None of them would stir unless actually disturbed.
Iris drew near to the sailor.

Involuntarily she caught his arm.

He stepped a half-pace in front of her to ward off any danger that might be heralded by this new and uncanny phenomenon.

Together they strained their eyes in the direction of the approaching sound, but apparently their sight was bewitched; as nothing whatever was visible.
"Oh, what is it ?" wailed Iris, who now clung to Jenks in a state of great apprehension.
The clucking noise came nearer, passed them within a yard, and was already some distance away towards the reef when the sailor burst into a hearty laugh, none the less genuine because of the relief it gave to his bewildered senses.
Reassured, but still white with fear, Iris cried: "Do speak, please, Mr.Jenks.What was it ?" "A beetle!" he managed to gasp.
"A beetle ?" "Yes, a small, insignificant-looking fellow, too--so small that I did not see him until he was almost out of range.

He has the loudest voice for his size in the whole of creation.