It would seem that if the occupants intended attacking they would have veered inward before this, but there could be no assurance so long as they remained visible.
Every one started when the gaunt, sloping figure suddenly became upright at the prow of the boat and stood motionless.

He had ceased using the pole that he had been plying with so much vigor.

At the same moment the noise of the paddles ceased, proving that the men controlling them had also stopped work.

What could it mean?
No one of the white people stirred or whispered.

Could they have done so they would have checked the beating of their hearts through fear of being betrayed.