"We are saved!" exclaimed Clif, "and these dispatches will soon be in the rear admiral's hands."
But suddenly the eager watchers saw the boat stop, then after a few moments veer around, and continue its course down the coast until it was almost abreast of the spot where they stood.
Then it as suddenly stopped, and after a moment's pause retraced its course.
"What's the matter with those fellows?" exclaimed Clif. "Are they afraid to land?"
"Hadn't we better signal them, sir?" suggested the man. "They don't know where we are."
The boat had again turned and was apparently patroling up and down, seemingly waiting for just such assistance in locating the position of the waiting sailors.
But just as Clif was about to attract their attention by a mighty shout, his practiced ear caught sounds from the hill above that caused him to stop. The Spanish soldiers were unmistakably advancing.
"Silence!" he cautioned, in a whisper. "The Spaniards are on the hill above us and the slightest noise will betray us."
"But the boat, sir!" exclaimed the man. "We must signal it."
"I'll bring it here," said Clif, with a sudden resolve.