"
After it grew dark, Bill put this resolve in practice. He slipped over
the side with a musket in his left hand, while with his right he swam
ashore and entered the woods. He soon returned, having accomplished his
purpose, and got on board without being seen, I being the only one on
deck.
When the hour of midnight approached the men were mustered on deck, the
cable was cut, and the muffled sweeps got out. These sweeps were
immensely large oars, each requiring a couple of men to work it. In a
few minutes we entered the mouth of the creek, which was indeed the
mouth of a small river, and took about half-an-hour to ascend it,
although the spot where we intended to land was not more than six
hundred yards from the mouth, because there was a slight current
against us, and the mangroves which narrowed the creek impeded the
rowers in some places. Having reached the spot, which was so darkened
by overhanging trees that we could see with difficulty, a small kedge
anchor attached to a thin line was let softly down over the stern.
"Now, lads," whispered the captain, as he walked along the line of men,
who were all armed to the teeth, "don't be in a hurry, aim low, and
don't waste your first shots."
He then pointed to the boat, into which the men crowded in silence.
There was no room to row; but oars were not needed, as a slight push
against the side of the schooner sent the boat gliding to the shore.
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