But their nerves were tuned to so high a pitch, and they felt so powerfully the presence of danger, that they could not rest, nor did they have any desire for sleep.
The boat in which they sat was a good one, with two pairs of oars.

It had been detailed for their service, and they decided to pull up the river.

They thought it possible that they might see the advance of the enemy and bring news worth the telling.

Long Jim and Tom Ross took the oars, and their powerful arms sent the boat swiftly along in the shadow of the western bank.

Henry and Paul looked back and saw dim lights at the fort and a few on either shore.