The accommodation of the Zaire was limited, but there was the launch, a light-draught boat which was seldom used except for tributary work.
"I could put Bones in charge of the Wiggle," he said, "but he'd be pretty sure to smash her up. Miss Hamilton will have my cabin, and you and I could take the two smaller cabins."
Bones, to whom it was put, leapt at the suggestion, brushing aside all objections. They were answered before they were framed.
As for the girl, she was beside herself with joy.
"Will there be any fighting?" she asked breathlessly. "Shall we be attacked?"
Sanders shook his head smilingly.
"All you have to do," said Bones confidently, "is to stick to me. Put your faith in old Bones. When you see the battle swayin' an' it isn't certain which way it's goin', look for my jolly old banner wavin' above the stricken field."
"And be sure it is his banner," interrupted Hamilton, "and not his large feet. Now the last time we had a fight...."
And he proceeded to publish and utter a scandalous libel, Bones protesting incoherently the while.
The expedition was on the point of starting when Hamilton took his junior aside.