Was it too late to take possession of the boat?
Or would the attempt perhaps result in disaster from the presence of others watching on board?
At any rate, the two men with the lantern were close at hand returning down the ravine.

Plainly they suspected nothing.

Each carrying a bundle of wood, they came forward and stopped upon the quay.
Then one of them raised his voice, though not loudly.

"Hullo! Captain!" "All right," answered a voice from the boat.
Wells murmured in my ear, "There are three!" "Perhaps four," I answered, "perhaps five or six!" The situation grew more complicated.

Against a crew so numerous, what ought we to do?
The least imprudence might cost us dear! Now that the two men had returned, would they re-embark with their faggots?
Then would the boat leave the creek, or would it remain anchored until day?
If it withdrew, would it not be lost to us?
It could leave the waters of Lake Erie, and cross any of the neighboring states by land; or it could retrace its road by the Detroit River which would lead it to Lake Huron and the Great Lakes above.