By the captain's orders strict silence was observed on board the ship, and every eye was strained ahead on the lookout for the pirate vessel.
Presently, all became aware of a confused noise, apparently coming from the land, but at some distance ahead.

As they got further on, distant shouts and cries were heard.
"I fancy," the governor said to the captain, "the band from the town have met the pirates, and the latter are retreating to their ship." "Then the ship can't be far off," the captain said.

"Daylight is beginning to break in the east, and we shall soon be able to make her out against the sky--that is, if she is still lying at anchor." On getting round the next point, the vessel was distinctly visible.

The shouting on the shore was now plainly heard, and there could be no doubt that a desperate fight was going on there.

It seemed to be close to the water's edge.
"There is a boat rowing off to the ship," one of the sailors said.
"Then get out your oars again.