In the darkness, we three would have been helpless without the guidance of Wells.

Soon we reached the farther border of the woods; and before us stretched the banks of Black Rock Creek.
All was silent; all seemed deserted.

We could advance without risk.
If the "Terror" was there, she had cast anchor behind the rocks.

But was she there?
That was the momentous question! As we approached the denouement of this exciting affair, my heart was in my throat.
Wells motioned to us to advance.

The sand of the shore crunched beneath our steps.