It was a longer row than they had expected, and it was evident that the master, deceived by the uncertain light, had brought the vessel up at a point considerably farther from the shore than he had intended.

As they got well in the bay they could see no lights in the village ahead; but an occasional gleam near the points at either side showed that the men in the batteries were awake and active.

As the boat neared the shore the men rowed, according to the first lieutenant's orders, more and more gently, and at last, when the line of beach ahead became distinctly visible, the order was given to lie upon their oars.

All listened intently, and then Mr.Hethcote put on his helm so that the boat which had still some way on it drifted even closer to the launch.
"Do you hear anything, Mr.Pascoe ?" "I don't know, sir.

I don't seem to make out any distinct sound, but there certainly appears to be some sort of murmur in the air." "So I think, too." Again they listened.
"I don't know, sir," Jack whispered in Mr.Pascoe's ear, "but I fancy that at times I see a faint light right along behind those trees.