I could hear now that they cried to the ship that we had their boat--that we were Irish knaves who had stolen it and all that was in it.

It is quite likely that they honestly thought us such, but never wondered why Irishry should seek refuge with these ships.
Now the leading vessel was close on us.

I could hear the hum of the wind in her broad sail and rigging, and the wash of the waves round her sharp bows.

Then a tall young man came and looked at us from her high foredeck, and lifted his hand.

The ship luffed and waited for us.