"Nor mine Jack. Any special orders before we embark?"
"None. We have our badges, by which we shall know each other. We have only to clamber aboard and go for them."
"And supposing they should suspect?" asked the native suddenly. "Would it not be wise, sahibs, in a case like that to approach them differently? For instance, if they think that we are enemies I could slip into the water as we came close, and while they follow the movements of the boat I would clamber aboard.[Pg 101] Then, as I fell upon them, you two might rush in and board the vessel."
"Bravo! A good suggestion, and you shall carry it out," answered Owen readily. "Is there anything else?"
No one answered. They had done all that was possible by way of preparation, and could think of nothing more.
"Then dump this load aboard and let us shove her out. Mulha, can you paddle a boat?"
"I have been at sea for many years, sahib," was the quiet answer.
"Then you will paddle us to the ship. I will take on the task if you have to slip overboard. Down she goes! Now, into her, Jack."
They placed their load and their guns carefully in the bottom of the native skiff, and then lifted her clear of the mud, for she was very light, and carried her bodily into the water. Jack stepped gingerly in and took his seat in the bows, Owen followed, picking up a paddle as he did so, while the native placed himself in the stern and plunged his paddle into the water. They were afloat, and at the very first stroke the little craft shot out into the centre of the inlet.
"Trim her as well as you can, sahibs," whispered Mulha, "and depend on me entirely. The surf is not very rough at the entrance, but any unusual movement might lead to a capsize. I will paddle her gently through, and then strike to the left. That is where the vessel lies, and all eyes must search for her."