The ship was lying at anchor in a bay.

The shores were low, and a group of houses stood abreast of where the ship was anchored.

By their appearance Francis saw at once that he was on the coast of Africa, or of some island near it.
The prisoners were ordered to descend into the boats which lay alongside, some sailors taking their places with them.

Ruggiero was not at first to be seen, but just as Francis was preparing to take his place in the boat, he came out from the cabin.

One of his arms was in a sling, and his head bandaged.
"Take special care of that prisoner," he said to the men.