"We'll soon know," I retorted, and twitched the rope which dangled by the rudder-post.
"Who is there?" challenged my great-uncle, instantly alert.
"Robert," I whispered back, and commenced to climb.
Both Murray and O'Donnell—the latter for the time being stirred out of his habitual gloom—assisted me over the window-sill, and it affected me oddly to note my great-uncle's unconcern for the water I dripped on his silken coat.
"You ha' suffered no hurt?" he asked eagerly.
"No, no," I answered. "Make haste to help Peter up. They are coming against us with the making of the ebb."
He was betwixt me and the window, and I could see the faint smile of satisfaction on his face.
"'Tis what was to be expected of them," he remarked. "We must improve our watch. 'Tis no compliment to our people that they failed to suspect aught of your going and coming."
Peter squattered into the cabin like an enormous toad.
"Oof!" he squeaked. "I haf bubbles under my skin. We haf a fight tonight, Murray, ja?"