He took a match and lit it and looked at the little compass, moving it round until the line marked at one side of it was opposite the dark end of the needle. That showed him where the north was. Happily, it was just where he had expected it to be. He pulled Swallow round and lit another match and had another look at the compass to make sure. Then he began rowing again, taking Swallow northwards up the lake.
“This isn’t proper compass steering,” he said. “We ought to have the compass fixed and a light shining on it all the time. What we really need is an electric torch. I wish I’d thought of getting one for a birthday present. Anyhow, all hands keep a lookout and sing out, anybody, as soon as our lanterns show.”
A minute or two later Titty saw them, flickering among the trees and then disappearing again as they were hidden by the big rocks south of the island.
John paddled slowly on.
“There they are again,” said Susan.
“Close together,” said Titty.
John turned round from his rowing and had a good look at the two small stars twinkling over the water.
“Right,” he said, and then, remembering Captain Nancy, “Now, I’m going to do nothing but row if you’ll keep your eyes on the lights.”
“We can’t see anything else, anyhow,” said Titty.
“Are they still close together?” asked John.
“Fairly close,” said Susan.
“Which light is which side of which?” said John.