When our friends reached the side of the yacht, the sailors were already there, at least those on deck; and some signal must have been given below as the boats approached, for the watch off duty was tumbling out quite ignorant as to what might be required of them, but ready, like all seamen of their nationality to do their duty with vigor.
"Hold off—our orders are not to receive visitors after ten o'clock!" cried Beven, as he saw Shackelford rise to his feet.
"We mean to come aboard," said that worthy.
"Then you go back quicker than you come."
"Beven, I am surprised."
"At what?"
"Your deceiving us."
"Nonsense, my visit was in good faith."
"You came with a secret object in view—you kept us engaged below while your confederate examined our vessel."