Rooke himself went aft to the wheel-house, taking several men with him.
When we were quite near the rocks--the water is so deep here that there is no danger--we slowed down, merely drifting along southwards towards the port.

I was myself on the bridge, and could see all over the decks.
I could also see preparations going on upon the warship.

Ports were opened, and the great guns on the turrets were lowered for action.

When we were starboard broadside on to the warship, I saw the port side of the steering-house open, and Rooke's men sliding out what looked like a huge grey crab, which by tackle from within the wheel-house was lowered softly into the sea.

The position of the yacht hid the operation from sight of the warship.