There were no signs of any vessel as far as they could see.

The captain, who had brought his glass with him, carefully examined every island in sight.
Presently he uttered an exclamation: "There are three boats rowing together close under the cliffs there," he said, pointing to the nearest island.

"No doubt the frigate is lying behind it.

They must be searching for some concealed harbor like ours.

_Peste!_ this is awkward.