Presently the creaking of a pulley was heard in the still night, at a distance of a few hundred yards.

This was enough.

It was clear that the vessel was getting up sail.

The boat's head was turned in that direction; the crew rowed steadily but noiselessly, and in a few minutes the tall mast of a vessel could be seen faintly against the sky.

Just as they perceived the situation, a hail from on board showed that their approach was now observed.
"Stretch to your oars," Cuthbert said, "we must make a dash for it now." The rowers bent to their work and in a minute the boat ran alongside the craft.
As Cuthbert and his followers scrambled upon the deck they were attacked by those of the crew and passengers who were standing near; but it was evident at once that the chiefs of the expedition had not heard the hail, and that there was no general plan of defense against them.
It was not until the last of them had gained a footing and were beginning to fight their way along the vessel that from below three or four men-at-arms ran up, and one in a tone of authority demanded what was the matter.