It was perhaps fortunate that they lost control of their boat for a minute or two.

Two musket shots were fired at them, but good aim in the darkness at such a bobbing object was impossible.

Ned heard one of the bullets whistle near, and it gave him a queer, creepy feeling to realize that for the first time in his life someone was firing at him to kill.
"Can you row, Ned ?" asked White.
"Yes." "Then pull with all your strength.

Bend as low as you can at the same time.

They'll be firing at us as long as we are in range." They strove for the cover of the darkness, but they were compelled to devote most of their efforts to keeping themselves afloat.