After a brief interval, they came in sight of the ship, and shortly hove alongside of her. The look-out man, who was standing in the gangway of the ship, then threw them a rope, and, with cautious and noiseless steps, they severally mounted to the deck. On gaining the deck, Hildebrand’s first proceeding, in resuming the command of his ship, was to ascend to the forecastle, and, by a glance around, ascertain the ship’s exact position. He distinguished the low hull of the gun-boat, which Halyard had described to be lying alongside, somewhat ahead, at about a gun-shot distance. He could not discern any one on her deck, and he thought that, if the darkness continued, he might be able, with a little management, to pass her unobserved. If he succeeded so far, he had no fear but he would pass the puntals, or forts, which guarded the mouth of the harbour, with the same result. Once at sea, he might bid pursuit defiance. He formed his plan in a moment. Descending to the quarter-deck, he called for Halyard, and explained to that person, for the guidance of himself and the crew, what he contemplated. “We must first slip our cable,” he said. “Let the men unbend the sails, and make the yards square; and when we once get headway, the breeze, I doubt not, will carry us on. Meantime, have the guns charged, and the deck cleared for action; for the gun-boat, if they observe our purpose, will give us some trouble.” “Ay, ay, Sir,” answered Halyard. “I will just see my young friend safe below,” pursued Hildebrand, “when I will rejoin you. Have everything done in silence.” “Ay, ay, Sir,” repeated Halyard.