Rain fell so fast during the forenoon that it had the effect of fog and made firing impossible. The elevation party went to the _Pathshire_ for lunch, and, the rain having by then ceased, returned in the afternoon to the tug. The target was towed by a wire hawser, which was intended to ride from side to side over the great hoop-shaped girders with which the tug was fitted. It had been found, however, that if the wire were given free play, instead of passing evenly over the riding-hoops as the tug altered course and the target shifted from one quarter to the other, it held up momentarily in the centre, swung across at high speed, and was thus subjected continually to sudden stresses that threatened to break it. To prevent this, the wire was secured by port and starboard steadying-lines, and, no longer free to travel over the riding-hoops, was kept rigidly amidships. This arrangement was itself dangerous, and the tug’s crew were warned that in no circumstances were they to go aft of the point of attachment of the steadying lines. When the elevation party reached the tug there was still some time before the firing was due to begin and they spent it with the lieutenant in command--whom Ordith knew as Toby--sitting in deck-chairs and smoking cigarettes. The sun had broken through a stormy sky, so that there was golden lace on the rim of each dark hollow in the sea, and the rigging was fringed with glistening drops that, as the vessel rolled, fell in showers on to the deck. Presently the “Preparative” was hoisted by the flagship. “Time to begin,” said Ordith, and stretched himself. “Everything ready, Lynwood--paper, pencil, stop-watch? We’d better be moving aft.” “There’s plenty of time,” said Toby, “time to finish your cigarettes.” Ordith drew slowly at his, and watched the smoke swept aft on the wind. Like a cat he lay contented in the sun. “I’m not keen on you fellows sitting aft of those steadying lines,” Toby said. “If one of them parts, the wire will move like--like the blade of a guillotine.” “I confess the position is not one I should have chosen,” Ordith answered. “But where else can we work the Rake? I don’t want my valuable head removed.” “I think it might be possible--God! there goes the tow!” Toby sprang up as a tremor passed through the tug. No sound had been audible. John, who had caught a glimpse of Toby’s suddenly white face, moved to follow him. Cunwell, too, was on his feet. “Unnecessary panic,” said Ordith. “It’s only one of his damned steadying lines.” The Engine-room telegraph had clanged, and, the engines being stopped, the tug rolled heavily. Through the silence came a voice that contained a suggestion of doubt: “Man overboard!” Then a moment later, loud and clear: “Man overboard!” Toby, whom they could not see, shouted: “Away lifeboat’s crew--no, not all of you--blast your eyes!... Make a signal to Flag for boats and doctor. Keep a look-out from the bridge.... Find out who’s missing, Hogge.”