"Hark ye, Dommett," said the captain.  "Do you stay here with the boat, and keep her off if needs be we must embark in a hurry.  ’Tis now nine o’ the clock; by five we will return.  If peradventure we fail to do so, signal to the ship for more men.  Keep eyes and ears open, and if any man shall come upon you, push off and fire your piece.  Now, Senhor Pedro, lead on."