However, Jack turned out to be the lucky one, Mr.Pascoe being probably glad to please the first lieutenant by selecting his relation, although that officer would not himself have shown favoritism on his behalf.
It was about eleven o'clock when the "Falcon" approached her former position, or rather to a point a mile seaward of it as nearly as the master could bring her, for the night was extremely dark and the land scarcely visible.

Not a light was shown, not a voice raised on board, and the only sound heard was the gentle splash of the paddles as they revolved at their slowest rate of speed.

The falls had been greased, the rowlocks muffled, and the crew took their places in perfect silence.
"You understand, Mr.Hethcote," were Captain Stuart's last words, "that you are not to attempt a landing if there is the slightest opposition." Very quietly the boats left the "Falcon's" side.

They rowed abreast and close to each other, in order that the first lieutenant could give orders to Mr.Pascoe in a low tone.

The men were ordered to row quietly, and to avoid any splashing or throwing up of water.