Giving the word to the mate, the first half-dozen men were called up, and a couple of sails made ready for hoisting, so as to give steerage way, and the motions of the dimly-seen barque were watched.
“I don’t want her to run foul of us,” said the captain, “for if she did, I should be ready to swear that it was one of the Cuban’s plans.”
“Hardly,” replied Mr Parkley. “If any fresh hindrance is to come to us, it will be from the shore. If you take my advice, you will not let a boat approach the ship to-night.”
“I don’t mean to,” said the captain. “All right, she’ll give us a pretty good wide berth. Hallo! What’s that?” he said, crossing over to port.
“Boat from the shore, sir,” said one of the men; and at the same moment came a hail out of the darkness.
“Ahoy there! Heave us a rope.”
Oakum stepped forward, and was about to cast a rope down, when the captain stayed him.
“What is it?” he said sharply. “Keep off, or you may have something through your planks;” and as he spoke he peered down into the boat. “Here, Jones, keep a sharp look-out on the other side, and see that no boat comes up.”
“Is that Captain Studwick?” said a woman’s voice.
“Yes, and what then?” said the captain. “Now, it won’t do. The trick’s too clear. How many have you in that boat?”