"You stay here. You may be able to see some way of getting us off."
With this he cautiously hurried up the side of the bank, leaving Clif and his companions in the shelter of the bushes below.
With ears alert to any sound by land, they anxiously strained their eyes across the water. Could any way be found to cross the expanse that lay between them and the flagship?
All were silent for many minutes, and then at last the searchlight of the flagship flashed out once more and swept across the waters before it disappeared.
"So near and yet so far," exclaimed Clif. "They are getting impatient for our return."
"If we could signal them," suggested one of the men, "they would send a boat."
"But we have no means of doing that," said Clif. "We can't shout at them, and a pistol shot would not be heard, except by our friends the enemy."
"Perhaps they will send a boat anyhow," persisted the hopeful member of the crew.
"Perhaps," assented Clif, "after they get tired of waiting for us."
In a short time the scout returned with news that was at least disquieting in their situation.