There were no signs of life on board.

The boat was anchored some distance from the camp occupied by the boys, but not far out from the shore of the island.

Naturally the houseboat was a little distance from the secret channel.
"Come on, fellows, let's go out and see them," urged Larry enthusiastically.
George gave him a withering look.
"The girls are not yet up.

Can't you see that?
A fine opinion of us they would have, were we to go out there at this hour.

Do you know what time it is ?" "I can't see well enough in the morning to tell the time of day," replied Larry, with a wry twist of his mouth.
"Well, it is a quarter after five." The boys groaned.
"Fine time to get a party of gentlemen out of bed," growled Sam.