They did not practise the shooting, for this would have made secrecy impossible.

It was reported all along the Turkish frontier that the Sultan's troops were being massed, and though this was not on a war footing, the movement was more or less dangerous.

The reports of our own spies, although vague as to the purpose and extent of the movement, were definite as to something being on foot.

And Turkey does not do something without a purpose that bodes ill to someone.

Certainly the sound of cannon, which is a far-reaching sound, would have given them warning of our preparations, and would so have sadly minimized their effectiveness.
When the cannon had all been disposed of--except, of course, those destined for defence of the Castle or to be stored there--Rooke went away with the ship and crew.