A sharp voice cleaved the darkness.
"Halt there! Halt that boat, or I put a ball through you." "Sheer off lively, lads," I whispered.

"Swing her head out, Chevalier." There was a rush of feet down the steep embankment.

Then a second voice questioned eagerly: "What was it you saw, Sanchez ?" "Nothing, Senor; I heard voices out yonder.

Listen! As the saints watch, 't is the dip of oars." "Halt that boat, or we shoot!" There followed a moment's painful pause.

An oar in our bow slipped, making an awkward splash in the water.