All clear, lads ?" "Aye, aye, sir," returned the muffled voices from beneath the canvas.
I unshipped the rudder, letting it disappear noiselessly beneath the waves, and the boat's head swung slowly around, and we drifted helplessly, the jib flapping.

With our eyes on the approaching vessel we remained motionless in the stern, our hands clasped.

The flush had faded from out her cheeks, yet once she turned toward me and smiled.
Forward not so much as the twitch of a muscle revealed any other presence in the boat, the only visible thing a jumble of ropes and canvas, apparently dragged hastily from the water by inexperienced hands.

The waves tossed us about so that any seaman would recognize instantly our predicament.

The manner in which the jaunty _Sea Gull_ bore down upon us was proof that those on board had already grasped the situation, and had no remaining suspicion of treachery.