It
was impossible to say whether the latter, whatever it
might be, was urged by some invisible means, or merely
floated in the wake of the boat; for, although the waters
through which it passed ran rippling and foaming from
their course, this effect might have been produced by
the boat which preceded it. As it now approached the
vessel, it presented the appearance of a dense wood of
evergreens, the overhanging branches of which descended
close to the water's edge, and baffled every attempt of
the cousins to discover its true character. The boat had
now arrived within a hundred yards of the schooner, when
a man was seen to rise from its bows, and, putting both
his hands to his mouth, after the manner of sailors in
hailing, to continue in that position for some moments,
apparently conversing with those who were grouped along
the nearest gangway. Then were observed rapid movements
on the decks; and men were seen hastening aloft, and
standing out upon the foremast yards. This, however, had
offered no interruption to the exertions of the boatmen,
who still kept plying with a vigour that set even the
sail-less vessel in motion, as the foaming water, thrown
from their bending oar-blades, dashed angrily against
her prow.
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