Then they slowly paddled over to the opposite side and commenced to creep up as close to the bank as possible, under the deep shadow of overhanging trees, and so noiselessly that they appeared in the darkness like a passing phantom.
But the sharp eyes of the pirates were too much accustomed to phantoms of every kind to be easily deceived.

Just as the canoe was about to pass beyond the line of their vision a stir was heard in their camp.

Then a stern challenge rolled across the river and awoke the slumbering echoes of the forest--perchance to the surprise and scaring away of some prowling beast of prey.
"No need for concealment now," said Van der Kemp, quietly; "we must paddle for life.

If you have occasion to use your weapons, Nigel, take no life needlessly.

Moses knows my mind on this point and needs no warning.