He had suddenly leaned over the port rail and was staring down the canal.

The others followed his gaze.
The house boat Annabel Lee, they perceived, had got under weigh, and was slowly approaching the Jasper B.in the moonlight.

They watched her gradual approach in silence.

She stopped within a few yards of the Jasper B., and a voice which Cleggett recognized as that of Wilton Barnstable, the great detective, sang out: "Jasper B., ahoy!" "Aye, aye!" shouted Cleggett.
"Is Mr.Cleggett on board ?" "He is speaking." "Mr.Cleggett, have you lost anything from your canal boat ?" Cleggett did not answer, and for a moment he did not move.

Then, tightening his sword belt, and cocking his hat a trifle, he climbed over the starboard rail and walked along the bank of the canal a few yards until he was opposite the Annabel Lee.