The oars had been muffled with cloths so as to make no sound in the rowlocks.
A party of Munro's Scots had first crossed, then a party of Swedes.
Malcolm and the sergeant joined their company unnoticed in the darkness.
Each detachment sent over a boat load in turns, and when six loads had crossed it was again the turn of the men of Munro's regiment, and Malcolm entered the boat with the men.

The lights still burned as a signal, enabling the boat to land each party almost at the same spot.
Malcolm wondered what was going on.

A perfect stillness reigned on the other side, and it was certain that the alarm had not yet been given.
On ascending the bank he saw in front of him some dark figures actively engaged, and heard dull sounds.

On reaching the spot he found the parties who had preceded him hard at work with shovels throwing up an intrenchment.

In the darkness he had not perceived that each of the soldiers carried a spade in addition to his arms.