"Why, it is me, what do you want?" said Lennox.
"Nothing particular, sir, only there are people on the water close to, ahead of us—take care they do not make free with the buoy."
"Hail them then, Williams, and tell them, if they don't keep off, that we will fire at them."
"I have hailed them twice, sir, but they give no answer."
We all went forward. For some time I could neither see nor hear any thing. At length I thought I heard low voices, and the dip of an oar now and then. Presently I distinctly saw white sparkles in the dark calm water, towards the mouth of the bay, as of a boat keeping her station on guard. By and by, we heard indications of life on the larboard bow also.
"Why, we are beset, Lennox, my boy, as sure as fate," said I.
"What boats are those?"
No answer.
"If you don't speak I will fire at you."
A low suppressed laugh followed this threat, and we heard, as plain as if we had been alongside of the strangers, three or four sharp clicks, like the cocking of strong musket locks.