edless to say, I had long ago issued orders to
extinguish all unnecessary lights, and for those that were indispensable
to be closely masked. There was therefore nothing to betray to the
sight our whereabouts; and as to sound, every sheave and tackle that was
in the least likely to be used had been so thoroughly greased that it
worked in absolute silence, while the men, although shod for our tramp
across the narrow point at the southern extremity of the island, had
lashed thick wads of oakum to the soles of their shoes, and consequently
moved about the decks as silently as ghosts. Moreover, the boats had
all been so thoroughly prepared, hours beforehand, for the expedition,
that there remained nothing whatever to be done but to lower them into
the water, unhook the tackles, and shove off. When we let go our anchor
it still wanted a good hour to midnight; nevertheless, so anxious was I
lest the threatening storm should break, and the lightning betray our
movements, that I determined to man the boats forthwith, and beach them
if necessary, believing that thus we should run less risk of detection.

All these precautions, it must be understood, were adopted not so much
from any apprehension of ultimate failure, for I had determined to have
the galleon, but because I wanted to save my men. I now summoned
Saunders down into the cabin, and read over to him the instructions that
I had carefully prepared for his guidance during the earlier part of the
day, explained them to him fully, and then handed him the paper. The
men who were to accompany me on the expedition were next mustered in the
'tween-decks and sent to supper, after which their weapons were
carefully inspected, and a liberal quantity of ammunition served out to
them; and then, when I had satisfied myself that all was right, I made
them a little speech, explaining what I purposed doing, and how I wanted
it done; when, having enjoined them to observe the most absolute
silence, the light was extinguished, all hands groped their way on deck,
the boats were lowered and manned, and we shoved off, each boat attached
by her painter to the one ahead, so that we might not part company in
the profound darkness. It was presently found, however, that this
precaution was unnecessary, the water being so brilliantly
phosphorescent as to afford all the guidance that was needed; indeed,
there was altogether too much luminosity to please me. We were even
closer to the shore than