I stared vainly into the darkness, puzzled and uncertain, impressed alone by the one controlling thought, that some mysterious object, some hidden purpose alone could account for that swift, silent passage.

Where could they have come from, unless from that strange Dutch bark riding at anchor off the point below?
The passing craft had impressed me as a ship's boat, and no craft of fishermen; and if it really came from the _Namur of Rotterdam_, had it been sent in answer to some signal by Sanchez?
I could think of nothing else.

They must have chosen this late hour purposely; they had doubtless endeavored to slip past us unobserved, seeking some more desolate spot on the coast where they might land unseen.

Possibly, deceived by the night, the helmsman had approached closer to the wharf than he had intended; yet, nevertheless, if he held to his present course, he must surely touch shore not more than five hundred yards distant.

In all probability that was his purpose.
I stood up, tempted at first to arouse Sam, but deciding almost as quickly that at present this was unnecessary.