But the glare on the water made shooting very nearly impossible (Fred's eyes were sore from it); and if we should meet the Germans those remaining cartridges would be our only hope.

But the diversion took us out of sight of land, and that stood us in better stead presently than tons of fresh meat.
Whether the Germans heard us, or were merely quartering that part of the lake in wait, we never knew.

Probably they heard the shooting in the distance and gave chase.

At any rate, within ten minutes of Fred's last wasted shot Coutlass caught sight of smoke and announced the fact with his favorite oath.
"Gassharamminy! The launch!" At first we were all in a stew because there was no land near, where we might have beached the dhow and scattered.

It was an hour before our advantage of position dawned on us, and all the while the launch approached us leisurely.