One of the Frenchmen is giving instructions, as I can tell by his tone of command, and I think the canoes are going to spread out more.

Yes, they are moving away to both right and left.

They must feel sure that we are here somewhere in the fog, trying to get by them, but the big canoe with the Frenchmen in it keeps its place.

Bear a little to the left, Dagaeoga, and we can pass it unseen." It was the most delicate of tasks to paddle the canoe, and cause scarcely a ripple in the water, but they were so skillful they were able to do it, and make no sound that Robert himself could hear.
Although his nerves were steady his excitement was intense.

A situation so extraordinary put every power of his imagination into play.