There would be no one in the midst of this desolate region to interfere with my progress, or be alarmed by any noise I might make.

Close to shore as the _Namur_ lay, no ordinary sound from the land could be heard aboard, even in the silence of night, nor was it likely the crew would be watchful in that direction.
Unquestionably the entire attention of the deck watch at this hour would be concentrated on the expected return of their expedition around the distant point--seeking the glimpse of a white sail above the black water.
To the best of my recollection the bark floated with bow pointing toward the open sea.

The sweep of the current about the point was inshore, making the drift of the vessel strong against the anchor hawser.

This would naturally bring her with broadside to the eastward, from which direction the absent boat must return.

If this proved correct then, in all probability, the deck watch would largely be gathered on that side, even the attention of the officer more or less drawn in that direction.