The woman had managed to escape from the house in some way, and now was being chased in the open by the infuriated Frenchman.

He trusted she would try to run on board for protection.
"All was still around Davidson.

Whether she had run on board or not, this silence meant that the Frenchman had lost her in the dark.
"Davidson, relieved, but still very anxious, turned towards the river-side.

He had not made two steps in that direction when another shriek burst out behind him, again close to the house.
"He thinks that the Frenchman had lost sight of the poor woman right enough.

Then came that period of silence.