Thus the novel opens and closes in wartime Britain, and opens and closes with the landing of a V-2 rocket.

"I reckoned it would be dark before we closed with the land," he continued, so low that I had to strain my hearing near as we were to each other, shoulder touch- ing shoulder almost.

The frigate will stand off and on to windward of Cape Mola, having sent them in, and close with the land at dawn under French colours, remaining out of gunshot, however; I hope to join her at that time or during the course of the day.