had the satisfaction of seeing that she would handsomely weather Beachy Head , which she did , tacking close in under the land about breakfast-time on the day following her departure from London . At 2 p.m. , being at the time rather nearer to the French than to the English coast , George tacked again , in order to close the English shore toward nightfall . At 9 p.m. , being abreast of Littlehampton , and about eight miles off the shore , the _ Aurora _ went about once more , and stood over towards France , close-hauled on the starboard tack . The weather had cleared somewhat , the sun breaking through the clouds as the afternoon wore on , and flooding the whole western sky with splendour as he sank to rest . One by one , as the golden glory of the west faded into sober grey , the stars shone out , peeping shyly down upon the world from the softly dappled sky , and there was every prospect of its being a fine night in the Channel . George accordingly gave instructions for the ship to continue on the same tack until midnight , when she was to be hove about once more .