But when you get near enough to see both of them, you can land where you think best," Christy explained.
The boat's crew had already lowered the first cutter into the water.

The oars were muffled, for the chances were that no one in the vicinity of the plantation had discovered the presence of the Bronx, and it was not advisable to alarm the people.

Vincent acted as cockswain of the boat, while the Russian, as most of the officers and men insisted upon calling him, was seated in the stern sheets with the third lieutenant.

The eight men at the oars formed the rest of the crew.
"I don't believe you will find many hands down here, Mr.Pennant," said Mike in a whisper.
"What do you mean by hands ?" asked the officer.
"Laborers, niggers," replied the Russian.
"Why not ?" "I expect they have sent all the strong ones up to work on the fortifications." "Shall we find no one at the negro quarters ?" asked the lieutenant with interest.
"Only the women and the old hands, too old to do much work." "Can you make out where you are, Mike ?" inquired Mr.Pennant, after about half a mile had been made.
"I can just see the fort and the big house.

It is not so very dark to-night," answered the Russian.
The course was believed to be correct for the point indicated by the captain, and in less than half an hour the boat grounded; but the shore was bold enough to enable the men to land.