The night was soundless and our eyes, straining to pierce the black void, were unable to detect any movement.
"You see nothing ?" I whispered, touching her hand in encouragement.
"No evidence of a guard anywhere ?" "No--the others must still be out in front waiting." "There were only the four of them then ?" "So I understood.

I was told they came up the river in a small keel-boat, operated by an engine, and that they anticipated no resistance.

The engineer was left to watch the boat and be ready to depart down stream at any moment." "Good; that leaves us a clear passage.

Now I am going to drop to the ground; it is not far below.

Can you make it alone ?" "I have done so many a time." We attained the solid earth almost together and in silence.
"Now let me guide you," she suggested, as I hesitated.