Both of the rowers gave way, and the boat advanced towards the La Motte. As soon as the two on board of her saw the tender, they left their places on the taffrail, and went into the waist, where they could obtain a better view of the boat. It would be an easy thing for them to recognize the tender, for, like the schooner itself, it was painted green. "I am afraid they will recognize us," said Dory, "or fail to recognize their companions, which amounts to the same thing. I am going to take my coat off, and tie a handkerchief on my head; and you had better do the same. It will be some disguise." This change was made in the appearance of the rowers, and they resumed their oars. The sea was still heavy enough to require both skill and strength in handling the boat; but Dory was an expert, and they made good progress towards the La Motte. The fact that there were only two in the boat was likely to excite the suspicion of those on board of the schooner. "Where is Angy?" shouted one of them, as soon as the boat came within hail of the vessel. Dory did not consider it prudent to answer this question; for his voice was likely to betray him, or at least to assure the burglars that the speaker was not one of their number. He had been with them for some time, though he had been silent. "I think you had better do the talking, Mr. Jepson, for they will know me," said Dory. "Wouldn't it be better to do no talking?" asked the instructor. "We must answer them if they keep hailing us, or they will be suspicious." "Have you seen any thing of Angy?" shouted one of the burglars. "He is on shore," replied Mr. Jepson. "Why didn't he come off with you?" "His business was such that he couldn't leave," answered the machinist; but perhaps they did not hear his reply. The two burglars seemed to be talking together, and the boat was now almost near enough to hear what they said. Like all the rest of the intercourse in the party, it was not entirely harmonious, and they appeared to be disputing about something. As the boat approached the schooner, Dory told the instructor what to say. "One of you go aft, and put the helm hard down, and the other cast off the main-sheet, or you will drag your anchor, and get aground!" shouted the instructor, as they came alongside of the schooner. Dory took it for granted that the hands on board of the La Motte were not sailors; though he had seen enough of their management of the schooner to convince him that they were not skilful seamen, to say the least. Both of the men hastened aft, without appearing to understand that the order given them was an absurd one. With the painter of the boat in his hand, Dory leaped on board of the vessel, and Mr. Jepson followed him.