Now, remember, keep an eye open to everything that goes on up the river.

Never mind the Speedwell and Champion--let them go where they please; but, if you see the Alert, why, you know what to do." And Charles and his attendant pulled back up the river.
"Now, Ben," said Frank, "we've heard enough to know that we have fooled them nicely; so let's go back." This, however, was no easy undertaking.

The way to their boat lay through bushes that could scarcely be penetrated, even in the day-time.

The coast-guards were anchored close by the shore, and the slightest noise would arouse their suspicions.
Frank led the way on his hands and knees, carefully choosing his ground, and they, at length, succeeded in reaching their boat, without disturbing the coast-guards.
A few moments' pulling brought them alongside Mr.Butler's wharf, where they found the others waiting for them.
"What news ?" inquired George, as they clambered up out of the boat.
Frank explained, in a few words, the position of the squadron at the mouth of Ducks' Creek, as well as the conversation they had overheard, and also inquired of George the result of his observations.
"It was too dark to see much," he answered; "but we could plainly hear them taking their positions opposite the mouth of the creek.

It will be hard work to get through them, I tell you." "How are you going to work it, Frank ?" inquired Ben.
"I'll tell you what I thought of doing," he answered "By the way Charley Sheldon spoke, I should judge that he expects to see the Alert start from Glen's Creek; so, I think, it would be a good plan, as soon as the breeze springs up, to have the Champion and Alert drop down Ducks' Creek, and let the former run out and start for the island.
The coast-guards will not give chase, of course, but will think it is only a ruse of ours to make them believe that the Alert is going to start from the same place, and that will make them watch Glen's Creek closer than ever, and the Alert will have a chance to get a good start before they can hoist their sails, and, while they are after her, Ben and I will run out and land our goods." "That's the way to do it," said William, approvingly.