"Suppose you stay here while I steal nigh enough to learn something that will help clear up the horrible mystery." "You are running frightful risk," said the doctor; "I cannot advise you to try it." "All the same, I shall do it." Thus, it will be observed that the three persons composing the little party became separated from one another for greater or less distances.
The daughter was waiting, two or three hundred yards away, for the return of her father and lover, while they had just parted company, though they expected to remain in sight of each other.
Dr.Marlowe stood in the path, partly sheltering himself behind a couple of tree trunks, but with his eyes fixed upon his young friend, who walked cautiously but unhesitatingly forward.

Jack held his rifle in a trailing position at his side, his shoulders bent slightly forward, while he stepped lightly, his senses alert, like those of a scout entering the camp of an enemy.

That he was running into great danger was self-evident, but he was determined not to turn back until he learned something of the strange occurrences.
Watching his young friend, the doctor saw him stop when at the side of the motionless boat.

His profile showed first on one side and then, on the other, while he listened for the slightest sound that could give an atom of knowledge.

Apparently the effort was useless, for the next moment he placed his left hand on the gunwale and vaulted lightly upon deck.