At a given signal the boats put off towards the doomed ship, which had been suddenly becalmed opposite the smugglers’ cave.
It could just be seen through the thick fog, and Sea-hawk was delighted with the prospect of its speedy capture.
“We’ll make short work of it,” said the chief to Tim, in a jolly tone.
“I believe you,” Tim replied, in a soft voice, with a ghastly attempt at a smile.
Onwards the boats’ crews rowed in dead silence.
In a short time they came within full view of the dark sides of the vessel, as, like an ominous object, it loomed out through the dense mists.
The first three boats had got round to the other side of the vessel, and were waiting for Sea-hawk’s signal.
This was soon given.
With a loud shout the smugglers’ boats pulled towards the vessel.
“Let one man remain with each boat,” said the chief, “while all the rest board the craft.”