Beyond sending an occasional rifle ball whistling towards the wheels of the cabs, or over the heads of the occupants, to remind them to keep their distance, Cleggett paid but little attention to these parties.

If Loge thought him demented, if he had his enemy guessing, so much the better.

The eccentric movements of these cabs was a circumstance which in itself testified to Loge's bewilderment and curiosity.
Cleggett had no idea that there would be an attack before nightfall, and at two o'clock in the afternoon he awakened all the members of his crew who were still sleeping, ordered them into bathing suits, a supply of which he had been thoughtful enough to have the young doctor bring out along with the nurses, and piped them into the canal.

The water was cold, but they came out refreshed and invigorated by the plunge and feeling fit for any struggle that might be ahead of them.

This maneuver on the part of Cleggett and his marines and infantrymen seemed still more to excite the curiosity and contribute to the bewilderment of Loge and his ruffians.
After the general bath and a substantial lunch, Cleggett called all hands aft and addressed them.
"Ladies and loyal followers and co-workers," he said.