On the starboard side were the lights of a large town, but the opposite shore was somber and vague.
"Are we going to land at once, in a small boat ?" said Iris timidly.
"I fancy there is a new move on foot.

A gunboat is moored half a mile down stream.

You missed her because your back was turned.

She has steam up, and could slip her cables in a minute.

They saw her from the bridge, of course, but I did not report her, as there was a chance that my hail might be heard, and we came in so confidently that we are looked on as a local trader.