"The pirates are searching for us on the other side of the hill.

There are not likely to be many of them left here.

We shall soon be in possession of our boat again." Followed by the slaves, they made their way forward until they stood at the edge of the wood.

Five or six pirates were standing on the shore.
"I expect they have been left there," Harcourt said, "to prevent the slaves from carrying off the boat.

They must have seen them run into the wood.