Hawkhurst waited for silence as the anchor chain was pulled up through the hawsehole. He knew he must court caution tonight. He was well aware that Captain Drudge and his militiamen would be on the lookout for a marauding ship in coastal waters. “When we get to the mouth of the Rother, we’ll drop anchor in the hidden cove. We’ll take the longboat and row out to the Boulogne. I’ll take only seven,” he pointed to the men he wanted. “The rest of the crew should be ready to run back up the river on the tide, whether we’re here in time or not.” Hawkhurst took the Seacock’s wheel and guided her silently down the River Rother. When they got to Rye Bay he ordered, “Ready the longboat!” and turned the wheel over to the first mate. The boat, fitted with grappling irons, was lowered into the water and Falcon was first down the rope ladder. He set his cutlass beside him and took his place at an oar along with the other seven. With the riding lights of the merchant vessel to guide them, they pulled alongside in less than an hour.
