They were
below the camp when they landed, but there were many men on the
lookout, for the news of the attempt had spread rapidly.
Leaping ashore amidst a low cheer from a group of soldiers, Malcolm
directed them to tow the boat up at once to the place where the
troops were formed ready for crossing, while he and the sergeant,
who were both chilled to the bone, for their clothes had frozen stiff
upon them, hurried to the spot where the regiment was bivouacked.
Here by the side of a blazing fire they stripped, and were rubbed
with cloths by their comrades till a glow of warmth again began
to be felt, the external heat and friction being aided by the
administration of two steaming flagons of spiced wine. Dry clothes
were taken from their knapsacks and warmed before the fire, and
when these were put on they again felt warm and comfortable.
Hurrying off now to the spot where the troops were drawn up, they
found that the boat had already made two passages. She rowed four
oars, and would, laden down to the water's edge, carry twenty-five
men. The oars had been muffled with cloths so as to make no sound
in the rowlocks. A party of Munro's Scots had first crossed, then
a party of Swedes. Malcolm and the sergeant joined their company
unnoticed in the darkness. Each detachment sent over a boat load
in turns, and when six loads had crossed it was again the turn of
the men of Munro's regiment, and Malcolm entered the boat with the
men.
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