The Britisher was distant a mile, the three vessels forming a triangle.
Bob swam to the war ship, and waited to make sure he was not discovered.
He caught hold of the chains and climbed up until he could see the deck.
So silently did he move that not one of the men on deck heard him.
He crawled along in the shadows, waited in hiding until the watch passed, and then moved on again.
Bob knew more about a man-of-war than many a commodore, and his steps were guided by his instinctive knowledge.
He stood examining a gun which was longer than any he had ever seen, and his curiosity betrayed him.
One of the officers of the watch saw him.
Bob knew it, but was not afraid.
He turned quickly and seized the astonished officer by the throat.