The sinking of the vessels, and the tearing up of the water by the shot, would render the surface disturbed and broken, and decrease the chances of the floating hatch attracting attention.

After ten minutes had passed he felt certain that they must be below the point where the troops were assembled.
The tide was running out strong, for the time for the massacre had been fixed at an hour which would ensure the bodies being swept down to sea.

Half an hour would, he thought, take them past the bend, where their friends would be waiting for them.

The time seemed endless, for although Harry felt the coldness of the water but little for himself, he knew that it must be trying indeed for Jeanne.

As far as he could see her face it was as white as her sister's; but he had hold of one of her hands now, and knew that she was still conscious.
At last he heard the sound of oars.