"
Launce opened his lips to reply. An outbreak between the two men
appeared to be inevitable, when the sailing-master of the yacht joined
his employer on deck, and directed Turlington's attention to a question
which is never to be trifled with at sea, the question of wind and tide.
The yacht was then in the Bristol Channel, at the entrance to Bideford
Bay. The breeze, fast freshening, was also fast changing the direction
from which it blew. The favorable tide had barely three hours more to
run.
"The wind's shifting, sir," said the sailing-master. "I'm afraid we
shan't get round the point this tide, unless we lay her off on the other
tack."
Turlington shook his head.
"There are letters waiting for me at Bideford," he said. "We have lost
two days in the calm. I must send ashore to the post-office, whether we
lose the tide or not."
The vessel held on her course. Off the port of Bideford, the boat was
sent ashore to the post-office, the yacht standing off and on, waiting
the appearance of the letters. In the shortest time in which it was
possible to bring them on board the letters were in Turlington's hands.
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