They were but the illusions raised by our strained fancies.
At length our companions rejoined us.

My first question was, "Nothing new ?" "Nothing," said John Hart.
"You have explored both banks of the Creek ?" "Yes," responded Nab Walker, "as far as the shallow water above; and we have not seen even a vestige of the things which Mr.Wells saw laid on the shore." "Let us wait awhile," said I, unable to resolve upon a return to the woods.
At that moment our attention was caught by a sudden agitation of the waters, which swelled upward at the foot of the rocks.
"It is like the swell from a vessel," said Wells.
"Yes," said I, instinctively lowering my voice.

"What has caused it?
The wind has completely died out.

Does it come from something on the surface of the lake ?" "Or from something underneath," said Wells, bending forward, the better to determine.
The commotion certainly seemed as if caused by some boat, whether from beneath the water, or approaching the creek from outside upon the lake.
Silent, motionless, we strained eyes and ears to pierce the profound obscurity.

The faint noise of the waves of the lake lapping on the shore beyond the creek, came to us distinctly through the night.