Already the port of Hodeida was left on the port quarter. Ahead lay the reefs surrounding the dangerous Hanish Islands. Two miles astern could be discerned the red, green, and white lights of a vessel that was obviously overhauling the _Titania_ hand over fist. "Mail boat--P. & O. most likely," observed Beverley. "We needn't worry about her--she's the overtaking vessel. Shan't be sorry to get clear of the Red Sea. Too many Arab dhows sculling around without lights to my fancy." "Enough to give a Board of Trade examiner a puzzler for the 'Rule of the Road' stunt," remarked Villiers. "Do you remember that white-bearded old buffer? I suppose it was the same fellow who examined you. Tried to catch me out with the 'single red light on my starboard bow', but I tumbled to it just in time. Narrow squeak, though." "I remember him," replied Beverley. "He gave me a regular galaxy of light, and asked what I would do. 'Put my helm hard down and clear out', I told him. 'The best course, too', he agreed." "After knocking about at sea without lights for three years," said Beverley, "it does seem a bit awkward to find yourself up against 'em. Something like that prisoner in the Bastille who asked to be shut up again after he was released. Question of use, I suppose." "Light on the port bow, sir," sung out Merridew. At that distance only a red and a white light were visible, but by the aid of his binoculars Villiers saw the gleam of the starboard light. "Port helm," he ordered. The _Titania_ and the approaching vessel cleared each other easily, but Villiers had little time to pay further attention to her. Ahead were a number of dhows, strung out in an irregular line, practically motionless in the flat calm. "Good heavens, what's that!" ejaculated Bobby. "There's an almighty smash." How it occurred was a mystery, but the fact remained that the overtaking liner and the vessel that had just passed the _Titania_ were in collision. It was one of those instances that have taken place and will take place in the future--unaccountable yet none the less disastrous. In clear weather and in a perfectly calm sea two steamers crashed into each other. Above the noise of grinding steel and the hiss of escaping steam came a clamorous panic-stricken yell from hundreds of throats. "Not British this time," commented Jack, as he ordered the helm to be put hard over and the boats swung out ready for lowering. "Get the searchlights running, Bobby," he added, "and inform the Old Man." But the Old Man was at that moment bounding up the companion-ladder, a conspicuous figure in his white drill uniform. Directly the two brilliant beams of the searchlights were brought into action Harborough took in the situation at a glance.