.

Consternation.
The "Eliza"-- that was the name of the coastguard's boat on which our heroes had embarked--was a middling-sized sea-going rowing boat, which, if it was just big enough by a little judicious packing to hold the seven voyagers, could certainly not have accommodated more.
While Gayford, with the dexterity of an experienced bargee, shoved the boat along out of the creek, Bowler took upon himself the care of trimming the "ship," and stowing away all the baggage.
"As soon as we get out," said he, "we'd better lie down on the floor, in case the coastguards see us." "Not much chance of that," replied Gayford.

"They never get up till eight, and by that time we shall be halfway across." "Suppose they spot us and give chase ?" said Wallas.

"What a row we shall get into!" "They've not got a boat, I tell you, and I don't believe there's one they can get either," said Bowler.
"But they're sure to be on the look-out for us when we get back to- night." "Let them.

It'll be dark at six, and we can land in Rocket Bay, you know, and dodge them that way." Bowler was evidently so well up in the arrangements, and had made such a careful study of all the pros and cons of the venture, that every one felt satisfied, and even the somewhat doubtful Wallas desisted from throwing more cold water on the expedition.
It was a raw morning with a little bit of a fog, and a cool breeze right off the land.