He was aroused from his reverie by the sound of voices ascending from the valley. They appeared to come from the site of the fire as nearly as we could tell.
We all exchanged expressive glances, and Mr. Triggs examined his revolver to see if it was properly loaded.
“I don’t want to do anything rash,” said the gunner to me, “because that may only lead us into trouble. I think I’ll creep forward and reconnoitre, taking Ned Burton with me. If we discover a camp of the mutineers, why, of course, our duty will be clear; and if they turn out to be only charcoal-burners, no doubt we shall get some valuable information out of them.”
I laid my hand impetuously on Mr. Triggs’s arm.
“Let me go with you and reconnoitre!” I begged in imploring tones. “I’ll be as quiet as a mouse, and do everything you tell me—indeed I will.”
The gunner smiled grimly.
“I don’t like to refuse you, Mr. Darcy, but who will take command of the men left behind?”
“Jim Beddoes, of course, the captain of the fore-top,” I answered. “He’s a first-class petty-officer, and has got his headpiece screwed on the right way.”
“Well, I’d trust Jim, of course,” said the gunner, glancing at the individual in question, who grinned and touched his hat.
“Well, that’s settled then!” I cried in the highest delight, and I beckoned to Ned Burton to fall out of the ranks and join us, which he did with great alacrity.