They now dropped into a slower pace and, after going for a mile, they neared the spot where the craft were lying moored in the river.
Several small boats were drawn up on the shore.

One of these they launched, put out the oars, and rowed quietly to a large barge, fifty yards from the bank, on which a light was burning.

Taking pains to prevent the boat striking her side, they stepped on board, fastened the head rope, and proceeded aft.

A light was burning in the cabin and, looking through a little round window in the door, they saw three boatmen sitting there, smoking and playing cards.
They opened their knives, slid back the door, and stepped in..