To accomplish this he had taken many risks while the ships were away, and he was now going to try a new way of getting at facts.
He sailed his boat up to the town, and before landing, said to Tom:-- "When I'm ashore, you put off a little way from land and lie-to for an hour or so.

When I want you, I'll come down here to the water's edge and whistle like a Whip-Will's Widow.

When you hear me, run ashore.

If I don't come by midnight, go back to camp, and march at once for Mobile." "Why can't I lie here by the shore till you come.

You're going into danger and may need me." "First, because there are ruffians around here who might put you ashore and steal the boat; but secondly, because I don't want to excite suspicion by having our boat seen around here at night.