"Now is our time," said Dory, as he seated himself in the boat, and got the oars ready for use.
"Shall I take an oar?"
"That will be the better way. When those on board see the boat coming, they will think it is their two companions, and they will wonder what has become of Angy," continued Dory.
"But if the fellows on shore see us, they will spoil your little arrangement," suggested the instructor.
"But they won't see us. How can they see us when they are a quarter of a mile off in the woods?" argued Dory.
Both of the rowers gave way, and the boat advanced towards the La Motte. As soon as the two on board of her saw the tender, they left their places on the taffrail, and went into the waist, where they could obtain a better view of the boat. It would be an easy thing for them to recognize the tender, for, like the schooner itself, it was painted green.
"I am afraid they will recognize us," said Dory, "or fail to recognize their companions, which amounts to the same thing. I am going to take my coat off, and tie a handkerchief on my head; and you had better do the same. It will be some disguise."
This change was made in the appearance of the rowers, and they resumed their oars. The sea was still heavy enough to require both skill and strength in handling the boat; but Dory was an expert, and they made good progress towards the La Motte. The fact that there were only two in the boat was likely to excite the suspicion of those on board of the schooner.
"Where is Angy?" shouted one of them, as soon as the boat came within hail of the vessel.
Dory did not consider it prudent to answer this question; for his voice was likely to betray him, or at least to assure the burglars that the speaker was not one of their number. He had been with them for some time, though he had been silent.