But by degrees the distant flickering of the lightning grew nearer, and went on slowly growing brighter, till from time to time, as we leaned over the bulwarks, listening to the faint rushing sound of the river, sweeping past the chain cable, and dividing again upon our sharp bows, we obtained a glimpse of the shore on either side.

Then it glimmered on the black, dirty-looking stream, and left us in greater darkness than ever.
Once we made out our boat quite plainly, and at last there came so vivid a flash that we saw the river upward for quite a mile, and I made out the low shores, but could see no sign of house or vessel moored anywhere near where we lay.
Another hour must have passed, during which we made out that the country on either side was flat and marshy, but we could see no sign of human habitation.

As far as could be made out, the river was about three hundred yards broad, and about this time we became aware that it must be very nearly low tide, for the stream which passed us was growing more and more sluggish, till at last it ceased ebbing, and the _Teaser_ began to swing slowly round, a sufficient indication that the tide had turned.
We had swung to our anchor till we were right across the stream, when from higher up a shot was fired, and, as if caused by the report, a dazzling flash cut right across the heavens, lighting up the river with its muddy sides, and there, not five hundred yards away, we made out two large junks that had come down with the tide, which had now failed them, just as they were close to the mouth.
All had been perfectly silent so far, but as the intense darkness succeeded the brilliant flash, there was a loud gabbling and shouting from the direction of the junks, then came the splashing of great oars, followed by their regular beating, and, as we swung further round with the men hurrying to their quarters, the boat came alongside, and was hoisted.
"Well, Mr Brooke ?" "Two large junks, sir; come down with the tide; they've put about, sir, and are going back." "Sure ?" "Yes, sir, certain.

Hark!" The hissing sound of the tide had recommenced, and above it we could hear the splash, splash of great sweeps, sounding hurried and irregular, as if the men at them were making all the haste they could.

Every now and then, too, came a curious creaking sound, as wood was strained against wood.
"Tide's setting in very hard, sir," said Mr Brooke.
"Yes," said the captain.